Hiring Organization:
University College London
Date Posted:
2013-06-22
Position Description:
Chimpanzee ecology & habituation project in Tanzania
We need several volunteer field assistants who would like to gain practical experience in chimpanzee habituation and indirect data collection. The successful candidates will be required to go out to the forest in the early mornings and track for chimpanzees, collect data on chimpanzee nests and feeding behaviour. We will provide you with full training on site.
The current study investigates the behavioural ecology of chimpanzees introduced onto Rubondo Island in the late 1960s. Rubondo Island National Park is located in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The island is 237 km2. In addition to chimpanzees, the island contains: elephants, giraffes, sitatunga and suni antelopes, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 200 hundred species of birds.
Volunteer field assistants will also have the opportunity to take remote camera trap recordings of primates (and other mammals) in the interior of the forest. As well as, assist in vegetation sampling to determine the overall tree species diversity.
We need someone to start as ASAP but please be aware that permits may take 3 or more months to acquire.
Information about the field site is available at-
http://rubondoisland.moonfruit.com/#/home/4551174923
Qualifications/Experience:
The applicant must have at least a BSc in biology, zoology, anthropology or another related discipline.
Previous experience working in a tropical country is an advantage. The candidate must be comfortable living in a remote island location. Have a good level of fitness and tolerance of demanding working conditions, as fieldwork involves lots of hiking, working 8 hour days starting early morning in all weather conditions.
The research group consists of volunteers and local staff. Therefore, the candidate should be mature and sensitive to others’ customs and traditions.
Language skills: good speaking and writing ability in English is required. Speaking level KiSwahili would be an advantage.
Salary/funding:
NONE
This is a volunteer position. Permits to work on the island will be arranged by the project. However, covering the cost of the permit will be the responsibility of the volunteer, please enquire for further details.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Housing and transport costs whilst on Rubondo Island will be covered by the project. The closest city to Rubondo is Mwanza which has an airport. A pick-up from Mwanza to Rubondo Island will be arranged by the PI. The candidates will have to pay for any in-country costs associated with travel to the town of Mwanza, on Lake Victoria.
A camp cook prepares lunch and dinner for the team and this will be covered by the project.
Individual luxury food and drinks expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Prior to departure, candidates will need to arrange for vaccinations, anti-malarial prophylaxis, and travel insurance (for medical evacuation).
Term of Appointment:
1 year
Application Deadline:
October 2013
Comments:
If you are interested in this position, please send your CV, letter of interest and the names of 2 referees to njmsindai@hotmail.co.uk
Contact Information:
Gower Street
London, none WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom
E-mail Address: