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Title

Sea Turtle Research Assistants
Posted
Reference
Sectors Conservation & Ecology
Location Malaysia - Asia & M East
Salary Additional Information Allowance + free food, accommodation and in-country travel
Salary (Minimum)
0
Salary (Maximum)
0
Type Temporary / Contract / Seasonal
Status Full Time
Level Voluntary & Interns
Deadline 07/04/2023
Company Name Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
Contact Name Audrey Symplicius
Email Audrey@langtengahturtlewatch.org
Website Further Details / Applications
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Description

Lang Tengah Turtle Watch (LTTW) was founded as a conservation organisation in 2013 to help save turtles – predominantly green turtles, and a small number of hawksbill turtles and painted terrapins from extinction. Having started on Lang Tengah Island, then at Tanjong Jara Resort in Dungun, we are now expanding our conservation efforts to another nesting site at Pantai Chakar Hutan in Kerteh, Terengganu in collaboration with the Terengganu State Department of Fisheries.

We are looking for three passionate and engaging individuals with experience in sea turtle conservation to join us as Research Assistants at our mainland project based at Pantai Chakar Hutan in Kerteh, Terengganu, Malaysia. This project provides plenty of opportunities for hands-on conservation work while learning more about nesting turtle monitoring as well as public outreach and engagement. 

Position available: As soon as possible – early November 2023

Work Description

LTTW collaborates with the Department of Fisheries at Chakar Hutan to monitor the nesting beach, manage a hatchery and carry out outreach activities. While a research assistant is expected to contribute in many ways to the Chakar Hutan project, typical responsibilities include the following:

  • Conduct literature reviews.
  • Do nightly beach monitoring to collect nesting data.
  • Relocate sea turtle nests into the hatchery.
  • Conduct nest checks, hatchlings releases and post-emergence inspections.
  • Respond to any reporting of stranding turtles and collect stranding data.
  • Carry out beach clean-ups and collecting data of the marine debris collected.
  • Prepare daily exhibition setup, give educational talks to visitors at the hatchery and information centre as well as organise hatching release events.
  • Carry out outreach programmes for schools, universities and corporate groups.
  • Enter and analyse data.
  • Assist in any activities/surveys involving the local communities.
  • Responsible for the maintenance and proper use of all LTTW equipment and update all inventories.
  • Adhere to all safety measures, protocols, procedures and budgets as directed by LTTW.
  • Travel for the purposes of work following agreed schedule and within the budget.
  • Attend LTTW events, as necessary.
  • Take on tasks in addition to the descriptions above as delegated by higher management that are deemed fair, achievable within the present task load and within the person’s capability.

During the first two months, you are expected to get familiarise with the project activities. Every research assistant will be given their own research project to work on after. As the research assistant will be sharing working and living space with other staff members, research assistants and interns, you are expected to:

  • Assist in any other duties that may be required including covering for team members’ leave and illness, shopping for project supplies and participating in local events.
  • Ensure that the hatchery and information centre are kept clean and tidy at all times.
  • Ensure that the project house is kept clean and tidy with the help of other staff, research assistants and interns through daily chores on a rotation basis.

Project Base & Accommodation

We have a field house nearby Pantai Chakar Hutan, which acts as an office and accommodation. You will be working primarily at Pantai Chakar Hutan where our hatchery is. You need to feel comfortable being outdoor most of the time by the beach. Shared accommodation is provided in the field house.

General Requirements:

  • Experience in sea turtles nesting monitoring and hatchery management.
  • Organised and meticulous, with strong attention to detail.
  • Experience in public outreach and engagement.
  • Possess good communication skills and able to work with people from different backgrounds and have confidence in public speaking.
  • Proactive and independent – two of the most important elements as you will work with minimal supervision.
  • Able to live and work in a small team.
  • Undertake and demonstrate consistent planning of your workload and adhere to self-set deadlines.
  • Be physically fit to do hourly night patrols on a 1.4-km beach.
  • Able to work long hours throughout the day and night, often with irregular or little sleep.
  • Flexible and adaptive – the daily routine can alter depending on multiple factors and being able to adapt to this is essential.
  • Good knowledge of Malay (preferable) and English.
  • Culturally sensitive – as the project is in Terengganu.
  • Must be competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office.
  • Knowledge in statistics and using SPSS, R and GIS is an advantage.
  • Preferably possess own transport for commute between the field house and the beach. Otherwise, be willing to cycle 3–5 km daily.

There will be a probation period subjected to performance reviews. You will be given a monthly allowance, and food and accommodation will be provided whilst on site.  Additionally, in-country road travel to and from project sites will also be covered by LTTW. 

If you feel you’re the right person to be part of our young, passionate and dynamic team of conservationists, please do send through a copy of your C.V. and a cover letter to our Assistant Manager, Audrey, at audrey@langtengahturtlewatch.org with CH Research Assistant as the subject heading before 7th April 2023.
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