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        |
No comments:
Post a Comment