Widecast Costa Rica The Osa Sea Turtle Conservation Program 2008 Nesting Season
Field Assistants and Volunteers Needed for Sea Turtle Monitoring The Osa Sea Turtle Program has been developing regional sea turtle protection, conservation and research activities focusing on the nesting beaches of Carate, Rio Oro, Pejeperro, and Madrigal, which will result in the gathering of baseline information to contribute to the local, regional, and global study of populations of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific green (Chelonia mydas), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles. Project long-term goals also include (i) Protecting the most important sea turtle nesting areas on the Osa Peninsula - Carate, Rio Oro, Pejeperro and Madrigal beaches - through nightly and daily patrols. (ii) Decreasing poaching of sea turtle eggs through a community-based initiative. (iii) Standardizing and unifying methods and techniques (recording data, tagging, and using hatcheries) for sea turtle conservation and management on the Osa Peninsula. (iv) Finally, we look to increase awareness about the importance of sea turtles, their habitat, and all of the Osa's natural ecosystems. Field Assistant Position Description To head the volunteer's training period once they arrive at the station. To lead beach patrols (night and morning) To verify that all of the proper equipment is prepared before patrolling. To coordinate and oversee the volunteers work at the beach while they are collecting and relocating eggs, and releasing the hatchlings To make sure the hatchery stays clean and organized Every morning, to make sure that all of the data collected during the previous night is transferred to the data sheets, and to ensure that it is entered into the computer database To make sure that the nest temperatures are recorded. To motivate the volunteers to do their work and follow the rules, and promote a fun working atmosphere at the station Field Assistant Requirements Must commit to working at least one of the terms: June 15 - Sept 15 or Sept 15 - Dec 15 Must be at least 18 years old Must at least have some field work experience Must have two recommendation letters English and Spanish skills are helpful Must be able to work well with others Must be in good physical condition and be able to work in tropical climatic conditions (rain, humidity, insects) Must fill out and send the application form (www.osaseaturtles.org) Must have a passion and determination to work with sea turtles. Have a personal insurance policy Field Assistant Benefits/Costs Room and board are covered while living at the field station. Field Assistants are responsible for transportation and enrollment fee of US $35. Field Assistant Application Information: 1. Letter indicating why you are interested in the position and personal strong points. 2. CV/Resume 3. Application Form (www.osaseaturtles.org) 4. Email addresses of two references Send all items to Lia Yohannes, Project Field Coordinator, [EMAIL PROTECTED] and [EMAIL PROTECTED] Volunteer General Requirements 1. Be in good physical condition to walk up to 10 kilometers per night on soft sand. 2. No severe eyesight problems (most work is at night, without artificial lights). 3. Strong interest and/or previous experience in conservation and field work. 4. Be willing to work under difficult and uncomfortable conditions. 5. Have a personal insurance policy. 6. Must be over 18 years old. (People underage need to provide an authorization letter from parents) 7. Must commit to work at least one week. Volunteer Cost/Funding This is a volunteer position and applicants will pay US$ 25/day + US$ 35 (enrollment fee). Cost includes room and board in Carate, an opportunity to learn/speak Spanish, trail access to the tropical forest/local wildlife refuges, and one-day hike into Corcovado National Park. Volunteers are also responsible for transportation. Volunteer Position Duration: The nesting season runs from July 1st through the end of December each year. The peak nesting period for the turtles is September/October with hatchling turtles emerging from mid August through the end of the season. The number of nesting adult female turtles arriving on the beach drops off from June until the end of December. Each season, as part of the conservation effort, the project recruits volunteers, both national and international, to help in the research and conservation work. We also welcome schools to work on the project as part of the environmental education program. Volunteer Application Information 1. Letter indicating why you are interested in the position and personal strong points (please include when you would like to volunteer). 2. CV/Resume Send all items to Lia Yohannes, Project Field Coordinator, [EMAIL PROTECTED] and [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more information visit: www.osaseaturtles.org
