[Coral-List] Opportunities to work on Aldabra UNESCO World Heritage Site

April Jaz apriljaz at hotmail.com
Thu Mar 17 09:31:47 EDT 2016










1) Volunteer needed for monitoring & data processing on Aldabra Atoll
The Seychelles Islands Foundation manages and protects the two Seychelles’ UNESCO World Heritage sites, Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai. We are seeking a volunteer to join our team on Aldabra for 6 months. Working under the Aldabra Scientific Coordinator (ASC) you will work as part of the Aldabra research team, conducting routine monitoring on turtles, giant tortoises, birds, and plants. You will also be set specific tasks assisting in the organisation, development and streamlining of the Aldabra monitoring programme and library. With direction and training from the ASC you will assist in basic data cleaning and analysis, data collection, method development, report writing and other tasks. Fieldwork will include spending time at field camps in basic conditions, boat work, walking in difficult terrain and high temperatures and possibly marine work. This role offers a unique opportunity to experience and contribute to the conservation and monitoring of one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems.



Criteria and specific skill set





A degree in environmental/conservation science (Essential), and post-graduate degree (Desirable)
Experience with ecological fieldwork and data collection (Essential), preferably on islands or other remote/tropical areas 
Previous experience in dealing with large long-term datasets (Essential)
Report-writing experience (Essential)
Experience working with Microsoft Access and Excel (Essential)
Experience in basic data analysis (Essential)
Experience setting up monitoring programmes/surveys (Desirable)
Confidence in the water – ability to swim is essential and marine/Diving qualification (Desirable)
Ability to use and apply GPS and GIS software (Desirable)
Library cataloguing skills/experience (Desirable)
Strong communication/team skills, ability to get on well with people from different cultures (essential)
Excellent physical fitness, able to tolerate tropical heat & long hours in difficult terrain (essential)
Good work ethic - reliable, committed, highly motivated, professional, and positive attitude (essential)
Independent and able to take initiative without close supervision, and co-exist in a tiny community with restricted facilities.
Medically fit – ESSENTIAL - It is not advisable, and potentially very dangerous, for anyone with a history of medical problems to apply as the nearest hospital is hours (or days) away by boat and plane. 













The successful candidate should be available in May 2016 and will likely return by November 2016. Due to Aldabra's extreme remoteness and the south-east trade winds that dominate weather throughout May-October it is rare to have transport on or off the atoll throughout this time and therefore applicants should be aware that once on the atoll, departure before November is unlikely. Please send applications (CV & cover letter) and queries to Dr Nancy Bunbury, nancy at sif.sc by Tuesday 5th April 2016.
2) Volunteer needed for database work on Aldabra Atoll








The Seychelles Islands Foundation manages and protects the two Seychelles’ UNESCO World Heritage sites, Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai. We are seeking a volunteer with excellent experience in the use and development of Access databases to join our team for 6 months. 
Working under the Aldabra Scientific Coordinator (ASC) you will be set specific tasks relating to Aldabra data management. You will design, develop and implement new databases, and improve and amend others. With direction and training from the ASC you will have the opportunity to develop Cybertracker applications for improved data collection. There will be opportunities to analyse existing data and contribute to report writing. The role will also involve general field work and data entry. Field work will include time at field camps in very basic conditions and walking in difficult terrain and high temperatures. This role offers a unique opportunity to experience and contribute to the conservation and monitoring of one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems and apply your skills to streamline a long-term monitoring programme.



Criteria and specific skill set





Advanced knowledge and experience of  Microsoft Access (Essential)
Experience in setting up new databases and data analysis queries in Access (Essential)
Advanced knowledge and experience of Microsoft Excel (Essential)
Previous experience in dealing with large long-term datasets (Essential)
Good general IT skills and understanding (Essential)
Previous experience of field work and data collection (Essential)
Data analysis and experience working with statistical programmes (Desirable)
Experience in Cybertracker application design (Desirable)
Experience on islands/remote areas, preferably in Seychelles (Desirable)
Ability to use GPS and GIS software (Desirable)
Report-writing experience (Desirable)
Strong communication/team skills, ability to get on well with people from different cultures (essential)
Excellent physical fitness, able to tolerate tropical heat & long hours in difficult terrain (essential)
Good work ethic - reliable, committed, highly motivated, professional, and positive attitude (essential)
Independent, able to take initiative and co-exist in a tiny community with restricted facilities.
Confidence in the water – ability to swim is essential.
Medically fit – ESSENTIAL - It is not advisable, and potentially very dangerous, for anyone with a history of medical problems to apply as the nearest hospital is hours (or days) away by boat and plane. 












The successful candidate should be available in May 2016 and will likely return by November 2016. Due to Aldabra's extreme remoteness and the south-east trade winds that dominate weather throughout May-October it is rare to have transport on or off the atoll throughout this time and therefore applicants should be aware that once on the atoll, departure before November is unlikely. Please send applications (CV & cover letter) and queries to Dr Nancy Bunbury, nancy at sif.sc by Tuesday 5th April 2016. 		 	   		  


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