Volunteer Field
Assistant
Angkor Centre for
Conservation of Biodiversity,
Kbal Spean, Phnom
Kulen National Park, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
The Angkor Centre
for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) was established in 2003 by Allwetterzoo
Münster and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and
Populations (ZGAP). It was one of the first nature conservation centres in
Cambodia, located within Phnom Kulen National Park close to Siem Reap and the
UNESCO World Heritage of Angkor. The primary goals of the Angkor Centre for
Conservation of Biodiversity are:
1. To
operate as a rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for native Cambodian
wildlife maintained and conducted in-line with internationally recognized
standards.
2. Provision
of facilities and technical expertise for the conservation breeding of selected
threatened species, including reintroduction and restocking programs where
appropriate.
3. To
serve as national focal point of environmental awareness and education, to
promote and encourage the conservation of biodiversity to local communities,
tourists and key stakeholders and decision-makers in the private and public
sector.
4. To
initiate and participate in wildlife conservation and research activities in
Cambodia, including in situ conservation activities, species recovery efforts,
biodiversity inventories and natural resource-use assessment, and to provide
information to support management recommendations for protected areas.
The ACCB is
currently offering a Volunteer Field Assistant position in the Field
Conservation Department. This is a challenging but rewarding position for a
highly dedicated and motivated individual with a keen interest in making a
contribution towards conservation. The Volunteer Field Assistant will be based
at ACCB’s project location in Stung Treng Province, North-Eastern Cambodia.
About ACCB Field
Conservation
ACCB’s in situ
conservation efforts are at present focused between monitoring and directing
species recovery actions for three species of vulture classed as Critically
Endangered in IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. In 2004 a national action
plan was set-up in Cambodia between government ministries and conservation NGOs
to conserve Cambodia’s vulture populations. The partnership is called the
Cambodian Vulture Conservation Project (CVCP) of which ACCB has been involved
in some capacity nearly since its inception and became an official and active
partner circa 2008. Vultures are an important part of the eco-system as they
are the most efficient scavengers of large carcasses that exist. As well as
being an excellent means of removing carcasses and stopping the spread of
disease.
Cambodia has two
species of near-endemic ibis, which are also listed as Critically Endangered in
the Red List, and holds some of the last or most important populations of large
water or grassland birds, including Sarus Crane, Lesser and Greater Adjutant and
Bengal Florican. ACCB’s work currently involves monitoring these birds and
their habitats. Whilst ACCB is regularly carrying out rescue and release
operations of mammals, at present the field conservation programs do not focus
on mammals.
Main Duties and
Responsibilities
The Volunteer Field
Assistant will support the Field Conservation Manager and the Field
Conservation Team in all daily tasks. This role includes both, office and field
related activities.
- Take
part in in the planning, operation and data collection of field monitoring and
surveys for a variety of species, habitats and anthropomorphic threats.
- Assist
in all aspects of vulture feeding site operations, logistics, monitoring and
data collection.
- Vulture
nest and colony monitoring surveys and data collection, assisting nest
protection activities.
- Take
part in meetings, discussions, workshops and other project-related events.
- Creation,
management and delivery of vulture conservation media and promotion materials.
- Maintenance
of project records and databases.
- Maintenance
of project equipment and facilities.
- Tour
leading and wildlife interpretation for guests at vulture restaurants, or
guided centre tours at the conservation centre.
Requirements
- BSc
/ MSc or higher in a biological science.
- A
keen interest in the conservation of avifauna is essential, as currently these
are the focus of ACCB’s field programs.
- Be
able to speak and write English at a level consistent with reading and writing
scientific reports.
- Practical
experience of wildlife surveying and/or monitoring (Desirable).
- Some
previous experience of working in developing countries and/or in tropical
climates (Desirable).
- The
holder of the position must be able to work unsupervised and in a
self-motivated manner with English-speaking local Cambodian project staff.
Ability to take responsibility within a team is essential.
- Ability
to work efficiently within a team and organisational framework, whilst closely
consulting with ACCB’s Animal and Education Department in particular.
- The
role involves a limited amount of financial responsibility. Ability to
accurately collect receipts and keep an account of all spending in the required
manner and format is essential.
- Ability
to ride small motorbikes off-road is essential, as is a basic understanding of
mechanics and vehicle maintenance.
- A
thorough working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, powerpoint
presentation, digital media management and basic photo/video editing ability.
- Proficiency
with GoogleEarth software is essential and some knowledge of GIS software is
desirable.
- Ability
to correctly use GPS in the field and consequently manage GPS data is
essential.
- The
position requires a person who is self-motivated and capable to work
independently.
- The
role involves staying in the tropical jungle for extended overnight periods so
the candidate should be able to cope with the heat, insects, lack of facilities
and simple remote and rural conditions.
- The
role involves provision of carcasses for the vulture restaurant, so the
candidate should be comfortable dealing with the carcasses of dead cows,
buffaloes or goats.
- Cultural
sensitivity.
Duration
The timeframe for
this position is from the date of hiring until 31st March 2018. Applicants must
be able to commit for the entire duration.
Conditions /
remuneration
- Free
accommodation, water, electricity and internet at ACCB’s Field Conservation
Office in Stung Treng, North-eastern Cambodia.
- A
stipend of 150 USD/calendar month will be provided.
- Full-time
work, with flexibility as required (e.g. in the field).
- 6
days off per month.
- ACCB
covers the costs for Fieldwork Expenses (food, water, fuel and lodging whilst
conducting fieldwork).
ACCB does not cover:
- General
food and living expenses.
- Vaccinations
(recommended).
- Travel
Insurance (required).
- Any
other cost of a personal or medical nature.
- Transport
to and from Cambodia
- Domestic
transport during leisure time.
Applications
will be reviewed on
a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Starting date: as
soon as possible.
Please apply as soon
as possible via email including cover letter, CV and the contact details of two
references to:
Michael Meyerhoff,
ACCB Project Manager
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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