Publicado por
Adriana Ortiz
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We are seeking Research Assistants for two time periods:
- November 1st, 2012 until January 20th, 2013 (81 Days)
- January 15th, 2013 until March 31st, 2012 (75 Days)Description:
Purpose of Project To improve the knowledge of the biology and ecology of the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas agassizii) sea turtles on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and implement guidelines for better conservation actions, and through working with international volunteers to build an appreciation for the species and the environment in which it lives.
Project Description Ostional beach is located within the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR) in the province of Guanacaste on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is an important nesting beach for three of the world’s seven species of sea turtles, and has been active in sea turtle conservation for the past 40 years.
The three species that use the beach are:
- Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which nests from October – March.
- Pacific Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassizii), which nests from September – May.
- Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), which nests year- round. This species exhibits solitary nesting, as well as, an unusual mass nesting behavior called arribada. Ostional is one of only a few arribada beaches world-wide.
The project was founded in 2005, and this will be the ninth season that the ISV project has been running in Ostional.
Our research is focused on the Leatherback and Pacific Green turtle populations, which historically have received less attention than the Olive Ridley turtles that nest at this beach. Until 2004 no comprehensive research on Leatherback and Pacific Green turtle activity at Ostional had ever been carried out and, despite high rates of poaching being reported, no specific measures had been implemented to protect these species.
The Leatherback sea turtle is in critical danger of extinction, having experienced a loss of 80% of the total world population in the last 10 years. Populations on the main nesting beaches of the Pacific have declined in some cases by 90%. It is estimated that by the year 2020 the Pacific populations of Leatherback may disappear completely if no actions are taken. The Pacific Green sea turtle (also known as the black turtle) is currently classified as endangered.
Years of nest stealing and an excessive mortality rate of adults and juveniles caused by fisheries and pollution can be considered the main causes for these turtles decline.
There is clearly an urgent need of conservation to safe guard these populations, however without data that provides knowledge of their biology and nesting habits it is difficult to frame appropriate management strategies. It is hoped that long term monitoring will yield data on adult females and their nests to enable the formulation of management alternatives that can be put into practice at this beach.
Project Duration
November 1st – March 31st each year
The Work:
Our research is focused on the Leatherback and Pacific Green turtle populations, which historically have received less attention than the Olive Ridley turtles that nest at this beach. Until 2004 no comprehensive research on Leatherback and Pacific Green turtle activity at Ostional had ever been carried out and, despite high rates of poaching being reported, no specific measures had been implemented to protect these species.
The Leatherback sea turtle is in critical danger of extinction, having experienced a loss of 80% of the total world population in the last 10 years. Populations on the main nesting beaches of the Pacific have declined in some cases by 90%. It is estimated that by the year 2020 the Pacific populations of Leatherback may disappear completely if no actions are taken. The Pacific Green sea turtle (also known as the black turtle) is currently classified as endangered.
Years of nest stealing and an excessive mortality rate of adults and juveniles caused by fisheries and pollution can be considered the main causes for these turtles decline.
There is clearly an urgent need of conservation to safe guard these populations, however without data that provides knowledge of their biology and nesting habits it is difficult to frame appropriate management strategies. It is hoped that long term monitoring will yield data on adult females and their nests to enable the formulation of management alternatives that can be put into practice at this beach.
Project Duration
November 1st – March 31st each year
The Work:
- Leading groups of volunteers on nightly beach patrols
- Collection of biometric data from nesting females
- Relocation of nests
- Morning track surveys
- Equipment maintenanceHatchery management
- Beach slope measurements
- Overseeing the operation of the hatchery (nest monitoring, collection of biometric data from hatchlings and hatchling liberation)
- Exhumations
- Volunteer training and involvement in educational discussions
- Assisting the Field Coordinator in the general smooth running of the project
Other work involves beach cleanup (to remove debris that would impede the movement of nesting females or hatchlings) and varying projects including the initial construction of a beach hatchery.
Cost/ Benefits:
Research Assistants will stay in the station of MINAET (Ministry of Environment and Energy and Technology) for the duration of the project.
Research Assistant (RA) positions are voluntary, and chosen RAs are expected to cover their own travel expenses, as well as, to cover their own room and board during their stay ($15 per day for accommodation and three meals at the MINAET station)
Cost/ Benefits:
Research Assistants will stay in the station of MINAET (Ministry of Environment and Energy and Technology) for the duration of the project.
Research Assistant (RA) positions are voluntary, and chosen RAs are expected to cover their own travel expenses, as well as, to cover their own room and board during their stay ($15 per day for accommodation and three meals at the MINAET station)
- 21+ years of age
- Student of or Bachelor degree in Biology, Environmental studies, Ecological tourism or related field.
- Previous field experience related to conservation (preferably reptiles) in remote and climatic difficult areas (preferably tropics)
- Fluency in English and/(or) Spanish
- Ability to work as part of a culturally diverse team
- Adherence to project rules to maintain a professional working environment and project image
- A positive attitude to motivate volunteers and help create an enjoyable experience
- Ability to withstand hot, humid and dry climate, and sleep deprivation
- Able to cope with VERY limited private space
- Ability to walk long distances (up to 12kms per night) on soft sand
- Personal travel medical insurance policy
Previous sea turtle experience is a great advantage, however full training will be provided upon arrival to the project site.
We appreciate people who use their initiative, are problem solvers, look to be useful in their spare time, and are interested in getting to know the community, understanding what community life is like, and what the community is trying to achieve without compromising their values.
Research Assistants must have a reasonable level of fitness as the work can be moderately strenuous to heavy, depending on the task. The project requires details of any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions to be declared at the time of application.
Application Process:
Interested applicants please send a cover letter, their current CV with contact details of three references (in pdf or word format) stating their preferred time period to:
Marta Pesquero (savetheseaturtles@gmail.com)
Subject title: RA Application Ostional 2012-13
Publicado por
Adriana Ortiz
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Marine turtle volunteers are needed to assist the turtle monitoring project at Cano Palma Biological Station in Costa Rica. Volunteers will assist in marine turtle monitoring which includes gathering biometric data on nesting turtles, determining hatching success, and maintaining a presence on the beach to reduce poaching rates. Night patrols take place every night from 4-8 hours and covering up to 16 km of beach. Morning patrols cover the length of the beach (approximately 11 km) Time Period Volunteers are needed NOW until the end of July and after August 15th. There is a minimum of a two week stay for marine turtle volunteers. Longer stays are preferable and will result in additional training and responsibilities. The turtle season started in March and ends the end of October. Background Information The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) was established in 1991 to serve as a registered nonprofit organization in Canada, and to support and administer the operations of Caño Palma Biological Station. The mission of COTERC is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics. Among our goals, is to extend our efforts in neo tropical conservation to extend beyond the station’s 35 hectare property. COTERC offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live and work in the Caño Palma Biological Station set within the northeast Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. The station is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of Latin America and sits within a network of protected areas. It is surrounded by a vast and ancient floodplain covered by a mosaic of swamp forests, palm forests, lagoons, mixed hardwoods, picturesque canals and coastal ecosystems. The globally endangered green, leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest on beaches accessible from the station. Caño Palma Biological Station is situated approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of the village of Tortuguero on Costa Rica’s north-eastern coast. The Tortuguero area is an ancient flood plain covered by lowland Atlantic tropical wet forest and is biologically the richest ecosystem in Costa Rica. Average daily temperature is about 26 degrees Celsius and rainfall may exceed 6,000 mm per annum. Much of this area has protected status under Costa Rica’s parks and reserves system, with Tortuguero National Park (18,946 hectares) and the Barra Colorado Refuge (92,000 hectares), forming a vast corridor which connects with conserved forest in Nicaragua to the north Benefits/Costs Volunteers contribute $200.00 U.S. per week, with negotiable rates for groups and long-term stays. This fee includes food, accommodation and a one year membership to COTERC with electronic newsletters. Volunteers will receive training and gain valuable field work experience.
Volunteers do not need to be biologists but should be enthusiastic about conservation. They should be physically fit and must be able to carry a light pack and walk at a fast-pace for up to 16 km on the sand during night or morning beach surveys. Volunteers will live in a shared space (up to 6 per dorm room) and should be comfortable in a communal living situation with shared responsibilities. Minimum age is 18 and volunteers should be mature and independent.
Publicado por
Adriana Ortiz
comentarios (0)
Publicado por
Adriana Ortiz
comentarios (0)
Hiring Organization:
UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Position Description:
Function: To provide technical assistance in carrying out various behaviorally-oriented research projects in the chimpanzee section.
Scope: Performs technical duties in accordance with general and specific plans given by the behavioral care and enrichment section chief.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1) Individual will help coordinate, collect and conduct cognitive and behaviorally-related research, by processing data from activities involving the observation, testing, and imaging (magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography) of the chimpanzee colony. The data will come from animal behavioral observations, treatment sheets, neurobiological measures, and other records.
2) May also assist with behavioral management protocols and support other in-vivo studies in chimpanzees.
3) Duties will primarily include computerized recording of data, verifying data entry, and helping to organize and process reports.
4) May help collect body fluid and other biological samples and process them according to the SOP’s.
5) Visually and manually perform literature searches and apply findings for related studies.
6) Assist the behavioral scientists in the preparation of presentations, reports and publications.
7) Work cooperatively with other behavioral and chimpanzee care personnel to improve the research, behavioral management, and animal healthcare programs.
MARGINAL DUTIES:
1) Provide support for imaging procedures.
2) Organize files and data manually and on the computer.
3) Give oral presentations at professional conferences and on-site training programs.
4) To be knowledgeable of section SOPs , chimpanzee release and capture procedures, and the behavioral management program.
5) Active participation in department-sponsored training programs is required.
Qualifications/Experience:
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor’s degree with major course work in one of the basic sciences.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in psychology. anthropology, biology, zoology or related discipline.
EXPERIENCE
Required: None.
Preferred: A minimum of 2 years of experience conducting basic or applied research
involving animal models. Experience with Great Apes, especially chimpanzees is desirable, as is experience with non-invasive imaging technology. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team are also desirable.
EQUIPMENT
The use of desktop and portable computers is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, observational, and statistical software is highly desirable.
Salary/funding:
Salary range is $25,500-$36,600.
Term of Appointment:
Regular, Full-time
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2012
Comments:
Applications must be submitted online at http://www.mdanderson.org/careers/index.html. Please type in BASTROP in the location search field to view this posting, Req.# 4738.
Contact Information:
Lisa Watson
650 Cool Water Dr.
Bastrop, TX 78602
USA
Telephone Number:
512-321-3991
Fax Number:
512-332-5208
Website:
http://www.mdanderson.org
E-mail Address:
lkwatson@mdanderson.org
UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Position Description:
Function: To provide technical assistance in carrying out various behaviorally-oriented research projects in the chimpanzee section.
Scope: Performs technical duties in accordance with general and specific plans given by the behavioral care and enrichment section chief.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1) Individual will help coordinate, collect and conduct cognitive and behaviorally-related research, by processing data from activities involving the observation, testing, and imaging (magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography) of the chimpanzee colony. The data will come from animal behavioral observations, treatment sheets, neurobiological measures, and other records.
2) May also assist with behavioral management protocols and support other in-vivo studies in chimpanzees.
3) Duties will primarily include computerized recording of data, verifying data entry, and helping to organize and process reports.
4) May help collect body fluid and other biological samples and process them according to the SOP’s.
5) Visually and manually perform literature searches and apply findings for related studies.
6) Assist the behavioral scientists in the preparation of presentations, reports and publications.
7) Work cooperatively with other behavioral and chimpanzee care personnel to improve the research, behavioral management, and animal healthcare programs.
MARGINAL DUTIES:
1) Provide support for imaging procedures.
2) Organize files and data manually and on the computer.
3) Give oral presentations at professional conferences and on-site training programs.
4) To be knowledgeable of section SOPs , chimpanzee release and capture procedures, and the behavioral management program.
5) Active participation in department-sponsored training programs is required.
Qualifications/Experience:
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor’s degree with major course work in one of the basic sciences.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in psychology. anthropology, biology, zoology or related discipline.
EXPERIENCE
Required: None.
Preferred: A minimum of 2 years of experience conducting basic or applied research
involving animal models. Experience with Great Apes, especially chimpanzees is desirable, as is experience with non-invasive imaging technology. Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team are also desirable.
EQUIPMENT
The use of desktop and portable computers is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, observational, and statistical software is highly desirable.
Salary/funding:
Salary range is $25,500-$36,600.
Term of Appointment:
Regular, Full-time
Application Deadline:
June 30, 2012
Comments:
Applications must be submitted online at http://www.mdanderson.org/careers/index.html. Please type in BASTROP in the location search field to view this posting, Req.# 4738.
Contact Information:
Lisa Watson
650 Cool Water Dr.
Bastrop, TX 78602
USA
Telephone Number:
512-321-3991
Fax Number:
512-332-5208
Website:
http://www.mdanderson.org
E-mail Address:
lkwatson@mdanderson.org
Publicado por
Adriana Ortiz
comentarios (0)
Información completa: awsassets.panda.org/downloads/conservation_director_chile_2.pdf
Fecha límite de aplicación: 1 Julio 2012
Fecha límite de aplicación: 1 Julio 2012
