Please find the announcement of cetacean research assistants in Nicaragua for ELI-Scientific.

Thanks a lot.

Kind regards,

Cetacean Research Assistant 

About ELI-Scientific

ELI-Scientific is a nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in January 2015. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans. We have set up the research project “Cetacean Conservation in Nicaragua”.

ELI-Scientific is recruiting two research assistants for field work, photo-identification and data entry from January to March 2016. This project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, distribution and habitat use patterns. The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to participate to a pioneer research project under the supervision of the Team Leader and the Project Director.

The expected output is to generate: 1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism.

Master students or persons aiming to work on a research project are strongly encouraged to apply to this position. All team members will have a training beforehand on the field methodologies and protocols as well as on data management.

Location: Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua

Period: January - March 2016 (3 month)

Type of agreement: Full time. 1 Day off per week.

Research assistants should expect to spend at least 4 days a week on the field and 1 day a week in working with data and should be willing and able to work a 6 days per week during the 12-week field study.

Duties:

• Assist in Boat based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans
• Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species
• Update photo-ID catalogue
• Data entry of collected data

 Skills and qualifications:

• Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences
• Fluency in Spanish
• Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working
• Have background in cetacean ecology
• Experience of working in developing countries
• Experience in delivering educational activities
• Proactive with ability to work unsupervised
• Interest in wildlife and conservation
• Being comfortable on a small boat
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Being able to work in a small team

 Desirable skills:

• An interest and knowledge of marine life
• A background in marine biology
• Speaking English and French is a plus
• Be able to swim

Successful candidate will:

• Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies
• Work in a very dynamic environment
• Get insight in running a research project in developing countries

Accommodation and expenses:

There is no monetary compensation for this study. Accommodation and food will be provided for 450 euros/month or 500$/month. This depends on the funds obtained by the NGO and/or the participant. The Research assistant is responsible for its own transportation. Travel from Managua to the study site will be covered.

Funds:

European students or unemployed persons are encouraged to apply and can contact us to discuss funding opportunities.

To apply:

Please email a CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to joelle.deweerdt@eli-s.com with “Research assistant 2015” in the subject line. The application
deadline is 18 October 2015. Interviews via Skype are possible.

Contact:
For further information and any queries, please contact Joëlle De Weerdt, Project coordinator Email: joelle.deweerdt@eli-s.com
Tel: 0032 497 71 20 87

Website: www.eli-s.com
Facebook: ELI-Scientific