[Coral-List] Reef Check Thailand volunteer opportunity

[Kim Obermeyer]

Reef Check Thailand Volunteer Intern Position 2009-2010

 

Reef Check Thailand is seeking a highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic person to assist with coral reef surveys, monitoring and conservation in southern Thailand Andaman Sea from Nov. 2009 to May 2010.  If you want to gain experience in diving, coral reef surveying, field team leading, conservation in developing countries this is an amazing opportunity.  One of the best parts of this position is that it is based at the Koh Ra Ecolodge (www.thaiecolodge.com) set on a remote idyllic island and proposed national park in the Andaman Sea.

 

This position runs preferably from early November 2009 until May 2010.  Reef Check Thailand runs a monitoring program in the northern Andaman Sea region and works with recreational divers and volunteers to complete surveys in small teams.  Based at the Koh Ra Ecolodge, the project draws support from visiting guests and divers, as well as volunteer teams.  This project monitors a set of 10-15 reef sites for holistic health and recovery of coral from the 2004 tsunami.  You will be responsible for managing equipment, organizing field teams, assisting with Reef Check EcoDiver training, briefing divers, in-water safety, and collecting and entering data.  Occasionally you will assist with educational programs, volunteer and ecotourism development, and community capacity building, which are all parts of our program.

 

Full Reef Check training will be given (EcoDiver and instructor) and we require an organized person with an outgoing personality who communicates well and likes working with people.  You must be a qualified PADI Dive Master (or equivalent) by November 2009 to qualify.  It may be possible for you to gain this qualification in Thailand before the field season (ask about details).

 

Required skills and qualifications:

-          University degree in marine biology, biology, or environmental field or equivalent knowledge of coral reef ecology

-          Dive Master and at least 20 logged dives in the last year (certification or refresher can be done in Thailand before field season)

-          Current First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Provider

-          Experience as a field team leader and project coordination

-          Excellent verbal and written communication skills and desire especially to talk to people about Reef Check

-          Can work independently and take initiative, self motivated hard worker

-          Flexible attitude and ability to assist with any task related to field work and island living

 

What you will get:

-          Invaluable work experience in an amazing setting

-          Field project experience

-          Team leader and coordination experience

-          Coral reef survey and monitoring methods experience

-          Reef Check EcoDiver qualification

-          Opportunity for 100+ dives on many reef types including the best in Thailand

-          Contribute to a long-term tsunami recovery data set and conservation

-          All the benefits of an island paradise eco-resort and opportunity to join ecotour activities in your free time

-          Learn about other conservation projects, community based tourism, and educational programs- all part of the integrated program between Reef Check Thailand and the Koh Ra Ecolodge

-          Learn about sustainability, permaculture and island living at the Koh Ra Ecolodge

-          Free room and board- bungalow room and amazing Thai cuisine and culture

 

Contact:  Applicants please send your resume and available dates to Kim Obermeyer at   kobermeyer at gmail.com