Sponsored Research Assistant - Coral Monitoring and Restoration Project

Lang Tengah Turtle Watch are offering the opportunity for 5 candidates to join their volunteer team in fully sponsored roles as Research Assistants. We are looking for budding ecologists, or conservationists, looking to gain experience in the field.  Applicants should have a relevant undergraduate degree, or higher, be good swimmers, certified Open Water diver and comfortable with living in rustic jungle conditions for 8 weeks.

 

 

 

OUR WORK

 

The key to safeguarding our nesting population of turtles - predominantly Green Turtles, as well as Hawksbills - on Lang Tengah relies on our constant and continued presence on the island, as this is the main deterrent to egg poachers.  Living 24 hours a day in the camp, we regularly patrol the nesting beaches on the island by night, relocating any nests that are laid on other beaches back to the safety of Turtle Bay.

 

We are aiming to expand our operations from the shore up into the forest and right down into the ocean.  Our first move has been compiling a species list for the island.  As far as biological research on Lang Tengah is concerned, the records of the marine park and WWF up until we started our operations were described as ‘data deficient’.

 

In 2018 we aim to expand upon the work we did in 2017 from Turtle Bay and do more to understand the marine ecosystem around Lang Tengah. In early 2018 we will be conducting coral surveys around Lang Tengah to learn more about diversity, abundance and health of Lang Tengah’s coral reefs. In September and October, we will primarily focus on conducting quantitative surveys on the fringing reefs around the island to expand our data set from earlier this year and 2017.

 

 

 

YOUR ROLE

 

You will be the driving force of our operation, patrolling the nesting beaches by night with the rest of our young, dedicated and passionate team.  You will also aid in the relocation of eggs, if necessary, and the gathering of data from pre & post hatch inspections, as well as nesting females.

 

The expansion of our research means you will be primarily helping with our coral research. This means assisting in underwater surveys looking at coral coverage and diversity as well as monitoring and maintaining our newly built coral nursery. This is a great opportunity for those being interested in tropical marine biology and coral reef restoration.

 

You will also assist in welcoming visitors from resorts and educating them about the turtles and the project, as well as helping with our school and recycling programmes.

 

You look after the camp, ensuring there is enough water to drink and food to eat, as well as partaking in other camp chores such as cleaning and stock-takes

 

Those looking to volunteer should be relatively fit and acquainted with the rigorous of outdoor living.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

-Relevant undergraduate degree (or higher) in marine biology, environmental science or related field (required)

-Open Water Diver (or higher) with a minimum 40 logged dives (required)

-Previous coral reef survey and coral restoration experience (highly desirable)

-Previous experience in working with sea turtles (highly desirable)

-Free diving certification (highly desirable). Applicants must be able to duck dive 6 meters and hold their breath for 45 seconds.

 

 

 

FREE TIME

 

Turtles and corals aside, we try to make your experience with us as fun and interactive as possible.  Every afternoon, we aim to put on leisure activities to make sure you can experience all the island has to offer, these activities include: trekking through the jungle to secluded snorkelling spots, cliff jumping, volleyball, kayaking, playing games on camp and more!  There is also the option to go scuba diving on the island but this is at an additional cost (only research related diving is covered by Lang Tengah Turtle Watch).

 

 

 

ACCOMMODATION

 

Stripped-back and open-air, the camp lies slightly recessed behind the secluded beach on Turtle Bay.  Think rustic, jungle living - bucket-showers and camp fires.

 

 

Please note that we cannot facilitate visa acquisitions for our volunteers.

 

 

 

We are looking to recruit 5 research assistants to stay from the 3^rd of September until the 21^st of October. 

 

 

 

Lang Tengah Turtle Watch will cover the costs of of all food, accommodation, project training, equipment, orientation and all leisure activities (excl. scuba diving) whilst on the project.  The successful applicants need only pay for their travel to and from the project site and travel insurance.

 

As we are a small organisation and we need funds in order to sustain the research phases on Lang Tengah, we kindly request a token donation from the successful applicant (suggested amount $100 USD, any more would be greatly appreciated) to help cover the costs of their time spent with us.

 

To find out more about our project please look at our website, facebook page, or contact our Project coordinator Bill Matthews: bill@langtengahturtlewatch.org. To apply, please send a CV and a brief cover letter, stating your relevant experience and interest in the position.

 

 

 

WEB: www.langtengahturtlewatch.org

 

FACEBOOK: Lang Tengah Turtle Watch

 

EMAIL: bill@langtengahturtlewatch.org