[Coral-List] Internship Positions in Punta Cana Dominican Republic

[Victor Galvan]

*Please post: Internship Positions at the Grupo Puntacana Foundation, Punta
Cana, Dominican Republic. *

*I.  Basic Functions of the Position:*

The Grupo Puntacana Foundation is currently accepting applications for two
different internship positions in Resource Management and Coral Husbandry
internships to help with their Partnerships for Ecologically Sustainable
Coastal Areas (PESCA) programs. PESCA is the foundations largest and
fastest growing conservation initiative and includes all marine related
projects. *The selected candidate(s) will be directly collaborating with
the project coordinator to (among other activities) manage the Grupo
Puntacana Foundation’s coral nursery program, implement environmental
education activities and help with the development of the new on-land coral
nursery.*  The Punta Cana coral nursery is the largest in the Dominican
Republic; since 2014, over 3.7 km of tissue has been returned to local
reefs. Every year, the foundation receives upwards of 800 students from all
academic levels and background including international institutions. The
foundation is looking to scale up restoration efforts and establish a new
land-based coral nursery at its new marine lab complex. Candidates will be
working on a variable but full-time basis determined by the intern’s direct
supervisor and are expected to collaborate across all projects. The
candidates are expected to work outside normal established hours,
participate in night diving and on other unscheduled events depending on
the needs of the PESCA program. If additional information is need, please
contact the person indicated at the end of this message.



*II.  Duties and Responsibilities:*

Resource Management:

   1. Work with, supervise and lead local fishermen in preparing and
   establishing *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. Assist the Project coordinator and Coral Restoration Specialist in
   the management of the Coral Nursery Network that includes 12 other coral
   nurseries countrywide.
   4. Assist with technical writing, data collection and presentations
   5. Participate in, lead, or implement environmental education courses,
   workshops, and/or training activities related to the PESCA program.
   6. Supervise national and international volunteers.
   7. Care for and provide basic maintenance to project equipment.
   8. Work with other staff members, volunteers or interns to achieve the
   goals of the coral restoration Project.
   9. Research literature, help identify and apply for grants, assist in
   the development of new partnerships, and support environmental permit
   renewal efforts

Coral Husbandry

   1. Assist the Project Coordinator in activities related to the
   maintenance and upkeep of the *in-situ* coral gardens in the Dominican
   Republic.
   2. Assist the Project coordinator and Coral Restoration Specialist in
   the management of the Coral Nursery Network that includes 12 other coral
   nurseries countrywide.
   3. Assist the Project Coordinator in the installation and maintenance of
   coral raceways, aquarium plumbing, and lighting.
   4. Carryout regular tank and raceway maintenance and cleaning.
   5. Assist in the cutting, quarantining, feeding and upkeep of coral
   fragments
   6. Assist the project coordinator in implementing proper coral husbandry
   techniques to ensure the successful growth and functionality of the
   land-based coral nursery.
   7. Assist the project coordinator as needed in other nursery, lab and
   PESCA relate activities.

*III.  Requirements:*

*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,  husbandry or other similar careers...


*Experience:*

The ideal candidates would have experience in the marine ecosystems of the
Dominican Republic and previous experience with current coral propagation
techniques*. *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 or husbandry experience is highly advantageous. The candidates
must be able to cover their airfare to and from Punta Cana. Work equipment
and materials will be provided along with lodging.



*Other Requirements *

*Advance Spanish minimum *

SCUBA Certification

Divers Insurance

Medical Insurance



*Duration:*

The length of the internship is negotiable but a minimum of 4 months is
required. Desired internship duration must be stated in the applicant’s
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 15, 2017.


*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 will be provided
depending on the qualifications of the candidate, the length of the
internship, and the AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.

Interested Candidates please send your resume with a *brief letter of
intent* to the following email no later than *January 15, 2017*. Candidates
will be evaluated on an ongoing basis up until the January due date.



Victor Galvan

Coral Restoration Project

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