Volunteer Co-ordinator Internship

V O L U N T E E R   C O – O R D I N A T O R   I N T E R N S H I P   2 0 1 4

We are looking for diverse, motivated and hard-working individuals who are passionate about conservation, have a strong biological background and who are looking for a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience applicable for a career in marine conservation.

What is WSORC?  The Whale Shark & Oceanic Research Center is a registered non-profit conservation organization based on the Caribbean island of Utila.  Utila is one of the few places around the world where whale sharks are spotted year-round, and WSORC is responsible for a continuous monitoring program documenting the distribution & abundance of whale sharks in the area.  Our mission is to facilitate conservation through scientific research & education, and promote the sustainable use of Utila’s natural resources to protect & benefit both the natural environment & the local community of Utila for years to come.  WSORC operates in conjunction and with the support of our affiliate organizations the Bay Island College of Diving (BICD) and the Utila Lodge Resort.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FACTS

Location: Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Internship positions available for 2014:               

1)  Immediate start date - 4^th July (preference will be given to those candidates who are available immediately)

2)  21^st August - 30^th November

INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION

To assist the Director of WSORC in developing and co-ordinating WSORC’s Volunteer Education Program and support the daily operation of the whale shark visitor center.  Interns are responsible for the upkeep of WSORC’s research databases, data collection and input, and co-ordinating volunteer programs. Under the supervision of the director interns will also be responsible for helping co-ordinate visiting tourist groups during interactive environmental education weeks held at the Utila Lodge Resort.  WSORC interns are an integral part of our diverse organization, and must be prepared to work as part of a cohesive team and help out wherever necessary.

What is expected of a WSORC interns? 

WSORC’s Internship program requires a full time commitment and you will not be able to seek external employment during the course of the program.  Your involvement with the program will require 8 hours a day, six days a week, plus out of hours events.  Work day schedule will change from week to week, suitable candidate must be flexible.  Normal visitor center operating hours are Monday – Saturday 09:00am - 5:00pm. 

Required attributes:

• Background in marine biology/conservation/environmental studies or related field.

• Previous volunteer experience.

• Passion for conservation and the natural environment, with a strong emphasis on marine studies.

• PADI (or equivalent) Dive Master certified, this is negotiable dependent on other relevant experience.

• Data collection experience.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstration of good time management.

• Ability & confidence to create & deliver PowerPoint presentations to members of the public & volunteers.

• Ability to work in tropical conditions; hot and humid climate with mosquitos and sand flies.

• Confident swimmer.

• Comfortable at sea and working on boats.  No experience necessary but if you suffer from extreme sea sickness this is not the right project for you.

• Initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team.

• Personal insurance.  Documented evidence must be provided to WSORC prior to arrival.

• Minimum age: 21. 

Desired attributes:

• Caribbean reef fish identification experience.

• Experience with coral reef conservation.

• Research diving experience.

• Teaching experience.

• Online marketing experience and competent use of social media networking sites.

• Database management, preferably experience using Access.

• Experience conducting personal research projects and data analysis, preferably using R.

WSORC interns are ambassadors for WSORC and leaders to our volunteers; the suitable candidate will be expected to exhibit role model behavior throughout the duration of the internship.  The Volunteer Education Program which this Internship is associated with is a developing program, so please be prepared for the role to evolve with the progression of the volunteer program.

What will you gain from the WSORC Internship program?

The suitable candidate will gain valuable experience working within a non-profit conservation organization on the vibrant Caribbean island of Utila.  Full training and support from the WSORC director will be given throughout the internship.  The opportunity to organize and lead whale shark encounter tours for tourists and volunteers, and experience collecting and managing data for our ongoing whale shark monitoring project.  Research diving; minimum of 2 research dives per week, all costs covered by WSORC (except insurance- you will need to organize your own insurance and send documents prior to your arrival).  Caribbean reef fish ID (REEF.org) and coral reef surveying training (Coral Watch).  Experience working with a variety of stakeholders and fellow non-profit conservation organizations across the island.  During Utila Lodge Resort education and adventure week programs, interns will receive 1 meal per working day.

Dates & Cost:

There are 2 internship time frames available for 2014; the first starts immediately and preference will be given to those candidates who are available immediately.  This first program will run until 4^th July.  The second internship will run from 21^st August until 30^th November.  Please be sure to indicate which dates you are applying for.  The cost of our internship program is $625 USD per month.

What is included in the cost of the Internship program? 

Accommodation for the duration of the internship, pick up on arrival to Utila, welcome and departure meal in Utila Lodge Resort, minimum 2 research dives per week, and 2 day trips during the course of each volunteer program (kayaking to north side of the island through mangroves, boat trip to Water cay, paddle-boarding excursion, horse-back riding, hike to water caves or Pumpkin hill).

What is NOT included in the cost of the project? 

• Flights & Insurance

• Airport Departure Tax (Approximately $37 USD – at time of writing)

• Food & drink

• Leisure activities on days off

How to apply

If you are looking for a unique opportunity and think you have what it takes to participate in WSORC’s Internship program, please email your CV along with a brief covering letter (no more than one A4 side) describing your motivations for applying and why you think you would be suitable for the position to Lucie at lucie@wsorc.org.  Please be sure to specify dates of the internship program you are applying for.  For more information visit our website www.wsorc.org

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