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Volunteer Field Assistant - Islands Restoration

Employer
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Location
Mauritius (MU)
Closing date
Jul 11, 2019

Job Details

Project background / purpose

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), has been working on and restoring island biodiversity for the past thirty years. The focus has been towards removing invasive species, replanting native vegetation, monitoring and reintroducing threatened bird and reptile species.

The position

We are looking for highly self-motivated and conscientious individuals to assist with work on the offshore islands within our project teams to:

  • support plant, reptile and seabird restoration and research on Round Island;  
  • ensure island biosecurity is maintained and to remove emergent threats caused by invasive species introductions; 
  • assist when required, our reptile projects (skinks, geckos, snakes, tortoises) for the monitoring of island populations, assisting with reptile translocations and head starting of young reptiles for release;
  • support the maintenance of island infrastructure, such as equipment, enclosures, field stations etc.  

Qualifications / requirement

We are looking for applicants that have the following qualities/experience:  

  • Have gained a BSc in the biological sciences 
  • Demonstrate a keen interest in island restoration and conservation
  • Be physically fit for working in tough remote conditions and able to stay focused on repetitive work
  • Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care
  • Have good written and spoken English
  • Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management
  • Preferably have a driving license for car and/or motorbike 
  • Be a good swimmer and have first aid certification  

Summary of terms and conditions of employment

Terms and conditions:  This is a volunteer position, starting July-August 2019 for a duration of 6 months. Other conditions will be further discussed at interview.  

Accommodation: Provided

Transport: Provided for work purposes

Location: Island of Mauritius / Mauritius

Hours of work: 220 hours of work per month

Policies and procedures: We have policies designed to ensure the well-being of both workers and volunteers e.g. Accommodation, vehicles etc.  

Other: They would be required to pay for their own return airfare and must have comprehensive insurance cover (including repatriation) for the duration of their stay. The volunteer will need approximately £200 per month to cover their own costs for food (on and off the islands), socialising and personal items. Personal equipment needs are basic (e.g. work clothes, sturdy boots, sun protection, reliable watch, LED head torch, thin sleeping bag and/or bed sheet, mosquito net, mobile phone). Due to the nature of working on islands, the hours worked will be irregular and at times will involve working nights, weekends and public holidays, with up to a month spent on an island at a time. The work will involve the capture, handling and release of wild animals.

Recruitment & Selection process

The selection process will involve short-listing and a Skype interview for the short-listed candidates with senior Islands Restoration Staff.

How to apply

Please send a CV (resume) and a covering letter (with the word ‘Islands’ followed by your surname and initials at the start of each file name), by email to: hr@mauritian-wildlife.org   

Closing date for applications: 9th June 2019.

Company

The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is the only non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Mauritius to be exclusively concerned with the conservation of the endangered endemic plants and animals of Mauritius.

The work carried out in Mauritius is one of the world's most successful conservation stories. This is due to MWF's restoration work started in the 1970s, which has succeeded in rescuing  the Mauritius Kestrel, Echo Parakeet and Pink Pigeon, from the brink of extinction. We also develop protocols for the rescue of native plant species and we work in Rodrigues restoring the flora and fauna, replanting the native forest. MWF has been actively involved with island restoration in particular on Ile aux Aigrettes and Round Island, both of which contain highly threatened biodiversity of global importance. These conservation efforts will benefit future generations of Mauritians. MWF promotes local capacity building and provides local employment through its activities. MWF continues to flourish as a strong, vibrant and innovative organisation.

Our goals:

  • To save threatened Mauritian species through the restoration of entire ecosystems.
  • To seek new information through field research, data management, captive studies and scientific collaboration for direct application to restoration methods and management.
  • To share knowledge gained through restoration programmes with fellow Mauritian and international conservationists.
  • To share the joys and benefits of native wilderness and wildlife with the Mauritian people.
  • To secure the future of Mauritian species through income generation and sound management of human, fiscal and capital resources.

Our hands-on conservation projects are carried out in Mauritius including the offshore islets and Rodrigues. We work closely with local and international partners, with the long-term aim of recreating lost ecosystems by saving some of our rarest species from extinction and restoring the native forest. Another important part of our work is to raise awareness about conservation issues through our education programme.

Company info
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