Manta Ray Research and Marine Conservation internship

Marine Megafauna Foundation has an exciting internship available at our satellite research center in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. We are looking for a Research Assistant for a 6 month period (minimum), commencing April 1st, 2015.

This internship will be based at the luxurious Pestana Bazaruto Lodge. Whilst based at Pestana Bazaruto, you will:

• Run the research office and information centre at the resort.
• Conduct research dives (accompanying the Pestana dive centre and their guests on 4-5 dives per week), and assist with research data entry and analysis.
• Contribute to public relations and social media (internet access is provided)
• Assist on our conservation and education programs, which are run with the local communities.
• Liaise and work with the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park authorities on various projects that we work together on as per our MOU.

During the first 2-3 weeks of the internship you will receive training from the MMF team at our main research centre at Casa Barry in Tofo, Mozambique. After this initial training period you will be transferred to the satellite research center on Bazaruto Island. 

The internship program costs $30 USD per day, throughout your stay in Tofo and Bazaruto, Mozambique. The package includes your accommodation, 3 meals a day (2 meals a day in Tofo), laundry, internet access and diving/fieldwork costs. You will receive a 50% discount on beverages purchased at the bar or other meals/snacks you choose to order.

You will be transferred to Pestana by public taxi (chappa) and across to the island by boat or plane. During your time at the resort you will be included on the staff flight or boat roster, where possible, for transfers between Vilanculos and the island for visa renewals and any doctor visits.

The internship program at our remote satellite center offers an amazing opportunity to sample our diving, research, conservation and education programs while living in a beautiful, yet remote part of Africa. You will encounter a variety of incredible megafauna during your time, whilst having the privilege of living at a 4 star resort in the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, which has some of the best positioning in all of Mozambique. 

To apply for this position you will need to meet the below requirements:

• Proactive person with initiative and good people skills, with the ability to run a marine conservation program with minimal supervision.
• Strong commitment to MMF’s mission of “Saving Ocean Giants from Extinction,” with a special interest in manta ray research.
• Experience in scientific research
• Experienced diver (> rescue diver)
• Own dive equipment, underwater camera and laptop
• Excellent English (Portuguese is a strong advantage)
• Experience living in remote locations.

MMF researchers will join you on Bazaruto about once a month, but you will be in charge of running this small research center and interacting with the lodge.

We have a lot of volunteers who join us, those that get the most out of the program have excellent people skills and a positive attitude about living in an isolated part of a developing country. This experience is what you make of it and only you can determine the level that you can contribute to research and conservation while you are here.

To apply for this position, please e-mail rowan.klaassen@marinemegafauna.org with “Pestana Research Intern position” in the subject field by Sunday 22nd February 2015. Please attach your most updated CV, 3 references and a covering e-mail telling us why you’d be the best person for the job. Skype interviews will be conducted with the most suitable candidates.

We look forward to receiving your applications!!