Monday, September 25, 2017

Intern Field Assistants Required – Islands Restoration Programme




Intern Field Assistants Required – Islands Restoration Programme

Project background The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), has been working on and restoring island biodiversity for the past thirty years. The focus has been towards removing invasive species, replanting native vegetation, monitoring and reintroducing threatened bird and reptile species.


The position We are looking for highly self-motivated and conscientious individuals to assist with work on the offshore islands within our project teams to:
•        support plant, reptile and seabird restoration and research on Round Island;
•        ensure island biosecurity is maintained and to remove emergent threats caused by invasive species introductions;
•        assist when required, our reptile projects (skinks, geckos, snakes, tortoises) for the monitoring of island populations, assisting with reptile translocations and headstarting of young reptiles for release;
•        support the maintenance of island infrastructure, such as equipment, enclosures, field stations etc.

Due to the nature of working on islands, the hours worked will be irregular and at times will involve working nights, weekends and public holidays, with up to a month spent on an island at a time. Training and guidance from the Islands Restoration teams will be given. The work will involve the capture, handling and release of wild animals. Accurate data collection/entry and reporting are a necessity. Interns will be expected to talk to tourists/visitors about the restoration work and assist in training of staff, students and research projects.

Requirements Applicants will need to:
•        Have gained a BSc in the biological sciences
•        Demonstrate a keen interest in conservation and wildlife
•        Be physically fit for working in tough remote conditions and able to stay focused on repetitive work
•        Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care
•        Have good written and spoken English
•        Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management
•        Preferably have a driving license for car and/or motorbike
•        Preferably be able to swim and have first aid certification

Individuals will need to commit for a six-month period from December 2017. They would be required to pay for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover (including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. Accommodation and transport between MWF sites will be provided and the intern will need approximately £200 per month to cover their own costs for food (on and off the islands), socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work clothes, sturdy boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).

To apply: please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Islands’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

The selection process will involve short-listing and a Skype interview for the short-listed candidates with senior Islands Restoration Staff.

Closing date for applications: 16th October 2017.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      


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