Field Assistants Tempo Inteiro

The islands of Cape Verde constitute the world’s third most important nesting site for the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), one of seven marine
turtle species found worldwide. This incredible species is a critical link in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the health of sea grass beds and
coral reef systems that provide food and shelter for a vast array of other marine life.

For the last 9 years, both international volunteers and members of the local community have worked tirelessly to ensure protection of the female
turtle – by patrolling the beaches nightly throughout the nesting season, educating members of the community about turtle conservation, and
working with the government to improve regulations. While the number of turtles killed has drastically reduced, the illegal poaching and trafficking
persists.

The project encompasses patrolling beaches (night and morning) to monitor nesting and deter hunting, data collection, research, working with
tourists and local businesses, operation of hatcheries, education and outreach activities and beach clean-ups. The work is undertaken by local and
international assistants and volunteers. Although there is a wide scope of activities within the project, protection of nesting turtles continues to be
the main focus and this can be stressful and tiring, but ultimately highly rewarding.

The position of Field Assistant is open to candidates with a commitment to a career in conservation and a particular interest in working with marine
turtles. You will gain valuable experience in the field conducting the following:

• Track identification
• Collection of biometric data
• Tagging and identifying previously tagged females
• Nest relocations and excavations

In this capacity, Assistant duties will include night patrols to deter hunters and data collection through track identification, tagging and
measurement. There will also be day patrols to relocate nests to the hatchery or other locations on the beach. Following the end of the nesting
season, Assistants will be responsible for monitoring and excavating nests and releasing hatchlings. Additional responsibilities include maintenance
of the camp and its facilities, and assisting in the training of the volunteers.

You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable cross-cultural experience by assisting other associations with various small short-term projects
related to improving social and economic welfare within the community. We need motivated, enthusiastic and flexible people with a strong desire to make a difference. You must have previous fieldwork experience but not necessarily on a turtle project. You will be based in a camp on the beach for six days per week, with the opportunity to spend your rest day in an apartment in Santa Maria.

Priority will be given to those with relevant experience and who wish to develop a career in conservation work. After a probationary period you will
be expected to pass a written and practical test. Following your training period we would like you to lead patrols & supervise volunteers and local
monitors.

This opportunity will give you solid work experience that will help you to continue your career in conservation, but living under these conditions can
be challenging, extremely tiring and stressful: you will work during the night as well as during the day! A good level of fitness and physical and
mental energy is required as patrols are long (possibly all night), conducted on foot and may be as long as 15km. Shift patterns vary but you will
have 1 day of rest per week.

Requirements for Field Assistants

• Desire to work in conservation
• Relevant qualification
• Previous volunteering experience, preferably in a camp
• Experience in similar working conditions
• High level of energy and flexibility
• At least 18 years old
• Understand written and spoken English
• Good attention to detail
• Good level of physical fitness
• Used to physically challenging conditions (long walks, late nights, hot weather, insects)
• Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
• Able to work independently and show initiative

Other skills that are useful

• You speak more than one language – particularly Capeverdean Kriolu, Portuguese, Spanish
• You have experience training and managing volunteers in a similar project
• Benefits for Field Assistants
• Field Assistants will be provided with accommodation (field camp & apartment in Santa Maria for rest days) and meals in camp. The meals during
  the days off are not provided.