Whale Shark Volunteer Coordinator Internship

W H A L E   S H A R K   &   O C E A N I C   R E S E A R C H   C E N T E R

U T I L A,  B A Y  I S L A N D S,  H O N D U R A S

www.wsorc.org

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 5

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 vibrant Caribbean island of Utila.  Utila is one of the few places around the world where whale sharks have been sighted year-round, and WSORC is responsible for a continuous monitoring program documenting the distribution and abundance of whale sharks in the area.  Our mission is to facilitate conservation through research and education, and promote the sustainable use of Utila’s natural resources for the future benefit of the natural environment and local community of Utila.  WSORC operates in conjunction & with the support of our affiliate organizations the Bay Island College of Diving (BICD) & the Utila Lodge Resort.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FACTS

Location: Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras  

Minimum time commitment: 3 months

INTERNSHIP JOB DESCRIPTION

To assist the Director of WSORC in developing and coordinating WSORC’s Volunteer Education Program and support the daily operation of the whale shark visitor center.  Interns are responsible for staffing the visitor center, for the upkeep of WSORC’s research databases, data collection and input, coordinating volunteer groups, and delivering volunteer program content. Under the supervision of the director interns will also be responsible for helping coordinate 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.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED

WSORC interns are required in the program 5-6 days a week to help coordinate volunteers and staff the visitor center.  Visitor center operating hours are Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am - 4pm.  You will also be required to attend, oversee and deliver out of hours weekly events held in the evening such as Fishy Film Movie Nights, presentation nights, community outreach activities, and fundraising events.  Please note schedules are highly changeable at short notice so interns must be flexible give the nature of the job.  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

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 & volunteer groups.
• 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.

EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH INTERNSHIP

Experience working within a non-profit conservation organisation on the beautiful island of Utila.  Full training and support throughout the internship.  The opportunity to organise and lead whale shark encounter tours (in season), and gain first-hand experience of ecotourism and conservation management issues.  Research diving; minimum of 4 research dives per week, all dive costs covered by WSORC (except insurance - you will need to organise 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 different stakeholders.  The opportunity to interact with other local conservation organisations working on the island and their volunteer groups with whom we have strong connections.

DATES & COST:

Minimum time commitment for WSORC internship positions is 3 months.  Cost of our internship program is $650 USD per month.  Dates for our 2015 programs are listed at the top of this page, and can also be viewed on our website www.wsorc.org

WHAT IS INCUDED IN THE COST OF THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

Accommodation for the duration of the internship, pick up on arrival to Utila, welcome and departure meals, minimum 2 research dives per week, full training on how to deliver the Volunteer Education Program which includes a series of lectures covering a variety of conservation issues on Utila (coral reef ecology and conservation, Caribbean reef fish ID, whale shark biology, sea turtles, invasive species lionfish), boat workshop (orientation on boats used for whale shark encounter trips and dive excursions, safety procedures & equipment, how to dock up, radio use etc.), 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 PROGRAM?

• Flights & Insurance
• Airport Departure Tax (Approximately $37 USD – at time of writing)
• Food & drink
• Electricity (Utila accommodations work with a prepaid electric meter, WITHOUT air conditioning, expect to pay approximately $25 USD per month per person)
• Leisure activities on days off

FINAL NOTE FROM DIRECTOR

WSORC interns are ambassadors for the WSORC and leaders to our volunteers; suitable candidates will be expected to exhibit role model behaviour 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 program content and role to evolve.

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 Mark at mark@wsorc.org.  Please be sure to indicate which program dates you are applying for.  For more information visit our website www.wsorc.org

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