[Coral-List] Volunteer Position Opening for Shark Project

[Carolina De La Hoz]

Hello everyone, 

A volunteer position with the Shark Project at the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands just opened up: 



Shark Project Volunteer 


Application deadline: February 28th, 2018. 

Expected start date: March, 2018 

Duration: Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional 3 months, upon review. 



Introduction 



The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is looking for a person with experience in marine sciences and related fieldwork to volunteer at our Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The successful candidate will be an important team member of the Shark Project, which aims to conduct applied research that results in specific management actions towards shark conservation in the Galapagos Marine Reserve and the Tropical eastern Pacific. This project involves active research in the fields of shark ecology; habitat use and movement; citizen science; and socio-economics. 



Key responsibilities 



1. Analysis of stereo-video footage to quantify relative abundance and distribution of sharks and fish. 

2. Maintain project equipment in a working order and assist with the logistics of diving and/or tagging trips 

3. Assist in the preparation and delivery of outreach and education events with the local community and schools. 

4. Assist with the production of reports and outreach materials. 

5. Support any other CDF’s activities when requested by project coordinator. 



Required profile 



· BSc (Hons) in marine biology or related field. Postgraduate certification is an advantage. 

· Minimum 3 months of experience in related marine fieldwork. 

· Experience in the analysis of stereo-video footage, underwater visual surveys and fish ID is desirable. 

· Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular MSAccess & MSExcel as well as statistical software. 

· Experience in GIS is desirable. 

· If participating in diving field work (April 2018), extensive and proven SCUBA diving experience is required. Minimum certification PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent with at least 100 recorded dives. Dive conditions in the Galapagos Islands are very challenging; poor visibility, strong currents and thermoclines are very frequent. The candidate must be used to and feel comfortable diving in these challenging conditions. 

· Proficient in Spanish and English. 

· Excellent social and inter-personal skills. 

· Pro-active, able to integrate in a multi-disciplinary team in an isolated environment and willing to work long days and weekends. 



Conditions 

The Shark Project Volunteer reports directly to the project coordinator and the project scientist. The successful candidate will be based at the Charles Darwin Foundation Research Station (CDFRS) on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador. A volunteer assignment with CDF does not imply a continuing relationship with the volunteer beyond the expected duration of the assignment. 

The volunteer is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, from 7:30 - 12:00 and 13:30 – 17:00. Due to project activities, such as fieldtrips, this schedule may change. Vacation and/or additional time away from the CDFRS may be requested in advance by the volunteer but will be subject to the approval of the project coordinator. 

The volunteer is responsible for their own travel costs to and from the Galapagos Islands and room and lodging costs during their stay. Accommodation in the CDF campus dorms can be arranged if available. The volunteer must provide their own accident, dive and life insurance coverage for travel to and from Galapagos and for the duration of their assignment in the Islands. 

If the period of participation is for less than 90 days, the volunteer will enter Ecuador on a tourist visa issued at his or her arrival to Ecuador. If his or her participation is for a period over 90 days, the CDF will request the appropriate visa once the volunteer is here, however, prior to the trip, the volunteer must complete the requirements in his or her country of residency. The CDF will not process a visa in excess of the expected duration of the assignment. Additionally, Galapagos has a special law that requires the appropriate immigration status; the CDF implements this process. 


How to Apply 


For those interested in this position, please send your application form and attachments by e-mail ( [ mailto:vol at fcdarwin.org.ec | vol at fcdarwin.org.ec ] ). 



The closing date for applications is: February 28, 2018. 



If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: [ mailto:vol at fcdarwin.org.ec | vol at fcdarwin.org.ec ] 



Application package should include: 

· CV. 

· Cover letter. 

· Two professional reference letters that include the names and contact details of referees. 

· Name and contact details of two referees that can provide a personal reference. 

Carolina de la Hoz Schilling 
Shark Project Intern - Pasante del Proyecto Tiburones 

Charles Darwin Foundation/Fundación Charles Darwin 
Puerto Ayora, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador 
Tel.: +593 52 526 Ext 164 
Cellphone: +593 939630759 
www.facebook.com/darwinfoundation 
www.twitter.com/darwinfound 
www.darwinfoundation.org 

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Misión de la FC D: Proveer el conocimiento y el apoyo por medio de la investigación científica y acciones complementarias para asegurar la conservación del ambiente y la biodiversidad del Archipiélago de Galápagos. 
CDF Mission: To provide knowledge and assistance through scientific research and complementary action to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago.