Sea Turtle Education Assistant opportunity with Akazul: Community, Conservation & Ecology, on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast - 2013

Background Information

Akazul: Community, Conservation & Ecology is a UK registered not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC) and has been operating its sea turtle conservation project in La Barrona, Guatemala since 2011. Akazul’s mission is “To utilise Guatemala’s sea turtles as a ‘flagship’ species, engaging coastal communities in conservation practices through science and education.” La Barrona is one of Guatemala’s key nesting sites utilized by olive ridley and a declining number of leatherback sea turtles and key to our long-term goal is conducting monitoring activities on the turtle nesting beach in order to further our understanding of Guatemala’s sea turtle populations. As well as sea turtle monitoring, Akazul provides a range of educational activities and community initiatives which are critical in encouraging local support for conservation.

Duties

The Sea Turtle Education Assistant (EA) will be working under instruction of the Education Co-ordinator and will be focussed on assisting with running existing education and community activities in the community of La Barrona. The EA will be working closely with both international volunteers and local Sea Turtle Interns throughout the duration of the sea turtle nesting season from 1^st July to December 31^st. Main responsibilities will consist of helping to organise and assisting with the following activities:

• English classes for local children and adults
• Environmental education classes and activities with local children, including the new Marine Pollution program.
• Kid’s Activity Club
• Saving Turtles through Football Program
• Community development activities
• Akazul Community Library
• Annual La Barrona Sea Turtle Festival

As well as education activities, the EA will also be required to assist with some activities associated with the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program including:

• Night time beach patrols,
• Scientific data collection
• Hatchery management activities including egg burial, hatchling release and post-hatching nest excavations.
• Additionally EA’s are expected to contribute to general site maintenance such as; painting, construction and repairs.

Requirements

The Education Assistant is required to commit to the full duration of the sea turtle nesting season (1^st July – 15^th January) and the following skills/experience are required;

• The ability to communicate in written and spoken Spanish
• Experience in working with children
• Excellent social and communication skills
• Creative minded
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and can work independently off own initiative
• Be prepared to live and work in rustic conditions
• The ability to live and work amicably in a communal living environment with people from various cultures and backgrounds

Desirable skills/experience;

• Experience of travelling in Latin America
• Experience in conducting environmental education and community-based activities.

Benefits/Costs

This is an unpaid position but free shared accommodation in the Akazul project house will be provided for the duration of the season. Food is not provided by the project but the EA will have access to a kitchen and evening meals are cooked on a rota system, shared amongst volunteers and project staff. The EA will be entitled to 1 day off every 10 days and 1 week of holiday after 80 days in order to complete their visa renewal. All other travel should be arranged outside of the project season.

The EA is expected to pay a $200 (USD) deposit which will be refunded upon completion of the project.

Additional Contact Information

To apply for this position please send a cover letter and current CV consisting of any relevant experience: admin@akazul.org

Akazul: Community, Conservation & Ecology

34 Honiton Road, Exeter, Devon, EX1 3ED, UK.