Sea Turtle Biologist and Guest Educator
POSITION: SEA TURTLE BIOLOGIST & GUEST EDUCATOR
START DATE: 8TH NOVEMBER 2017
DURATION: 1 YEAR WITH POSSIBILITY TO EXTEND
SALARY: 700 USD PER MONTH PLUS LIVING EXPENSES
There will be an 8-week probationary period, followed by a performance review. Performance reviews will take place every 6 months afterwards. Relocation costs will be covered.
The Organisation
The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is dedicated to removing and reducing the number of derelict fishing nets in the Indian Ocean and to protecting vulnerable marine turtles that fall victim to this ghost gear and habitat destruction. We achieve this by training volunteers to remove derelict fishing gear, safely rescue trapped animals, and record important information about the gear and animals entangled in it. Furthermore we conduct research using Photo-ID methods to look at population stability, nesting activity and spatial distribution nationwide in the Maldives. We have one of the largest turtle-ID databases in the world with just over 12,000 observations and work with an international team of experts to better develop and standardize the method.
Starting in late 2017, ORP will be partnering with Prodivers Maldives based at Kuredu Resort and Spa in Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. Prodivers Maldives is one of the largest and longest running 5* instructor development centres in the Maldives. Together, we are looking to employ an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist who will join the team to lead our research and awareness programs.
Job Description
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
• Providing the necessary care and first aid for entangled sea turtles in preparation for relocation to ORPs rehabilitation centre (training provided)
• Sea turtle nesting patrols
• Photo-ID research (training provided)
• Leading sea turtle dive and snorkels for resort staff and guests
• Sea turtle tissue sampling for DNA analysis (training provided)
• Database management
• Giving presentations to guests and staff
• Taking part in raising overall environmental awareness at the resort and in local schools
• Writing social media posts and blogs
Requirements
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and skills:
• Minimum bachelors degree in Marine biology, zoology, or related field
• Fluent in spoken and written English and spoken German
• Excellent communication skills
• Qualified SCUBA diver (preferably rescue diver or higher)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of, and a passion for, the marine environment and conservation
Assets
• Experience working with sea turtles
• Experience working in a remote location with limited resources
• Experience handling large datasets, excel, powerpoint, etc.
• Prior knowledge of R statistical language and analyses
• Fluent in other languages
Please send a CV and cover letter to Martin Stelfox at martin@oliveridleyproject.org before 16th October 2017
