Sunday, June 4, 2017

Field Assistant – Tarsius Project



Field Assistant – Tarsius Project

Position Description:

Tarsius Project is a complex initiative, incorporating research, education of local people, welfare of captive tarsiers and eco-tourism in order to protect the one of the smallest primates in the world – Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta). Our Project is located in the picturesque interior of the most famous Philippine Island in terms of
tarsiers – Bohol. At the moment we are in the process of developing the Tarsier Conservation Centre, focused on establishing a viable, captive breeding colony of the Philippine tarsier as well as developing extensive educational programme for local people.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic volunteer field assistant to join our team for minimum 6 months starting in June/July (although, the appointment can be extended upon performance and willingness of the candidate). This is an interesting opportunity for individuals interested in primatology, zoology, zoo biology, education and conservation to gain more field experience to further
their professional career in animal husbandry and in-situ conservation. The position offers the successful candidate to work as a technician in the field of conservation and management of a sensitive species, while living in the heart of beautiful and calm
tropical Philippine island. The successful candidate will be involved in various activities, but main tasks include following areas:

A)      Tarsiers Food
Main focus will be insects day-to-day husbandry (feeding, cleaning, making furnishing, handling and counting individuals, but you will be asked for other work in the breeding area). This includes also insects collections at evenings/nights.

B)      Tarsiers Husbandry
Preparation of food for the tarsiers, observation and monitoring the individuals, handling and checking tarsiers’ condition, maintenance of enclosures.

C)      Research
Behavioural observations on our captive tarsiers at night time, data entry and analysis.

D)      Conservation and Environmental Education
Development and implementation of a new educational programme for local schools, creating additional educational materials, brochures and displays.

E)      Field Work
Forest monitoring of wild individuals if needed.

Irregular working hours are required, which includes also night shifts. You will be working 6 days per week and have 1 day off per week for your own needs.

For more information about the Tarsius Project and our activities feel free to visit our website: www.tarsiusproject.org

Requirements:
A preferred candidate should possess at least B.Sc. in Primatology, Zoology or related field. Previous experience in animal husbandry, especially with primates is highly desirable, knowledge of insects husbandry will be an asset. Candidates with previous experience of behavioural data collection will be preferred.

You must be energetic, responsible, flexible and have a keen interest in primate behavior/sociobiology. You must be highly self-motivated to work in all conditions, especially nights and in forested areas, physically and mentally fit, independent, resourceful, and enjoy the challenge of working with a diverse group of people of different backgrounds. Fieldwork can be tiring, frustrating, and both physically and mentally challenging. Applicants should be prepared to approach these challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Our project site is in very remote location, so you must feel comfortable living at a very isolated field site location with limited cell phone, internet and power access. Optimism, sense of humour and patience will help. Candidates with experience living in developing countries will be favoured.

This is a voluntary position, however accommodation will be provided and a basic allowance of 4,000 pesos per month will be given to cover food and basic daily needs.

If you are interested, please send a CV with a photo and cover letter to philip.wojciechowski@gmail.com and copy to
cristyhabitatbohol@gmail.com as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact us also for further information.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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