Conservation Volunteer

Macaw Conservation Volunteer (1 to 6 months) – 

Runs annually from July to February

Purpose:

The applicant will be a care taker at our Macaw Breeding Center during the non-breeding season. After a training period, the applicant will be given responsibility to care for a group of Macaws. Depending on the successes of the previous breeding season this includes caring for offspring and preparing them for release into the wild.

Volunteer Duties:

• Daily food preparation and feeding of captive breeding birds, pre-release birds and supplementary feeding of the released flock
• Regular site maintenance including aviary cleaning, providing perches and enrichment for captive birds and various other husbandry tasks
• Monitoring the health and behaviour of captive birds
• Different general maintenance or development tasks may be assigned depending on our current needs and the skills and abilities of particular volunteers

Background:

No previous experience or academic background in Biology needed. However applicants with a background in biology/veterinary or carpentry/construction are preferred.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work 5.5 days a week. Monday to Friday from 5.30am until 5pm with a three-hour break and half a day in the weekend.

Duration of Work:

The minimum duration is one month with a maximum of 6 months. Only available from the beginning of July through the end of February. 

Desirable personal Qualities:

• Dependable and responsible
• Motivated and positive with a desire to contribute
• Interested in bird- and nature conservation
• Flexible, friendly, patient and optimistic
• Sense of humor is helpful.

Other Benefits:

• Great experience both in terms of travel and supporting a non-profit
• Increased understanding and appreciation of different values and lifestyles
• Increased skill in creative problem-solving
• Increased skill in team-communication 

Anticipated costs:

All international and nation travel costs to get to the site are your responsibility. Volunteers pay $300 per month for on-site accommodation and all utilities. Volunteers buy and prepare all their own food and we recommend you budget for at least $40 per week.