Small Carnivore Research Volunteers - Borneo

Volunteer with the Hose’s Civet and Small Carnivore Project, Borneo

(HOSCAP Borneo)

The Hose’s Civet and Small Carnivore Project, Borneo (HOSCAP Borneo) is seeking 3 research volunteers to assist on a small carnivore research study in Borneo. The study will focus on the elusive Hose’s civet and other small carnivores including mongooses, otters, weasels, wild cats and other civet species.

This is a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain experience of carnivore work in Borneo, one of only seven global priority areas identified for the conservation of small carnivores by the IUCN. Volunteer duties will include setting camera-traps, live-trapping, habitat surveys, GPS work and data entry. The study will examine the ecology and distribution of small carnivores (particularly the Hose’s Civet) in a logging concession in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Living conditions: The HOSCAP Borneo field camp is basic and remote and volunteers must be comfortable washing in streams and sleeping on a hammock under a tarp in hot and humid conditions. There is no electricity or phone signal in the field site therefore you must also be happy to be cut off from the world for up to two months at time. Biting insects, bees and leeches are common in the forest and volunteers must be happy to share their space with these creatures.

Although volunteers will be expected to spend most of their time in the forest, they will be required to travel to Kuching for training. Where possible, accommodation will be provided with one of the researchers to reduce the costs to volunteers. Alternatively dorm rooms (from 15-30 MYR/night) and private rooms (from 30-80 MYR) are also available in the city.  

Qualifications: A degree in zoology or a related field (wildlife conservation, forestry, ecology, natural resource management or biology) is preferable however this is not essential for the role. Prior experience of camera-trapping, live trapping, telemetry and habitat survey work is also desirable although full training will be given.

A positive and flexible attitude, enthusiasm, patience and a willingness to learn is essential for this role as is the ability to work in a small team. As the survey work can involve long, strenuous hikes through rough terrain a good level of fitness is also vital for this work.

Costs: Please note that this is a volunteer position therefore applicants are expected to cover their own travel costs to Borneo as well as personal/medical insurance. Whilst there is no fee to volunteer on the project, volunteers will be asked to contribute MYR500 (approximately £100/ US$160 / AUS$170) per field trip to cover the cost of their food in the field. Each field trip lasts roughly 6-7 weeks and consecutive trips are conducted after an interval of roughly 4-5 weeks in Kuching. The project will make all efforts to secure sponsorship for flights into the field. However, if this cannot be arranged with sponsors, then volunteers will need to pay for their own flights into the field (approximately RM400 per trip, return). Volunteers will also be expected to cover the cost of their food whilst they are in Kuching.

Volunteer dates: Positions are available from early December 2013 to late June 2014. The start and end dates and duration of the volunteer placement are flexible (subject to field logistics) however a minimum commitment of 6 weeks is required. Preference will given to applicants who are interested in volunteering with the project for the full duration (3 or 4 field trips from early December 2013 to late June 2014).

More information: For more information about the organisation and our work, please take a look at the HOSCAP Borneo website: http://hoscap-borneo.org/

How to apply: Please email a resume/CV, letter of interest detailing your qualifications, experience, availability and contact details for 2 referees to lucybuckingham80@gmail.com

Application Deadline:  The deadline for applications is the 23rd August 2013.