Voluntariado: Falkland Islands!

PROJECT: Long term study of southern elephant seals

POSITION: Volunteer field helper for elephant seal research

DURATION: 3 months, September-November 2009

Various volunteer field helpers are required for the 2009 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). More details on the project are available on the research team web site: www.eleseal.org.

Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging, marking, counts, behavioral observations, handling of pups, and collection of biological sampling. Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. The field season runs for approximately 3 months, from the beginning of September to the end of November. Only applicants who can stay for the whole season can be taken into consideration.

Applicants should pay all expenses required to get to the field work site, and telephone/Internet expenses while at Sea Lion Island. Accommodation at Sea Lion Island is rather basic and self-catering. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week (with half day per week of rest).

The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in rather bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a rich and tame wildlife.

To apply please send a cover letter describing your interest in the position and a CV or resume to Filippo Galimberti at fil_esrg@eleseal.org, and copy to fil_esrg@prodigy.net.mx. Contact information for one or more references is appreciated but not essential.