Volunteer opportunity Wild Cats - Belize, Centro América

Title: Field Assistant

Agency: Virginia Tech

Location: Belize, Central America

Job Description: Volunteer opportunity to study wild cats! Gain great experience now. We are seeking 2-3 motivated field assistants on our wild cat study in Belize, Central America. This study focuses on jaguars, pumas, and ocelots using
non-invasive detection methods. Volunteers will gain extensive field experience working on a multi-faceted wildlife conservation project in a beautiful tropical country. Non-invasive methods include setting up large remote camera grids across a tropical broadleaf forest and in community lands. The study is examining the impact of timber extraction on jaguar populations by surveying an area with sustainable logging and an unlogged area. In addition, the team will assist in surveying community lands outside the protected areas to determine the extent of human wildlife interactions and potential for conflict and conflict mitigation.

Job will involve long working hours, and rustic living conditions (possibly camping) in a tropical environment (hot, humid weather, and biting insects, snakes). Field workers will sometimes need to carry heavy equipment, hike long distances through rough terrain and bushwhack through thick vegetation. There may also after hours work involving shared data entry and camp maintenance/running errands.

This is a complete volunteer position, meaning that technician will need to pay for their plane tickets and a project fee of $1500 per month (1 month minimum required). This project fees pays for food, accommodations and transport, while in Belize. Positions available for May 5-June 4 and July 1- August 21 2012.

Qualifications: Student in a related field (biology, wildlife science, ecology etc.). No experience necessary but the applicant must have a positive and flexible attitude, and be enthusiastic. Ability to drive a standard transmission is a plus.

Salary: Volunteer must pay project fee
Last Date to apply: August 21, 2012
Website: http://www.mjkelly.info
Contact: Marcella Kelly
E-mail: makelly2@vt.edu(Preferred)
Phone: 540-231-1734