Nature Travel Specialists

 

Volunteer & Research Wildlife & Nature Travel Opportunities by Country

 

We don't list opportunities here in the US except Hawaii and Alaska. However, we do list mainland US opportunities on our US wildlife volunteer travel pages, mostly bird jobs/internships for students and recent graduates.

We haven't included specific opportunities from environmental volunteer websites such as Ecovolunteer for the sake of space - go directly to their sites - see our volunteer travel page for these.

We keep these opportunities on the list for longer than they may be available, as we are not told if they are filled, but don't want to eliminate them if they are still open. We apologize if you apply and find it was filled a few weeks earlier.

As the countries & opportunities keep changing you'll need to click on through to check if there's a country you're interested in. There's only 5 or 6 pages so it won't take long.

Please note that due to spammers trolling for email, all email addresses are written with the word AT, rather than with @; they are not live hyperlinks. Web links are live.

 

 

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Hawaii & Pacific Territories

 

Guam

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP - We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to study conservation approaches to recovering the critically endangered Guam Micronesian Kingfisher. The birds currently exist only in captivity, and work associated with this position is intended to provide guidance for establishing a wild rescue population. The postdoc will undertake a three-phase project in the developing area of reintroduction and translocation biology. Work will be aimed at: 1) conducting research to identify reintroduction and translocation sites for a wild rescue population of Micronesian Kingfishers; 2) coordinating and conducting site visits and surveys of top-candidate islands; and 3) studying techniques for managing captive and wild populations of Micronesian Kingfishers. A qualified research associate will have interests in the development of quantitative conservation-oriented decision models, population demography, translocation and reintroduction science, and the development of conservation theory. Applicants need to have a Ph.D., and possess a broad range of interests and associated skills. Candidates should have demonstrated abilities with quantitative modeling, interests in demographic processes in small populations, and the ability to make field visits to remote locations in Pacific Oceania. Further, candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English, in public, and with a range of international and domestic cooperators from private and public institutions. The position is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and it will be based in the Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Annual salary and full benefits are included. Applicants should email a brief letter of interest, CV, and the names and contact information for references to DYLAN KESLER (EM: keslerd AT missouri DOT edu).

MAUI RARE BIRD SEARCH VOLUNTEERS (4) wanted for two weeks, 13-24 Sep 2010, to conduct transect searches for Maui Parrotbill, and other endangered forest honeycreepers, in Waikamoi Preserve on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Parrotbill are critically endangered, estimated at around 500 remaining individuals. Primary field duties include aiding staff from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project with finding and GPSing locations of Maui Parrotbill and `Akohekohe and recording Maui Creeper encounters along transects. Field duties are physically challenging, working at 5,000-7,000 ft elevation, in muddy and steep rainforest conditions. Desirable Qualifications: (1) Excellent physical health (no chronic problems with knees, ankles, or back) (2) Excellent birding skills and capacity to detect birds by their vocalizations (3) Experience and comfort with wilderness hiking (4) Experience and comfort with group living. Provided Benefits: (1) Learn about Hawaiian forest bird conservation and bird ID with biologists from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project; (2) Search and probably see one of the most endangered birds in the United States in an amazing rainforest setting; (3) Housing at our intern and volunteer cottage and in the conservation research cabin on Haleakala (4) Transport to and from the airport and into town for shopping (5) Field gear required for searches. Work schedule will include 2 full days of training and 7-8 days of searches in The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve with a weekend break in between for your own free time to explore Maui. Volunteers will provide their own food during their stay as well as their transport to and from Kahului, Maui. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is asking for a $600 donation to help off-set costs of volunteer accommodation rental, transport, and field supplies. The donation is tax deductible. To apply please send a cover letter outlining your current physical fitness for rugged field work, your field biology experience, especially bird surveys or rare bird searches, your wilderness or back-country experience, and a recent resume to DR. DUSTI BECKER (EM: dusti AT mauiforestbirds.org).

RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS needed this July 2010 for banding efforts of Maui Parrotbill. Primary field duties will include aiding staff with mist-netting and banding of Maui Parrotbill, ‘Alauahio and other forest birds. Field duties are extremely physically challenging, working at 5,000-7,000 ft elevation, in extremely wet (annual rainfall up to 400 inches), cold, muddy and steep rainforest conditions. Desirable
Qualifications: (1) Mist-netting and banding experience with passerines, primarily set-up and handling of mist nets and extracting birds and (2) hiking in steep backcountry terrain. Provided Benefits: (1) An introduction to Hawaiian forest bird conservation by trained biologists with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project; (2) Getting to work with one of the most endangered birds in the United States in an amazing pristine rainforest setting; (3) Helicopter transport in and out of the field for both banding excursions; (4) Housing at our intern and volunteer cottage during time out of the field; (5) Transport to and from the airport and into town for shopping and re-supplying for field trips; (6) All field gear required for both banding trips. Work schedule will include training on 7-8 July and 2 field trips 9-16 July and 22-29 July with a break in between for your own free time to explore Maui. Volunteers will provide their own food during their stay as well as transport to and from Kahului, Maui. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is asking for a $500 donation to help off-set the costs of helicopter transport and field supplies. (Donation may be subject to waiver depending upon North American Banding Council certification and experience). To apply please send a cover letter outlining your ornithological experience and expertise with special attention to mist netting experience to HANNA MOUNCE (EM: mounce AT hawaii.edu).

AVICULTURE INTERNS wanted for the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program (HEBCP). The HEBCP operates two captive propagation and research facilities – the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui – with the goal of preventing extinction and promoting recovery of endangered Hawaiian avifauna. Daily duties include: diet preparation, cleaning and maintenance of aviaries and facilities, behavioral observations of breeding birds, record-keeping, grounds-keeping & predator control. Applicants must: **Display enthusiasm for working in aviculture and bird conservation. **Be at least 21 years old and be able to live with several roommates in a remote area. **Have a valid driver's license and health insurance.
Internships last for a 3-6 month period. Interns receive $20/day stipend, plus housing. For more information on internships, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to: (EM: hebcpinternship AT gmail.com). Please indicate in the subject line which center you are interested in (or both). Or mail application to: JEREMY HODGES at KBCC, P.O. Box 39, Volcano, HI 96785. Amy Poopatanapong at MBCC, 2375 Olinda Road, Makawao, HI 96768.

MARIANA ISLANDS

SENIOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST/WILDLIFE SECTION SUPERVISOR -- : The *Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands*. Closing Date*: 15 Aug 2010*. Location: The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) consists of the northern 14 islands of the Mariana archipelago (i.e., all those north of Guam). The three southern islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan are the most heavily populated, the latter of which is the seat of the local government and where the Division of Fish and Wildlife
(DFW) is located. The base location for this position will be *Saipan.* Nature of work: The Wildlife Supervisor will be the grant manager for the CNMI DFW-Wildlife Restoration Program and will supervise three Wildlife Biologists and three Wildlife Technicians. The Wildlife Section researches and monitors wildlife of the CNMI including 11 endemic birds (including 7 IUCN listed endangered species), the endangered Mariana Fruit Bat, and other local wildlife such as coconut crabs and feral ungulates. The three Wildlife Biologists manage individual projects under the DFW's wildlife grants including development permitting, avian conservation projects, and endangered species (birds and bats) research and monitoring. The three Wildlife Technicians support the Wildlife Supervisor and Wildlife Biologists with survey work and data entry. The Wildlife Supervisor, in coordination with the Wildlife Biologists, will be directly in charge of budgeting and inventory for wildlife projects.
The Wildlife Supervisor will organize and be responsible for the timely submission of grant proposals, yearly grant agreements, and annual reports and updating Standard Operating Procedures. He/she will supervise and/or organize the completion of wildlife monitoring surveys on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and will coordinate with other DFW sections and local and federal government agencies. Additionally, the Wildlife Supervisor will review and comment on legislation and policy that effect the CNMI's fisheries and wildlife natural resources and review scientific research permits. The Wildlife Supervisor will be DFW's representative for multi-agency committees and meetings which may include the local Zoning Board, Coastal Resources Management Board, Water Task Force, Invasive Species Task Force, and area conservation committee meetings. The Wildlife Supervisor will also have the opportunity to develop new projects within the Wildlife Restoration grant. Additional information on the CNMI's Division of Fish and Wildlife program can be found at (URL:
_http://www.dfw.gov.mp/Wildlife/Wildlife%20Research.html_). Living on Saipan provides numerous benefits including diving, snorkeling, swimming, and other water sports, access to gorgeous tropical beaches, no temperate winter climate, great sushi, and a chance to live in a diverse multicultural community. Qualifications: This position requires at a minimum a Master's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, ornithology, zoology, mammalogy or other closely related field, and at least three years experience managing programs, grants, budgets, contracts, and supervising professionals and technicians. Preferred candidates will additionally have broad ecological and environmental survey and research experience and education. They will be experienced in a broad spectrum of wildlife and habitat surveys including avian, bat, vegetation, endangered species, and development permitting, and be well versed in the use GIS. A successful candidate will have experience working closely with other local and federal agencies, will work well in teams while being independent, and will demonstrate initiative in resolving conservation issues. Flexibility, patience, and tolerance in a multicultural community like that of the CNMI are essential. This position does require occasional travel and work in the field, sometimes under strenuous and hot conditions. Eligibility: Only United States Citizens are eligible for this position. Term: This is a one year term appointment renewable upon mutual consent. Salary: $42,000-$48,000 commensurate with experience. Travel and limited relocation expenses will be paid. Contact: Please send cover letter and CV or Resume, and references via email to PAUL RADLEY at (EM: paulradleycnmidfw AT gmail.com , FX: 670.664.6060). Please contact Paul Radley if you are unable to submit electronically (PH: 670.664.6011 or 664.6000).

 

Africa           Alaska         Asia          Australia & South Pacific         Canada 

Central America         Europe         Hawaii & North Pacific         South America         

Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease