Field assistant for reintroduction of endangered species

The Visayan Warty Pig and the Visayan Spotted Deer are both endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay in the Philippines. They were once abundant across these islands but are now critically endangered and endangered respectively due to hunting and habitat loss. The Talarak Foundation Inc. (TFI) has been instrumental in the captive breeding and maintenance of these two species along with several other west Visayan endemic and endangered species. After 30 years of captive breeding, TFI is initiating a reintroduction program at the Danapa Nature Reserve, Bayawan, Negros Oriental. This reserve was established in 2019 under the ownership of the Bayawan municipal government aimed to conserve the endemic species of Negros and develop a foundation for re-wilding the area. 

TFI will initially be reintroducing the Visayan Warty Pig and Visayan Spotted Deer between April and May 2020 but looking for field assistants to start late February/early March for training and assistance in release preparation. We want field assistants to help in all aspects of the reintroduction program from camera trapping, VHF and GPS telemetry, behaviour observations, and community outreach and education.

During your stay you will be living in a dormitory style accommodation with shared workspace, bathroom, and kitchen. You will be living in close quarters with between 6-12 people and you are expected to follow house rules and respect fellow team members. There will be very limited electricity and no refrigeration which will limit food options. There is no internet connection at the site and limited cellular signal. Solar charging will be available during the day to charge equipment and personal items. The work requires long hours in a dense tropical forest, usually in hot and humid conditions leading to early start times. Given the terrain and structure of the reserve, walking will be the primary method of travel and can reach up to 15 km per day with large amounts of slopes and hills. One day off per week will be given and a one week break during a three month stay. 

Job description:

• The primary role of a field assistant is monitoring released Visayan Spotted Deer and Visayan Warty Pigs using VHF telemetry 
• Recording observed behaviours and movement in a data collection app
• Remote downloading of GPS telemetry data from specific individuals 
• Trail construction and maintenance
• Setting and maintaining camera traps across the reserve
• Assessing habitat change from specified plots 
• Creating home range maps using QGIS 
• Engaging with local community members to encourage conservation 
• Building capacity of local community and students to conduct conservation science
• Assist in conducting education presentations within schools and local communities

Minimum requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old but we can make exceptions based on experience/skills
• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in biology, conservation, ecology, wildlife management, or other related fields with an interest in pursuing a career in conservation (educational background can be superseded with exceptional experience)
• Prior field experience of 6 months or more is needed due to the intensity of the work and site
• Must be physically fit and have a positive attitude
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to inconsistent working environment 
• Ability to get along with others in a communal setting
• Openness to other cultures and a respect for their traditions, customs, and beliefs
• Minimum stay of 3 months but we will prioritise applicants who can stay longer
• Health insurance and needed vaccinations 

Preferred requirements:

• Fluent in bisaya and/or tagalog
• Prior experience living in and/or working in a tropical country
• Experience in QGIS and R 
• Ability to drive manual trucks and/or motorbikes 
• Experience with radio telemetry 

This is an unpaid position but we will cover accommodation and food at the site. Assistants will be expected to arrange their travel to and from Bayawan city, Negros Oriental, and cover their visa costs.