Round Island Plant Field Biologist

THE MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION ARE RECRUITING FOR A

Round Island Plant Field Biologist

The position:

The MWF are seeking a Plant Field Biologist with GIS skills who will be responsible for implementing the 12 month project from the 1st August 2017, to meet specific project objectives to improve the long term management and monitoring of plant species survival and habitat restoration. The restoration of Round Island represents one of the most important programmes for the MWF, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Government’s Nationals Parks and Conservation Service. A major component of the restoration work has involved rebuilding the vegetation community to improve the conservation status of plant species, but also to enhance habitat for the threatened invertebrate, reptile and seabird communities. Round Island is a Closed Nature Reserve, 22.5km off the north-east coast of Mauritius and staffed by a team of Wardens operating from a field station based on the island.

The MWF in collaboration with Durrell are seeking applicants to work within the Islands Restoration Programme to: create a GIS plant distribution/habitat map for the island, with locations of all planted and priority species; repeat historical study plot surveys and establish new study plots to track the long-term survival of planted species; obtain soil samples and relevant ecological data to determine causes of differential plant survival within the different planting sites; develop a field based tablet for data collection;  establish methods and protocols for long-term monitoring of plant survivorship; assist the Wardens in plant propagation and planting of critically endangered ebony trees and other critical species within favourable planting sites identified within this project.

Applicant requirements:

•        Plant species identification skills (knowledge of lowland/coastal native Mauritian and introduced plant species is preferred, although training will be provided);

•        Knowledge of horticulture, plant propagation and planting  techniques;

•        Sound understanding of GPS and GIS mapping techniques;

•        Experience with establishing and conducting habitat surveys, with analytical and statistical (R) knowledge;

•        Excellent knowledge of MS Office and tablet based spreadsheet applications, and data management;

•        Have at least a Bachelor degree in the biological sciences or a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience;

•        Good physically fitness and able to live in basic field conditions on Round Island for four in every six weeks;

•        Good written and spoken English;

•        A full clean driving license is preferred.

We need the applicant to commit to 12 months from 1st August 2017. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work clothes, sturdy boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).

To apply:

Please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Plant’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date for applications: 9th June 2017

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Round Island Wardens / Conservation Biologists

Great opportunity to gain experience in conservation

THE MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

Offers

Employment and Volunteer opportunities

to work on

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

We are recruiting

Round Island Wardens / Conservation Biologists

Profile: A degree in Biology or related subjects. Experience in field conservation, restoration and research will be an advantage.

Send your Cover Letter and CV (with Round Island, followed by your surname and initial in the filename of each document) to Executive Director, MWF, Grannum Road, Vacoas

 executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date:  24 February 2017

Project overview

Round Island is one of the few places in the Indian Ocean to have remained free from non-native and invasive predatory mammals and reptiles. For this reason Round Island became the last location in the Mascarenes to support endemic and native reptiles, seabirds and plants that have declined or become extinct elsewhere. However, introduced herbivores almost denuded the island’s vegetation, threatening the existence of its unique biodiversity. Herbivores were removed by the 1980s, which led to the recovery of palm-rich habitats. Since 2002 there has been a permanent presence of wardens who monitor the fauna and flora and work to restore the island’s lost plant species. These actions have been important for rebuilding the unique ecosystem on Round Island.

Round Island Warden

Job Description

The Round Island Warden works in a team of three persons on a rotation of one month on the island living in the field station and two weeks on the mainland for work purposes and time off. Wardens must be comfortable travelling by small boat in rough seas. The post requires a high degree of self-motivation, organisation and people skills, physical fitness as well as a scientific background. Previous conservation experience with plants, reptiles, seabirds and biosecurity, particularly working in remote conditions within a team is desirable. First aid certification, being able to swim and a clean driving license preferred.

The main responsibilities of the post are:

•        the monitoring and implementation of all flora and fauna work (day time and night time surveys, reptile and seabird handling, PIT tagging snakes, ringing of seabirds)

•        planning, monitoring, supervising and carrying out native plant propagation in the nursery and the planting on the island

•        coordinating and participating in the day to day work on the island and the execution of work plans while adhering to protocols

•        the collection and entry of data, maintaining datasets and transferal of data for reporting the training and supervision of support staff including volunteers

•        the maintenance of the field sites, station and equipment on the island including the safeguarding of  all assets

•        the preparation and submission of monthly and yearly reports on all activities carried out

•        maintaining a good working relation with all stakeholders (Government, National and International partners)

Work on the mainland includes:

•        planning subsequent trips to Round Island

•        organising the logistics, acquisition and purchases of all materials and supplies required for the project

•        attending relevant meetings

•        supporting other island restoration work upon request

•        data management, analyses, reporting and the preparation of other related documents

A more comprehensive job description is included in the contract of employment.

For more information on the Round Island project see webpage- In the field: Mauritius: Round Island

For additional information:  executive@mauritian-wildlife.org

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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Intern Field Assistant Required - Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme

Intern Field Assistant Required - Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme

Project background The Mauritius Reptile Recovery Programme is run jointly by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the National Parks and Conservation Service. The programme was started in 2006, but is built upon three decades of island restoration work by the project partners.

Mauritius was once home to one of the world’s richest reptile diversities, which was integral to the pristine ecosystem. Following the island’s colonisation in the 16th Century numerous non-native species have been introduced and most of the natural Mauritian forests have been destroyed. These disturbances caused the loss of more than 60% of Mauritian reptile species from the main island. Several species went extinct, but some managed to remain on one or a few of the offshore islands. To enhance their survival and restore missing ecological processes we have been restoring endemic reptile species back to islands that have been made safe for their return. Using a mixture of translocations, captive breeding and intensive monitoring we have reduced the risks of extinction for a number of reptile species. For example, the Telfair’s skink and Günther’s gecko, have been translocated to the island Nature Reserve Ile aux Aigrettes, but are currently threatened from recent invasions of non-native species.

Ile aux Aigrettes is a small lagoon island (26ha) where conservation activities have been ongoing since the 1980s to restore the endangered fauna and flora of Mauritius. The island has a field station, which is permanently occupied by approximately ten staff, interns and volunteers. The MWF also operate ecotourism and educational activities on the island.

The position We are looking for a highly self-motivated and conscientious intern to work on Ile aux Aigrettes and assist the reptile team to:

•        Monitor the health, distribution and abundance of the Telfair’s skink and Günther’s gecko populations

•        Enhance skink productivity through egg incubation, rearing of young and their food

•        Search for and monitor Günther’s gecko nest sites and eggs

•        Ensure the island is free from invasive predators through monthly monitoring and trapping

The work involves intensive systematic searches throughout the forest on the island, reptile capture, handling and assessment of condition and health. Invasive species control is an ongoing and important component of the work. Accurate data collection/entry and reporting are a necessity and the intern will be expected to talk to tourists/visitors about their work and assist with VIP tours and student workshops on the island. The intern will receive training and guidance from the reptile team.

Requirements Applicants will need to:

•        Have recently gained a BSc in the biological sciences and have a keen interest in herpetology

•        Be physically fit and able to stay focused on repetitive work in a hot and humid environment

•        Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care

•        Have good written and spoken English

•        Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management

•        A working knowledge of programmes R, Mark, Distance and GIS software preferred, but not essential

•        A full clean driving license is preferred

We need the intern to commit for a six month period from April 2017. They would be required to pay for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover (including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. Accommodation and transport between MWF sites will be provided and the intern will need approximately £150 to £200 per month to cover their own costs for food, socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work clothes, good boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).

To apply: please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Reptile’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: recruitment@mauritian-wildlife.org

The selection process will involve short-listing and a Skype interview for the short-listed candidates with senior Islands Restoration Staff. 

Closing date for applications: 24th February 2017.

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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THE MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION - TORTOISE PROJECT - Interns

Great opportunity to gain experience in conservation

THE MAURITIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

Offers

Internship opportunities

to work on the

TORTOISE PROJECT

Location: Ile aux Aigrettes and Round Island, Mauritius

Project overview

Giant tortoises were once common in Mauritius and became extinct in the mid-1800s.  The tortoises fulfilled an important role in the native ecosystem as browsers, grazers and seed dispersers. Many native and endemic plants have evolved with, and appear to be adapted to their presence and tortoises are thought to be an integral factor in sustaining habitat diversity.

Since 2004 the MWF has been using Aldabra giant tortoises as an ecological replacement for the extinct Mauritian species. The aim is to restore lost plant-tortoise interactions and help re-create a self-sustainable ecosystem. The project manages tortoises on two islands, namely Ile aux Aigrettes and Round Island. Hatchlings are collected from the breeding herd on Ile aux Aigrettes, reared in secure enclosures and then transferred to Round Island where they are initially held in quarantine and then released. All of the released tortoises are individually marked and are closely monitored on both islands, with data collected upon their distribution, movement, health and impact upon the vegetation. The use of tortoises as ecosystem engineers for re-wilding Mauritian islands has gained a lot of interest and the project works closely with MWF’s academic partners.

The tortoise project intern will be working closely with and reporting to the tortoise project staff in charge.

The main duties will include:

•        The handling, measurement and weighing of juvenile and adult tortoises (in nurseries and in the field) to determine body condition

•        To assist with PIT-tagging and notching for individual recognition

•        To collect/prepare food on a daily basis for enclosed juvenile tortoises and to ensure that they remain healthy

•        To conduct searches and quadrat surveys

•        To carry out accurate data collection and data entry

•        To assist in taking blood samples for disease screening, collect and analyse faecal samples for parasite detection and provide treatment and care when required

•        To support the management of facilities on Ile aux Aigrettes and Round Island for the care, housing and containment of tortoises

•        Assist, if requested by senior Islands Restoration staff, with research projects taking place

Requirements

Applicants will need to:

•        Have at least a BSc in Biological Sciences

•        Have a minimum of one year’s experience in conservation and handling of animals

•        Be physically fit and able to stay focused on repetitive work carrying heavy loads on steep terrain in a hot and humid environment

•        Be able to stay on remote islands with limited facilities within small diverse teams

•        Be comfortable travelling by small boat in rough seas

•        Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care

•        Have good written and spoken English

•        Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management

•        Proficiency in the use of GPS devices, GIS software and program R preferred

•        Ideally have first aid certification, be able to swim and having a full clean driving license

We need the intern to commit for a six month period from April 2017. They would be required to pay for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover (including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. Accommodation and transport between MWF sites will be provided and the intern will need approximately £150 to £200 per month to cover their own costs for food, socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (eg work clothes, good boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone).

To apply: please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Tortoise’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: recruitment@mauritian-wildlife.org

Closing date for applications: 24th of February 2017

Peter Dickinson Independent International Zoo Consultant +971 50 4787 122 | elvinhow@gmail.com | Skype: peter.dickinson48

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