[Coral-List] Volunteer research assistants required for two positions on Aldabra Atoll Marine World Heritage Site

[April Jaz]

Dear all,


We are currently recruiting the following positions:


1. Marine Monitoring Research Assistant

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 5-6 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 with and organising the marine monitoring programme. Tasks will include underwater surveys, data entry and management, report writing and maintaining marine equipment.  Fieldwork will include spending time at field camps in basic conditions, boat work, 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.
Criteria and specific skill set
·       A degree in environmental/conservation science (Essential), and post-graduate degree (Desirable)
·       Experience with marine fieldwork and data collection (Essential), preferably on islands and in the Indian Ocean region.
·       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 and marine benthic photo analysis (Essential)
·       Experience in underwater visual census of fish and corals (Essential)
·       Diving qualification (Rescue Diver minimum & 100+ dives) (Essential)
·       Strong organisational skills (Essential)
·       Terrestrial field work 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
·       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.