Ocean Spirits Sea Turtle Field Research and Project Supervisor

Background:

Ocean Spirits is a locally based NGO that has for the last 15 years been working to help conserve Grenada’s critical sea turtle stocks and habitat through education, research and community development. We are the country coordinator for the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), and in 2015 will be running the 15th consecutive year of monitoring on Grenada's primary index nesting beach.  We are looking for candidates to supervise and manage the day to day activities of this busy monitoring programme.

Duties:

The leatherback monitoring programme at Levera beach is one of the busiest in the region and requires dedication, hard work and team work to run successfully.  As a supervisor of this programme, you will be required to ensure all research activities are carried out to a high standard. This includes - managing night patrols including flipper and PIT tagging, collection of morphometric data; coordinating daily morning surveys on adjacent beaches; monitoring nest emergence and carrying out/managing nest excavations during the hatching season; provide detailed training and supervision for all participants (international and local), be responsible for data collected during research activities, data entry and the maintenance of all research equipment. In addition, where possible you may have the opportunity to participate in the in-water hawksbill catch and release programme. You will be expected to conduct 3-4 night patrols a week, 2-3 morning patrols with 2 days off in every 14 days.

As team leaders you will be responsible for the well being and safety of up to 40 volunteer research assistants over the entire season (6 months); oversee the smooth day to day running, maintenance and care of the project house and participate in the educational component of the project and assist in the care of the 2 project dogs.

Requirements:

We require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree preferably within the marine, conservation or biology field. While a large portion of your time is spent working with sea turtles, an even greater amount of time is spent working with people.  Successful candidates MUST have strong people skills and the ability to relate to people of different nationalities and social backgrounds above all else.  You will need to be physically fit (potentially walking up to 5km a night on soft sand), have a sense of humour, hold a valid driving license for minimum of four years, and be First Aid trained or be prepared to undergo certification before joining the programme. We expect successful candidate to have experience or the ability to create scientific reports. Experience of working with groups, a familiarity with working in developing and tropical countries and working with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word is advantageous.

Benefits/costs:

Food and accommodation will be provided, airport pick up and drop off and a small stipend will be paid on a weekly basis.  Accommodation is based on a 2 house share with research assistants. 

You are responsible for your own flight and insurance costs.

Additional information:

For an application form, please send a letter of introduction and CV to applications@oceanspirits.org 

Only candidates processing to the next round for interviews will receive an application form.