*REPOST DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE CONTACT EMAIL*
*DEADLINE 15 January 2023*
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: CHIMPANZEE RESEARCH FIELD ASSISTANT
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a motivated research assistant for chimpanzee research and ecological surveying at the savanna-mosaic environment of the Moyen-Bafing National Park (MBNP), Guinea. The candidate will be
responsible for the installation and maintenance of camera traps in the home ranges of several chimpanzee groups, chimpanzee monitoring, and ecological surveying and sampling in the region. Together with an
international and local team, the candidate will be responsible for the management of research data, and the day-to-day maintenance and running of the research site.
The research assistant will be accommodated in the Moyen-Bafing Chimpanzee Project research camp, which is located in a remote area with no running water or electricity outside of basic solar power. The
candidate will work closely together with a team of international and local field staff. Exact distribution of duties will be determined according to the background and career aspirations of the candidate, with regular training, feedback, and supervision of progress provided.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential requirements:
(1) previous field experience in remote areas (preference for arid zones/tropics)
(2) proficiency in both English and French (written and spoken)
(3) physically and mentally fit, able to spend long periods of time away from developed areas and be comfortable with minimal living conditions (no plumbing or electricity) in remote and ecologically challenging locations
(4) the capacity to live and work together with a small team of international and local assistants for extended periods of time
(5) good communication skills with other team members and (remotely) with project managers
(6) strong motivation to be active and flexible while managing multiple simultaneous responsibilities
(7) demonstrate tolerance to customs and practices of local communities
Beneficial qualifications (please indicate these clearly in your
application, if present):
(1) Experience with camera trap, wildlife, and/or ecological surveying
(2) Experience with animal behavioral observation and data collection
(3) Experience with video data coding
(4) Familiarity with informal botanical identification, and/or sample collection
(5) Experience and interest in troubleshooting mechanical and structural construction (e.g., buildings, solar power systems, etc.)
(6) Proficiency in MS Excel, Cybertracker, GIS, BaseCamp and/or MapSource
SUPPORT PROVIDED
- Small monthly stipend to offset living expenses
- Reimbursement of up to $1100 USD towards an international round trip flight after completion of a 9-month term of appointment
- Expenses for Visa (if needed)
- All transportation and housing within Guinea (to and from the field site)
- COVID-19 tests within Guinea
- Food during stay in MBNP (mix of mainly local food and occasional western food items)
Please note that expenses during the stay in Conakry and on the way in/out of Guinea can only be partially covered by the project (accommodation and transport only). We strongly encourage applications from West African students and conservationists looking to gain further research experience. We also strongly encourage applications from *all* qualified applicants, and if financial barriers are present please do not allow this to serve as a barrier to applying, but contact us to discuss potential solutions.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT
Minimum 9 months starting in March or May 2023 (to be discussed at the interview stage). Possibility to extend stay with the project is available, pending performance.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be sent via email by January 15th, 2023 to Drs. Catherine Hobaiter, Erin Wessling, and Liran Samuni at mbchimp[at]gmail.com. Please include in your application your CV, a 1-page cover letter highlighting your interest and qualifications, and the names and contact information of at least two references.