Whale Shark Volunteer Education Program

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   E D U C A T I O N   P R O G R A M   2 0 1 5

We are looking for diverse, motivated and hard-working volunteers who are passionate about conservation, interested in biological studies and looking for a unique experience that will provide valuable skills applicable to 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 our affiliate organizations the Bay Island College of Diving (BICD) & the Utila Lodge Resort.

PROJECT FACTS

Location: Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras

Duration: 4 weeks, with option to extend

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Staffing WSORC’s visitor center, research diving, data collection and management, organizing whale shark encounter trips (when the whale sharks are present), snorkel harbor clean-ups, beach clean ups, guiding snorkel excursions, environmental education events with local schools, interacting with local stakeholders, and organizing fundraising activities.  Volunteers are also expected to help out with activities within either of our supporting organizations; Bay Islands College of Diving, and the Utila Lodge Resort.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? 

How to scuba dive (up to PADI Advanced Open Water), research dive experience, Caribbean reef fish identification (Level 2 fish surveyor qualification with REEF.org), coral reef surveying techniques, photo identification survey methods of whale sharks, how a non-profit conservation organization works in a developing country, community outreach and environmental education, opportunity to visit other local non-profit environmental organizations working on the island and interact with their volunteers, real life experience of the issues related to conservation and eco-tourism on a small Caribbean island. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT COST? 

Pick up on arrival to Utila, accommodation for the duration of the 4 week program, welcome and departure meal, PADI dive certifications (Open Water & Advanced – diving optional), 2 research dives per week on completion of PADI Advanced course (weather permitting),  comprehensive education program delivered via a series of workshops covering a variety of conservation issues on Utila (coral reef ecology and conservation, Caribbean reef fish, whale shark biology, sea turtles, invasive species lionfish), boat workshop (orientation on boats used for whale shark encounter trips, safety procedures & equipment, how to dock up, radio use etc.), 2 adventure day trips during the course of the program (kayaking trip, boat trip to Water cay, paddle-boarding, horse riding, hike up Pumpkin Hill, visit fresh water caves).

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A WSORC VOLUNTEER?

WSORC’s Volunteer Education Program requires a full time commitment.  Your involvement with the program will require 8 hours a day, six days a week.  Volunteers should also expect to be involved with out of hours events and willing to lend a hand wherever necessary.  Volunteers must respect local cultures at all times and remember that they represent the WSORC during their stay.  During the course of the program volunteers will not be able to seek external employment. 

DATES & COST:

WSORC’s Volunteer Education Programs are 4 weeks long, and programs run throughout the year.  For up to date listing on dates and costs of available programs, please see the volunteer section of WSORC’s website http://wsorc.org/volunteer-education-program/

ELIGIBILITY:

• Minimum age: 18.  Maximum age: none (please note volunteers must be physically fit to carry out all activities).
• Volunteers must be motivated and enthusiastic about conservation of the natural environment, passionate about the ocean and should have an interest in biological studies.
• Preferably with relevant experience and/or studying marine biology or related field, but not essential.
• Ability to work in tropical conditions; hot and humid climate with mosquitos and sand flies.
• Must be a confident swimmer with capable snorkeling ability.
• Comfortable at sea and working on boats.  No experience necessary but if you suffer from extreme sea sickness maybe this is not the right project for you.
• Interpersonal skills, initiative, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a team are essential.
• Personal insurance.  All volunteers must have their own insurance, and documented evidence must be provided to WSORC prior to volunteer arrival.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are looking for a unique opportunity and think you have what it takes to volunteer with WSORC, please email your CV along with a brief covering letter (no more than one A4 side) describing your motivations for applying to Mark Wilson at mark@wsorc.org.  Please specify the dates of the program you are applying for.  Internship and research opportunities are also available, for more information please visit our website www.wsorc.org for more details. 

We are the environment; make a change today, volunteer!