Internship for bat and dugong projects
Paid Internship for Dugong and Flying Fox Conservation Projects
Two science graduates needed to assist VESS to conduct surveys and fieldwork as well as office-based duties in Port Vila with travel to outer islands. October to November with possible extension. A chance for recent graduates to gain valuable work experience.
Essential Requirements
- Completed degree in science subject (would suit recent graduates)
- Good written communications skills in English and Bislama
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in a team
- No experience necessary, training will be given
- Must be available to travel up to 3 weeks to outer islands
- Interest and respect to Vanuatu’s flora and fauna
How to Apply
To apply, email your curriculum vitae (2 page max) and cover letter (1 page max) which includes a paragraph on why you think dugongs and bats are important to people and the environment to conservation@vanuatuconservation.org before 25th of September 2019 .
Biodiversity assessment training
Are you a recent science graduate?
Do you want to learn how to assess Vanuatu’s wildlife?
VESS is organizing a Biodiversity Assessment Training to be held from the 17th—20th of April 2018 in Port Vila. We are looking for at least six recent science graduates to train with us, preferably graduates with qualifications in the field of biology, environmental or marine science. The training will be conducted by Australian ecologist, Tyrone Lavery from the University of Queensland and will include assessments of birds, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates.
The training is part of the Bat Project and is being funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Interested graduates should be able to attend all 4 days of the training including evening outings. To register your interest, please email vess@vanuatuconservation.org
VESS is recruiting again
Are you passionate about the environment and protecting threatened species? Are you interested in the endemic bats of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands? Are you keen to learn new techniques and skills? Then you might be the person we are looking for!
VESS has a position a Threatened Species Officer (Bat Project) to work on implementing the “Conservation of the Endemic Flying Foxes of Torba and Temotu in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands” project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The project’s aims are to conduct scientific research on the biology and ecology of three species of flying foxes in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands that are threatened with extinction. A species action and survival plan for each of the three species of flying fox will also be devised under this project. Amongst other activities the job will involve working with research scientists from the University of Queensland and a 3 to 4 week long field expedition to northern Vanuatu and southern Solomon Islands and additional travel in Vanuatu. The project aim is to build capacity for biodiversity assessments including for bat species and VESS will provide training to the threatened species project officer.
This role will also involve some administrative work for VESS as well as assisting with an outreach program to involve people in conservation themed events and talks.
Criteria:
- Minimum qualification of a year 13 high school certificate SPFSC however candidates with a Bachelor Degree in a natural science subject will have an advantage
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- A passion and enthusiasm for the environment and conservation
- Previous experience in project implementation desirable
- Computer literacy including email and Microsoft suite
- Must be able to commit to FULL time employment
- This position is open to Ni-Vanuatu Citizens
Salary: 300-400 VT per hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Language: English, Bislama, French is an advantage.
Closing Date for applications: 5 pm Wednesday 12th July 2017
How To Apply: Please address your cover letter (max 1 page) to Dr. Christina Shaw.
In your letter please include one paragraph why you think bats are important to people and the environment in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Please mention why you believe their conservation is important and what measures can be taken to conserve them.
Send you letter together with your CV (max 2 pages) by email to vess@vanuatuconservation.org.
There is no need to send academic record or references at this stage.
VESS has an opening for an Australian volunteer
There is an opportunity to volunteer for VESS. If you are Australian and have experience in ecotourism or threatened species management then you may be interested in this assignment. Applications close on 21st March. Here is a description of the position:
Take a walk on the wild side and help conserve Vanuatu’s threatened species and ecosystems whilst improving the livelihoods of the local community!
Vanuatu lies in the East Melanesian Islands hotspot for Biodiversity and has a high number of endemic species and iconic species such as dugongs and sea turtles. There are untapped opportunities to develop ecotourism products based on this natural wealth. However there is a fine balance between tourism helping threatened species and causing them or communities harm. Your expertise will shift the balance in favour of conservation whilst improving local livelihoods.
VESS is a young organisation and our aim is to use science as a tool for conservation in Vanuatu and to encourage Ni-Vanuatu scientists. VESS is currently implementing the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation project, a global GEF-funded project involving eight developing countries. We are also working on a CEPF-funded project to increase awareness of threatened species in Vanuatu. Ecotourism potential involving these animals and plants will be explored under these projects and incorporated into workshops derived to communities.
You will identify potential ecotourism products involving wildlife that could improve livelihoods of people. You will help develop guidelines and codes of conduct for tourism operators to improve the livelihoods of these animals and plants, and the people who share their habitats. You will also investigate opportunities for “voluntourism” as a sustainable mechanism for funding conservation programs to protect Vanuatu’s threatened species.
In your role you will help the VESS Ni-Vanuatu scientists, officers in the Department of Tourism and community members better understand the benefits and pitfalls of ecotourism involving wildlife. – See more at:
Find the details of the assignment here: Wildlife_Ecotourism_Advisor
If you are interested find out how to apply via this link.
Job Available: Do you want to help conserve threatened species?
Are you outgoing and great at engaging people? Are you passionate about the environment and protecting threatened animals and plants? Are you organised and do you have good computer skills? Then you might be the person we are looking for!
VESS has a position for a project officer to conduct awareness about species in Vanuatu threatened with extinction. The position will also involve administrative tasks at the VESS office in Port Vila. The job will be based in Port Vila with some travel to the islands to conduct awareness campaigns.
Criteria:
- Minimum qualification of a year 13 high school certificate SPFSC however candidates with a Bachelor Degree in a natural science subject will have an advantage.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- A passion and enthusiasm for the environment and conservation.
- Previous experience in project implementation desirable
- Computer literacy including email and Microsoft suite.
Salary: 300-400 VT per hour commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Language: English, Bislama, French is an advantage.
Closing Date for applications: 5 pm Friday 2nd December
How To Apply: Please address your cover letter (max 1 page) to Dr. Christina Shaw.
In your letter please include one paragraph about a threatened species found in Vanuatu that you are passionate about. Please mention why you believe its conservation is important and what measures can be taken to conserve it.
Send you letter together with your CV (max 2 pages) by email to vess@vanuatuconservation.org.
There is no need to send academic record or references at this stage.
Photo from ARKive of the White-necked petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) – http://www.arkive.org/white-necked-petrel/pterodroma-cervicalis/image-G87832.html
Our new employee
Meet Douglas, our new Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project Scientist (he is the one on the right). He graduated in Marine Biology this year from USP and is now employed full time on our project. Ajay, also a marine biology graduate is working for us a couple of days a week too.
