Marine Research Expedition Staff in Kenya

01/10/2009

Filled

1 year

Mkwiro village, Wasini Island, close to Shimoni, 80km South of Mombasa. Satellite bases include Shimoni village on the mainland and communities close to Taveta and Tsavo West National Park

From December 2009

Marine Conservation

Paid Work

Support the GVI Kenya expedition Marine Research Programme, primarily cetacean population research using photo-identification, and also snorkel surveys of turtles and other marine life. The expedition supports Kenya Wildlife Service and other local partner organisations. The successful applicant will be expected to support volunteer management, expedition logistics and other activities including coastal forest biodiversity research, teaching English, environmental education and supporting community-based sustainable development.

Starts at $100 per week, flight contribution paid in instalments after 6 months

1

Global Vision International has been running conservation expeditions since 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profit organisations and government agencies. Through its international network of over 150 personnel in over 39 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI places over 100 people each year in jobs or field work placements overseas and also distinguishes itself by having a proven track record of sending over 2000 people away every year for safe, enjoyable, educational and fulfilling volunteer experiences on a variety of projects and expeditions. To date over 5000 volunteers have joined projects resulting in the direct financial support of over UK£4,000,000 / US $8,000,000

• Training, supervising and leading volunteers
• Mentor and Assessor for BTEC qualification in Supervising Biological Surveys
• Programme development, data analysis and reporting
• Field research activities
• Maintaining high health and safety standards
• Maintenance of base, equipment, boats and vehicles
• Base and logistic support

• Relevant degree (Biological or Environmental Sciences)
• RYA Powerboat Handling Level 2 certified (or equivalent)
• Emergency First Response Instructor qualification
• First Aid certified
• Driving licence

• TEFL or alternative teaching qualification

Applicants should be fit and in good health, enthusiastic, flexible and hard-working, with good personnel and leadership skills. Field research experience with cetaceans and boat driving essential. Teaching experience, community development experience and Swahili language all advantageous.

Conditions are basic, with the research base located in a rural island community only accessible by boat and living in shared accommodation without running water and with limited power. Staff have their own rooms on base. Camp duty tasks such as cleaning and cooking are shared amongst the expedition team. Days can be long and physically demanding.

• All food
• Accommodation
• All travel during expedition activities