Rat Eradication Intern, Redonda

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest-established international conservation organisation. Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it. We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation. Today FFI is active in over 40 countries.

FFI is seeking eight enthusiastic interns with relevant skills and experience to assist with the eradication of black rats from Redonda—a key part of the wider programme to restore the island and conserve native wildlife. At least five of the interns are required to have advanced mountaineering and/or rope access experience.

Each intern is asked to commit to 8–12 weeks in Antigua (West Indies), starting 1 February 2017. Interns will camp on Redonda for extended periods to conduct the following tasks under the direction of the Rat Eradication Team Leader (Elizabeth Bell, WMIL) and Mountaineering Adviser:

• (Pre-visit) Read the Operational Plan for the eradication of black rats from Redonda, and direct any queries to the Rat Eradication Team Leader.
• Receive training from the Team Leader and Mountaineering Adviser on methods in accordance with the Operational Plan.
• Construct bait and/or monitoring equipment, as directed.
• Establish bait grid on Redonda. Deploy and monitor bait, and replenish the bait as necessary.
• Record bait uptake in field notebooks and enter these data into the electronic project database (on project laptop computer).
• Observe wildlife behaviour around bait stations and be alert for any signs of birds or other non-target animals interfering with bait.
• Ensure any problems or concerns are promptly reported to the Team Leader and Mountaineering Adviser.
• Monitor bait uptake and use other rodent monitoring tools to verify, as far as reasonable, that the rat population has been destroyed.
• Time permitting, conduct additional studies of native wildlife on Redonda.
• At the end of the rat eradication, collect unused bait, flagging tape, etc., and ensure all field equipment is cleaned and stored correctly.
• Assist in installing permanent bait stations to prevent rats from reinvading Redonda.
• Share in camp duties (e.g. cleaning, cooking).
• Perform any other duties as directed by the Team Leader.

Training in distribution and monitoring bait will be provided. Interns with climbing skills will also be provided with additional safety training. Tents and other essential equipment will be provided.
Redonda is an arid island with extremely challenging terrain, including near vertical cliffs and rough boulder fields over much of the island. As it has little natural shade, this internship is not suitable for persons who do not cope well with high temperatures. The living conditions will be very basic and will be shared with the whole eradication team and any visiting representatives from partner agencies. Transport between Antigua and Redonda will be by helicopter. The island normally has mobile phone coverage.
This will be excellent experience for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, especially the fast-growing fields of restoration ecology and alien invasive species management.

Applicants should have excellent English language skills and camping experience. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills, combined with attention to detail are equally important. The eight interns will work as a team alongside WMIL and FFI staff.

For further details and to apply please see the following document for details: Download Application Pack

The closing date for applications is Saturday 1 October 2016. No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.