At each of PRETOMA’s projects, committed Research Coordinators and Interns are critical to the season’s success.  Timeframes range from 2 ½ to 6 months (depending on site), with each project having its own special points and challenges. Coordinators and Interns generally work in teams of 6-8 people from different parts of the world. Below you will find information pertaining to these Research Coordinator (RC) and Internship positions.

Please read ALL of the information closely before applying.

Research Coordinators (RCs)

One or two RCs are assigned to work cooperatively at each project site. The responsibilities of RCs vary from site to site, but generally entail coordinating the work of project members, the proper and professional recording of all technical data, communicating with project directors and ensuring the overall success of the project. All project sites are very remote, thus a high degree of independence, responsibility and commitment is expected from RCs.

Sea turtle work includes:

• Conducting 3-4 hour night patrols,
• identifying, measuring and tagging all adult turtles
• Relocation of nests into hatcheries or safe places on the beach
• daily early morning walks to count turtle tracks and check status of in situ nests
• monitor hatcheries around the clock
• release hatchlings
• Conduct post hatching nest excavations.

Beside sea turtle duties, other responsibilities (depending on site) may include administrating food supplies and organizing cooking duties, as well as camp/hatchery upkeep and construction, which can include carrying heavy logs, shoveling sand,  plant control and other strenuous physical activities. RCs must also maintain a friendly relationship with all other project volunteers and research assistants as well as members from local communities as positive social relationships are crucial to project success.

All project activities are conducted using the help of volunteer program participants and/or Interns, depending on the project. RCs are expected to orientate and direct project workers upon their arrival and motivate them for the duration of their stay with the project.

Internships

Interns are assigned to work at each project site.

Interns work will be coordinated by each project coordinator; all turtle work is listed above.

Beside sea turtle duties, Interns will need to partake in food administration and cooking duties, as well as station upkeep, which can include cleaning, shoveling sand, carrying heavy objects, plant control and other strenuous physical activities.  It is crucial that selected Interns bring a positive attitude to the project, work well within a team, be adaptable to a variety of situations, and be prepared to partake in ALL aspects of the project.

Requirements

RCs and Interns are expected to stay at the project site for the entire period for which they are selected.

Preference will be given to potential applicants that meet the following requirements:

• Fluent in both Spanish and English (Coordinators only)
• Independent, reliable and responsible.
• Motivated, positive and adaptable to unexpected situations.
• Ability to undertake physical labor during night and day in heat and  rain.
• Comfortable in an isolated setting and working in a team setting.
• Previous experience working in the outdoors (especially with sea turtles).
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced student or recent graduate in biological sciences or related fields.
• Available for the duration of the position for which applying.

Benefits/Costs

Research Coordinators (RCs) have their food and lodging expenses covered while with the project, but are expected to plan and finance all travel to and from the project sites.

Interns have their housing provided by PRETOMA, however a financial contribution is collected to offset the cost of food and project supplies. This contribution is diferent depend of the project.  Interns are expected to plan and finance all travel to and from the project site, and the costs of the visa renewal.

Timeframe

For the 2011-2012 nesting season, PRETOMA will be accepting Research Coordinator / Internship applications for the following time periods:

Research Coordinators (RCs): (5-6 month commitment)

Internship: (minimum of 2.5 month commitment)

Opening and closing dates of all projects:

• 6th July – 28^th Feb 2012 (Playa Caletas), (possibilities to work from march-june)
• 15^th July – 15^th Dec, 2011 (Playa San Miguel)
• 15^th July – 15^th Dec, 2011 (Playa Punta Banco)
• 1^st July – 15^th Dec, 2011 (Playa Corozalito).

Start and finish dates for interns are as follows:

• Corozalito: 1st July-15th Setember or 16th Setember-15th December.
• San Miguel and Punta Banco: 15th July- 30th setember or 1st Octubre- 15th December.
• Playa Caletas: 6th July- 30th September or 1st October- 15th December or 16 December- 28th february.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, send an email which includes:

• Cover letter indicating:
• Time frame(s) you are applying for.
• Why you are interested in the position(s).
• Your personal strong points.
• CV/Resume
• Two professional or academic letters of recommendation send on headed paper.

To:   Sandra Viejobueno or Lotti Adams
Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Projects
PRETOMA
Email: Sandra@pretoma.org, or lotti@pretoma.org

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