Dear Colleagues,
I would be grateful if you pass this information regarding sea turtle 
work to anyone who may be interested in marine conservation work like 
this.
Thanks,
Richard Reina
Drexel University



LAS BAULAS LEATHERBACK TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT, COSTA RICA

We have positions available for a field manager, field assistants and 
volunteer coordinator for the 2000/2001 nesting season.  Although 
unpaid, these are excellent opportunities for students and others who 
are interested in making a major contribution to conservation and 
biology.  These people will work under the supervision of a Principal 
Investigator who will be on-site during the season.

The project is located at Playa Grande, in Parque Marino Las Baulas, 
Guanacaste, on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica.  The 
leatherback turtle nesting season begins late September or early 
October 2000 and runs until late February 2001.  This is a long term 
project run as a cooperative effort by Drexel University, 
Philadelphia and Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne.  For more 
information on the history and goals of the project, see our website 
http://www.coas.drexel.edu/environ/costa-rica/

QUALIFICATIONS:
Desirable, but not essential qualifications include a bachelor's or 
higher degree in biology (completed or on-going), the ability to 
speak at least basic Spanish, and biological (preferably sea turtle) 
field experience.  Ideally, a commitment for the full 4-5 month field 
season is wanted, but shorter periods for a minimum of 2 months will 
be considered.  There is the possibility for some form of 
collaborative research project for those interested.

COMPENSATION:
We will pay reasonable travel expenses to and from Costa Rica and 
will cover meal and accommodation costs for the duration of the 
project.  Unfortunately, we do not have funding to pay salaries.

1) FIELD ASSISTANTS (several positions):  The duties involved include;
… Working at night with leatherback turtles to collect important 
population census data in collaboration with biologists and 
volunteers.
… Building and maintaining a beach hatchery.
… Relocating eggs to the hatchery as needed.
… Coordinating with National Park staff as well as local tour operators.
… Assistance with various scientific projects such as collection of 
beach temperature and moisture data; hatching success of hatchery and 
beach nests, daily nest counts, and other biological, educational or 
student projects which will be carried out from time to time.

2) FIELD MANAGER:  The field manager will carry out the above duties 
and in addition will oversee the general day-to-day management of the 
project, including scheduling and allocation of duties to other staff 
members and volunteers, coordination with the National Park director, 
data entry and other administrative needs.  Spanish is essential.

3) VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:  This person will oversee the needs of 
short-term Earthwatch volunteers who participate in the project. 
Duties involve making transport, meal and accommodation arrangements, 
as well as organising recreational and educational activities.  Some 
beach work as described above is also required.


We particularly encourage Costa Rican and other native Spanish 
speakers to contact us but you must feel comfortable speaking and 
reading English (that's why this has not been translated to Spanish).

If you are interested in participating, please send a brief 
description of your experience and qualifications (max 1 page), with 
the name and contact information of a referee.  Reply by Email is 
preferred, otherwise send to the street address below.
IF YOU RESPOND BY EMAIL, DO NOT SELECT "REPLY" TO THIS MESSAGE.
Send to "[log in to unmask]"

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Richard Reina, Ph.D.
School of Environmental Science,
Drexel University
3201 Market St,
Philadelphia, PA 19104 U.S.A.
Tel +1 215 895 2099
Fax +1 215 895 2267

Visit my website http://www.coas.drexel.edu/environ/costa-rica/
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