Volunteer Research Assistant

Period

March to August 2009 in three (3) week placements with possibilities for 6, 9 or 12 week placements (contact us for possible flexible placement plans).

Location

Grenada, West Indies

Background Information

Ocean Spirits is a locally based NGO that has for the last 9 years been working to help conserve Grenada’s critical sea turtle stocks and habitat through education, research and community development. We are the country co-coordinator for the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), and will be running the 10th consecutive year of research on the largest leatherback nesting population (100 + females per season) in Grenada in 2009.

For an insight into our amazing volunteer experience and the work we do, see our video.

Duties

Duties of volunteers will include
* Night patrols of the main leatherback nesting site
* Flipper tagging of unmarked females
* Data collection – carapace (shell) measurements, egg counts, nest relocation
* Morning surveys (on foot) of adjacent beaches
* Nest excavations
* Maintenance and preparation of research equipment
* Summer camp organisation and participation
* Carnival ‘Turtle Mas’ camp – costume design and creation
* Assisting with organised turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
* Camp maintenance and cleaning
* Cooking

Requirements

Volunteers should be
* Age 18+ years
* Willing to work in all weather conditions and keep smiling!
* Have the ability to walk 2-3 miles on soft sand in the heat
* A good team player
* Previous experience is not necessary, as training will be provided

Benefits/Costs

Three (3) week placements cost GBP895. Discounts apply for longer placements.

More Information

Please visit http://workingabroad.com/page/24/ocean-spirits-grenada.htm for further information and application details! Or our project website at http://www.oceanspirits.org