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| By Auch - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12401496 |
Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. Unfortunately, there can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive for all. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills.
Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. Over the years, our interns have collected vital data on the loss of dolphins that we are now directly using to help conserve and protect them.
We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2018. Because of visa restrictions introduced by the Brazilian Government, which restrict the length of stay of many nationalities, we may need to give priority to applicants from South American countries.
Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 680 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc.
Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $100 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site.
Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. You will see dolphins, monkeys, caimans and exotic birds every day. These appointments reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment.
Successful applicants will:
be aged 21-35 and physically fit
speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English
be available for 9-12 months
have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology
preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID
Applicants should please provide:
Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience
A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study.
The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work.
The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon.
Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto@live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva@gmail.com).
Closing date is 20 January 2018. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 25 January latest.
