[Coral-List] Coral Restoration Internship in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

[Victor Galvan]

Greetings Listers


The Puntacana Ecological Foundation is currently accepting applications for
mid to long term internship positions to help with their Partnerships for
Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas (PESCA) programs. *The selected
candidate(s) will mainly be collaborating with the project coordinator to
prepare and establish Acropora cervicornis outplant sites utilizing
resources from the Punta Cana coral nursery.*  The Punta Cana coral nursery
is the largest in the Dominican Republic. Since 2014, over 2.7 km of tissue
has been returned to local reefs. The foundation is looking to scale up
restoration efforts and establish new coral nurseries. Candidates will be
working on a variable but full-time basis determined by the intern’s direct
supervisor. The candidate is expected to work outside normal established
hours, participate in night diving and on other unscheduled events
depending on the needs of the PESCA program.



*II.  **Duties and Responsibilities**:*

   1. Work with the Project Coordinator to prepare and establish *A.
   cervicornis* outplant sites along the Punta Cana reef area and
   neighboring communities.
   2. Assist the Project Coordinator in activities related to the
   maintenance and upkeep of the coral gardens in the Dominican Republic.
   3. Participate in, lead, or implement environmental education courses,
   workshops, and/or training activities related to the PESCA program.
   4. Care for and provide basic maintenance to project equipment.
   5. Work with other staff members, volunteers or interns to achieve the
   goals of the coral restoration Project.
   6. Commit to seeing the internship completed.
   7. Interact and work well with other staff and personnel.

*III.  Requirements:*

*a)  Education  *

We are looking for candidates that are highly motivated and interested in
the preservation, conservation and restoration of coastal marine resources.
A bachelor’s in one of the following areas is preferred: biology, ecology,
marine biology, environmental studies, or other similar careers.



*b)  Experience:*

The ideal candidate would have experience in the marine ecosystems of the
Dominican Republic and previous experience with *Acropora* corals and
restoration. Applying candidates must know how to swim and possesses at
least an Advance Open Water scuba certification. Rescue diver certification
is preferred. Applicants must have the ability to work under strenuous and
adverse conditions including working with currents, waves, poor visibility,
long dive times and continuous back to back diving days. The applicant must
be able to work efficiently, problem solve, adapt to changing situations
and work independently under minimal supervision. Experience working in
remote and isolated situations is desired. Interns must complete assigned
tasks on time and with quality; must be punctual and represent the best
interest of the institution. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
Previous coral restoration experience is highly advantageous.



*Other Requirements *

*Advance Spanish minimum *

SCUBA Certification

Divers Insurance

Medical Insurance



*c)  Duration:*

The length of the internship is negotiable but a minimum of 4 months is
required and desired length of time must be stated in the applicants letter
of interest. Any compensation or benefits are dependent on available
funding. Interns are not illegible to receive the same benefits as
full-time staff. No vacation is awarded but days off can be flexible. Start
time: tentatively February 1, 2016.



d) *Compensation and Benefits:*

·         Shared on-site dorm stile lodging, which has electricity and
running water 24 hours.

·         A small stipend to help cover food and other expenses of up to
US$3,000 will be provided depending on the qualifications of the candidate,
the length of the internship, and the AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

·         The option of checking out a bicycle for local transport

·         Office space

·         Negotiable days off (No vacation is contemplated for this
internship)



*Other information:*

A typical day in this internship could be:

1-2 dives in the morning to locate potential outplanting/restoration sites
followed by site preparation dives in the afternoon. Occasionally, both
mornings and afternoons will be dedicated to diving related activities.
Dominican students/professionals are highly encouraged to apply.



Skills in graphic design, GIS, environmental education, illustration, story
telling, curriculum development, and audio/visual editing are highly
desired.



Interested Candidates please send your resume with a *brief letter of
intent* to one of the following email no later than *January 5, 2016*.
Candidates will be evaluated on an ongoing basis up until the due date.
Because of the start date, candidates that made the short list can expect
to be contacted shortly after with the selected candidate being notified on
or around January 11, 2016



Victor Galvan

Coral Restoration Project

Email: vgalvan at puntacana.com
Tel.: 809-959-9221x1805

-- 
Victor M. Galvan
Reef Restoration Coordinator
Punta Cana Ecological Foundation
cell: 829-336-8344


Coordinador: Restoracion de Arrecifes
Fundacion Ecologica Punta Cana