Research Assistant Position - Sea turtle conservation

Period

September 15th to November 15th, 2011

Background Information

The coastal erosion in Ada Foah (Ghana) is responsible for up to 10 meters shoreline retreat per year. To stop this problem a sea defense work will take place on the beach of Ada Foah. The coast is occupied by different species of sea turtles (Leatherback, Olive Ridley and occasionally by Green turtles). In order to protect them, work of nest relocation into a hatchery will take place under the supervision of the contractor. A qualified intern is required for the initiation of the project.

Duties

- Conduct nighttime patrols to detect nesting activities using all-terrain vehicles

- Identification of the turtles

- Tagging

- Taking of morphological data concerning the eggs, hatchlings and adults

- Nest relocation

- Nest evaluation

- Hatchling release

- Training of the local team

Requirement

The candidate must have a strong experience concerning the monitoring of sea turtles and the manipulation involved with nest relocations. He/she should be able to work flexible hours and during several consecutive nights. No training will be provided at arrival.

Benefit/cost

Housing, food and transportation provided.

Additional Contact/information

Interested applicants please send a cover letter, current CV and references (name and contact detail) related to the sea turtle conservation to Audrey Bourgois (Bourgois.Audrey@deme.be) before May 19, 2011.