Monkey & Sea Turtle Research Assistants & Camp Managers (Voluntary)

The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) is seeking 6 volunteer Research Assistants and 2 Camp Managers to assist with data collection and conservation efforts in our two remote field sites on the southern beaches of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Research in the two camps focuses primarily on the ecology of primates and nesting sea turtles, but there is also a strong conservation component, which includes education and outreach, as well as frequent interaction with the nearby village and tourists. BBPP will engage all chosen applicants for a period of 6 months during the upcoming dry season, beginning in October 2015 and lasting through March 2016. Camp Managers and Research Assistants are expected to devote at least 40 hrs/week to the project, but due to the nature of the project and living conditions, hours will likely be considerably more.

Camp Managers and Research Assistants will work under the supervision of Dr. Drew Cronin (BBPP Postdoctoral Researcher). Camp Managers and Research Assistants will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of field research during their stay on Bioko Island and may explore additional opportunities to participate in educational outreach projects with local school children, as well as training exercises with local wildlife patrols. Typical activities include: tagging nesting sea turtles, gathering reproductive output data on leatherback and green turtles, surveys enumerating primates and signs of hunting, sampling of primate and other mammal fecal material, and research regarding the impacts of development and the potential future of ecotourism within a nearby village. All personnel in the camps are also required to participate in daily upkeep and maintenance of the camp, including preparation of meals. The primary responsibility of the Camp Manager, however, will be to ensure that the camp is functioning and that the data collected are of the highest quality.

Additional responsibilities for Camp Managers will include coordination of their respective camps (e.g. food/supply purchasing and rationing), schedule organization, management of data collection and entry for multiple projects, management of local workers, and maintaining frequent communication with BBPP staff out of the field, among others. Each Camp Manager will oversee a camp consisting of approximately 8-10 people (including local workers, American volunteers, and staff from the National University of Equatorial Guinea and the local wildlife authority), and are expected to work closely with each other and with BBPP Moka Widlife Center staff to ensure that all field activities are carried out successfully and efficiently.

Our field sites are in a remote area with no road access. Researchers and field assistants must hike in and out of the field site (between 5-13 km depending on camp) along extremely rough terrain. Participants will be living in tents, cooking over fire, and using water from nearby streams. We do not have a variety of different foods due to lack of electricity/refrigerators. There is no internet connection or phone line. A satellite phone will be available in case of an emergency. The camp does have generators to charge research equipment, which may be used for occasional personal items.

Research Assistant positions are unpaid (volunteer) positions. Research Assistants will be expected to provide their own international transportation to and from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (± $2000 for a round trip flight from US). The Camp Manager positions will include a monthly stipend ($500/month) and international transportation (up to $2,200 for a round trip flight from the US) to and from Malabo, which will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the field season. BBPP will provide all on-island housing (tents), food and local transportation. All chosen applicants are expected to provide medical and evacuation insurance, appropriate immunizations (yellow fever) and medications (anti-malarial medications). Non-US citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea. We will try to obtain a letter of invitation through the local university in Malabo but cannot guarantee a visa.

Qualifications:

All applicants (Volunteer Research Assistants & Camp Managers) must:

• Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. biology, ecology, conservation biology, biological anthropology, marine biology, etc.);
• Be at least 21 years old;
• Have prior field experience in biology, ecology or related disciplines;
• Have some Spanish language ability (Spanish is the national language of Equatorial Guinea, although many local people also speak some French);
• Have a desire to pursue a career in conservation biology/ecology (preferred);
• Be physically fit and have a positive attitude towards physically exhausting work in a hot and humid climate (All assistants should be prepared for very demanding and time consuming work).

Applicants for the Camp Manager positions must also:

• Have prior experience in living/working in remote locations in developing countries (preferably Africa) and experience camping and hiking in wilderness areas;
• Have prior experience with aspects of project administration (preferred);
• Be conversationally competent in Spanish;
• Be able to drive a manual transmission over rough terrain;
• Be familiar with Microsoft Excel and Word;
• Be familiar with the use of handheld GPS units;
• Possess a current Wilderness First Aid Certification (or higher) and CPR certification (preferred);
• Have strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate people in adverse conditions, and a good sense of humor.

Applications:

Please send a cover letter, CV and contact information for 3 references to Drew Cronin (dtc33@drexel.edu).

***In your cover letter, explicitly state which position you are applying for. Applicants may submit one application in order to be considered for both Research Assistants and Camp Managers, however, please state which is your preferred position. If you are applying for a Camp Manager position, but are not chosen, please also note whether you would like to be considered for a Research Assistant position.