We are recruiting a field assistant to work with us in Cape Verde on Loggerhead turtles
Conservation of marine organisms is a true challenge as most remains to be discovered from the oceans which cover about 70% of the world’s surface. Our project aims at using state-of-the-art molecular and telemetry techniques to develop novel conservation programs for the Cape Verde loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).
Cape Verde supports the third largest nesting population of this sea turtle species in the world. Like all sea turtles, the loggerhead turtles are endangered of extinction and listed on the Red List of the IUCN. Robust scientific monitoring and preservation of genetic diversity of the Loggerhead turtle has, therefore, become a crucial necessity to identify future directions of conservation efforts.
For the current project, we will be working with Project Biodiversity on the island of Sal.
Where: Sal Island, Cape Verde
When: 1st August – end of October.
Fieldwork: The fieldwork will be on 1km of beach on Sal Island. Beach patrols will be undertaken overnight. You will be trained to run full data collection of individual turtles (including: ID Tagging, measurements, skin and blood sampling). Additionally, you will help with satellite tagging and nest relocation as well as in the hatchery later in the season. You will be expected to ensure that data is collected to the highest standards and will take on considerable levels of responsibility at times. The work will be varied and interesting, but extremely challenging. You can expect to learn and improve your practical field skills and be exposed to laboratory protocols.
Requirements: All training will be provided. However, the suitable research assistant needs to be dedicated to long hours in the field and capable of working independently. A good candidate will be enthusiastic, whilst being able to function for long periods within a team composed of a wide variety of volunteers, researchers and local workers. Ideally the successful candidate would either be a student or recent graduate holding a degree in a relevant discipline, wanting to gain more experience before continuing a career in a related field.
Minimum age of 18.
The candidate needs to be fluent in English. Portuguese is the official language in Cape Verde, hence some knowledge of Portuguese could be useful (but not mandatory).
Physically fit and able to handle challenging conditions (long walks late nights, hot weather, carrying equipment, insects).
Preferred skills include having worked with turtles before and having a strong desire to work in a related career. Preference will be given to those able to commit to the entire season.
The position includes: Flights to Cape Verde, accommodation, visa costs, and contribution to subsistence costs will be provided.
Not Included: Food, mobile phone costs, medical and travel insurance.
To apply for this position please send a cover letter specifying why you would like to assist in this project, your CV, and names and contact details of two references to Leila Fouda l.fouda@qmul.ac.uk and Chris Eizaguirre c.eizaguirre@qmul.ac.uk
Deadline: Tuesday 26th June - applications will be considered until July 10th in case no candidate is found before.