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.

Hawaii.

AVICULTURE INTERNS WANTED for the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui. Daily tasks include husbandry duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding birds, grounds keeping, predator control. Applicant must be able to live with several roommates in a remote area and should show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian birds. Applicant must 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 at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter and the names and contacts of three references to: ROBBY KOHLEY P.O. Box 39 Volcano, HI 96785 (FX: 808-985-7034). For more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to: AMY POOPATANAPONG 2375 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 (FX: 808-572- 3574).

AVICULTURE INTERNS WANTED for the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center (MBCC) on the island of Maui. Daily tasks include husbandry duties such as: diet preparation, aviary and facility maintenance, behavioral observations of breeding birds, grounds keeping, predator control. Applicant must be able to live with several roommates in a remote area and should show enthusiasm for work with captive endangered Hawaiian birds. Applicant must 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 at KBCC, please send a resume, cover letter and the names and contacts of three references to: ROBBY KOHLEY P.O. Box
39 Volcano, HI 96785 or fax (FX: 808-985-7034). For more information on internships at MBCC, please send this information to: AMY POOPATANAPONG
2375 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 or fax (FX: 808-572- 3574).

AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS (1-2) needed 22 Sep to 30 Nov, to join the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project during the release of captive-bred Puaiohi into the Alakai Wilderness on the island of Kauai.
This critically-endangered Hawaiian songbird inhabits the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged high-elevation rainforests of Kauai near one of the wettest places in the world. You will be joining a team of 4 researchers and field crew already in place, along with 1-2 collaborators from the captive breeding facilities. Most of the work will consist of radio-tracking released Puaiohi to determine their survival and dispersal. Additional activities include setup and maintenance of rodenticide bait stations around the release site, visual surveys for released birds, general camp maintenance and data entry. Most hiking will be on maintained trails, less often along stream corridors, and there may be occasional very rugged off-trail forays (no backpacking required). You must be physically fit and able to: hike several miles per day on trails or along streams at >4000 feet of elevation, often in wet and chilly conditions. You also must be able to detect and ID birds by color-bands and sounds and navigate using GPS and maps. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii's native species is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team or solo, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a permanent camp for several days at a time. Careful data collection is a must, and when not in the field duties will include data entry and organization, maintenance of field equipment and living quarters, and other work around the office. Compensation is $1280/mo plus housing, and project vehicles may be used for limited transportation on Kauai. Must have a valid drivers license. Must provide own travel to Kauai. To apply, send resume, cover letter and contact information for 3 references by email to puaiohijobs AT gmail.com Inquiries preferred via email, or contact PAULINE ROBERTS (PH: 808-338-1361), Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, P.O. Box 458, Waimea, HI 96796. Application consideration will begin in early Jul, applications received after 1 Aug 2008.

ORNITHOLOGICAL FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 28363. Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. Regular, Full-Time, Limited Term (seven (7) months in duration with possibility for extension), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, located in HONOLULU, HAWAII. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. Minimum Monthly Salary:
$1,730.00 - $ 2,500.00. Duties: Assists in carrying out field activities for early detection of avian influenza in migratory and resident bird populations across the state. Prepares and maintains field supplies (trapping devices, banding equipment, and sample media), ships samples, and manages data collected in the field. Prepares or assists in preparing correspondence and reports. Assists with activities such as water bird surveys, wildlife observation, data entry, water level management, and pest control on the Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Minimum Qualifications: Education: One to two (1-2) years of college level course work from an accredited university. Experience: One to three (1-3) years of experience conducting research on birds with primary focus on capturing, measuring, and banding birds.
Abil/Know/Skills: Working knowledge of the principles of avian ecology and conservation. Working knowledge of various bird capture techniques.
Ability and skills in techniques of bird capture, handling, measurement, and banding. Able to coordinate field logistics and collect field data.
Ability to perform data management and analysis using Microsoft Office.
Must possess a valid driver's license. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within twelve months of hire). Physical/Medical Requirements: Ability to hike a minimum of four
(4) miles on trails with thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack.
Desirable Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Conservation Biology, or related biological science field. Proven experience in handling of wild birds using multiple techniques to capture birds, especially shorebirds and/or waterfowl. Previous experience working with avian influenza sampling. Inquiries: ANA GABELA [PH: 587-4148 (Oahu)].
Application Requirements: The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to http://www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s)
to qualify for position by fax (FX: 808-956-5022) or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. Closing Date: 20 Jul 2008. EEO/AA Employer.

Guam

AVIAN BIOLOGIST/ECOLOGIST, Avian Ecology Research Opportunity.
Institutional Affiliation: University of Washington, Animal Behavior Program. Funding: Division of Fish and Wildlife, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Location: Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. Job
Description: Looking for postdoctoral-level individual to conduct research on the Mariana crow and Rota bridled white-eye on the island of Rota in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Nearly all forest bird species on this small 86 sq km island located in the Pacific are experiencing declines. There is funding through the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife to continue Mariana crow and Rota bridled white-eye population ecology research, and similar research on associated native forest birds. The research is located on the island of Rota, near Guam and part of the CNMI. The Mariana Crow is endemic to Rota and Guam. It has been almost extirpated from Guam due to the Brown Tree Snake. Qualifications: Must have a Ph.D. in relevant field (Biology, Wildlife, etc). This research will require spending approximately 9 months/year on the island catching, banding, radio-tracking, and monitoring birds, and supervising students (undergraduate and graduate). The postdoctoral candidate will also be expected to contribute to reports to US FWS, data analyses, grant-writing and publication in collaboration with the PI and Co-PI.
This is a physically challenging position on a remote island and will require a highly motivated individual. Housing conditions are good on the island, but the fieldwork conditions are rough. Thus, candidates must have good physical ability to tolerate the rough terrain and temperature/humidity. Individuals with allergies to wasps/bees should be aware that they are prevalent in some areas of the island and medical care on the island is limited. This position requires that you be a team player as research will be coordinated through the Principal Investigators, the US FWS and the CNMI DFW. The candidate must possess a valid driver's license. Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities include a working knowledge of crows or similar species, radio-tracking experience, experience with avian field techniques, background in conservation biology, public outreach experience, and experience with supervision, training and coordination of field staff, students and volunteers. This project has tremendous long-term research potential, as most of the native bird species are endemic to either Rota or the immediate archipelago. The initial funding is available through the local CNMI DFW from now to 30 September 2009, and there is a strong potential for continued funding. The start date is dependent on logistical arrangements. Shared housing will be provided if desired. A vehicle will be provided for the project, so it will not be necessary to ship a vehicle to the island. To Apply: Send your C.V., letter of application stating your qualifications and interests, and three letters of recommendation to the e-mail or snail-mail address below. Salary:
based on experience. Last Date to Apply: 31 Jul 2008. Contact: RENEE ROBINETTE HA, Ph.D., University of Washington, Animal Behavior Program, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195 [EM: robinet AT u.washington.edu (Preferred), PH: 206-685-2380 (checked infrequently)]. The University of Washington is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Marianas

WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST / WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLANNER–Closing Date: 17 Jul 2008. Location: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is an archipelago of 14 islands. The three southern islands of Rota, Tinian and Saipan are the most heavily populated. Saipan is the capital where the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife is located. Nature of work: This position is a combination of avian field surveys and review and analysis of development proposals for impacts to endangered species in the CNMI.
The candidate will be responsible for reviewing and commenting on land use and development project proposals that affect endangered species and conduct basic bird monitoring for the wildlife program. As part of land use and development proposal review they will review initial site inspections performed by technical staff and conduct site specific biological surveys as needed. The candidate will often be required to conduct bird territory mapping, census surveys and develop avoidance plans to ensure protection of endangered species, pursuant to regulatory authority. In this capacity the candidate will interact with other government agencies and the public as the agency representative. The candidate will review, update and recommend new methods and procedures and review and comment on legislation that affects wildlife. The candidate will have an opportunity to develop endangered species research proposals designed to improve management through research. The candidate will participate in regular avian monitoring, data entry, analysis, and annual report writing. Qualifications: The Wildlife Planner should have at a minimum a bachelor degree in biology, conservation, natural resources, environmental biology (science) or a closely related field and a minimum of a one year experience in a related position. A Masters degree is preferred but not essential.
Preferred candidates will have experience with most of the following:
Natural resource development permitting, environmental planning, basic bird survey techniques, bird territory mapping, public relations, multicultural experience, MS excel, basic GIS , excellent writing skills, excellent communication skills with the public. A successful candidate will work well in teams however also be independent and demonstrate initiative in resolving conservation issues. Flexibility and tolerance in a multicultural community is essential. Will need to travel and work in the field sometimes under strenuous field conditions.
Eligibility: Only United States Citizens are eligible for this position.
Term: This is a one year term appointment renewable upon mutual consent.
Salary: $28,000-$39,000 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 LAURA WILLIAMS, Wildlife Section Supervisor (EM: lwilliamscnmidfw AT gmail.com). Please contact Laura Williams if you are unable to submit electronically via email or phone (PH: 670.664.6010 or 6000).

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