Project Description A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) is needed to serve as an Endangered Species Conservation Specialist at the Junín National Reserve-National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP), in Junín, Junín, Peru. The regions of Junín and Cerro de Pasco, located in the center of the Andes, are the habitat of two endangered species of frogs: *Telmatobius macrostomus* and *Telmatobius brachydactylus*. In recent years, the National Reserve of Junín in coordination with key national and international stakeholders have been promoting conservation initiatives to protect these endangered frog species through the strengthening of park rangers, increasing local student knowledge and promoting monitoring and data collection activities oriented to understand the conservation status of these species. Over the last few years Peace Corps – Peru has been supporting the Junín National Reserve with the placement of 3 Community Environmental Management Program volunteers who supported environmental education, ecotourism, and conservation actions within the national reserve. The purpose of this assignment is to continue the conservation initiatives to protect these endemic frogs’ species and to strengthen SERNANP capacities to lead actions for their conservation and monitoring. The office of the Junín National Reserve is in charge of the management of the Chacamarca Historic Sanctuary, also located in the central Andes and near the RNJ, where conservation and monitoring actions are also carried out.
An Endangered Species Conservation Specialist, with a bachelors in biology and at least 3 years of experience in biological monitoring of amphibians. The PCRV will work to strengthen networks between SERNANP and other conservation entities, design and implement a monitoring protocol for endangered frogs, and train park guards in proper database management. The Volunteer will also train park guards on management and analysis of ecological data, design and establish a conservation management plan for the frog population, and support activities, workshops, and field trips aimed at local and regional communities and students. The overall goal of this assignment is to build the capacity of the park to conserve its biodiversity. *Required Skills* •Bachelor’s degree in Biology (or related field) with 3 years of experience in biological monitoring of amphibians and/or Master’s degree in herpetology. •Experienced in the field of scientific research related to biodiversity conservation / monitoring. •Intermediate Spanish (written / spoken). Level that allows you to train rangers and volunteer park guards in wildlife monitoring and ecological data management. •Ability to perform in extreme climatic conditions and high elevations (4105 m.a.s.l). The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/response-openings/endangered-species- conservation-specialist-4904br/
