Mauritius Island Restoration Intern

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

Mauritius
Training
Full-time

2 months ago

Key responsibilitiesWe are looking for highly self-motivated and conscientious individuals to assist with the conservation and restoration work on the offshore islands within our programme teams and to actively participate in the internship training component. This internship is specifically designed for early career conservation professionals from Mauritius, the South-Western Indian Ocean islands or related conservation contexts.Soft skillsGood to knowGoals & Performance Metrics:“On-the-job” training will be provided notably through the field work you will conduct within our Island Restoration team on Round Island, and Ile aux Aigrettes with potential opportunities to participate in other island work:

Implementing island biosecurity protocols and invasive alien species management
Surveying and monitoring rare plant species, endemic reptile and seabird populations
Supporting plant nursery work, habitat restoration
Assisting (when required) with reptile translocations and head-starting of young reptiles for reintroduction and use of species as ecological replacements (Aldabra giant tortoises)
Biodiversity data entry, analysis and management

Around 200 hours, spread across the year, will be spent in classroom training to cover topics such as:

Invasive species management and control
Scientific survey design and methods for island biodiversity monitoring (distance sampling, Capture Mark Recapture, Population Viability Analysis using Vortex, statistical analyses using R, GIS and mapping, data management using Excel)
Preparing animal tissue samples for exportation and overseas analyses
IUCN Red listing process
Technical and scientific documentation and reporting

Career Progression Opportunities:The internship is an opportunity for you to gain more experience in the conservation sector. In addition to it this will open the door for you for paid jobs with our partners and even opportunities to work abroad.Benefits & Culture:You will be provided with basic equipment's for your daily work and will have the opportunity to work with very experience Biologist of the region.Candidate Selection Criteria:Hard skills

Have gained preferably a BSc in biological sciences (or similar)
Have a sound knowledge and understanding of spreadsheet applications and data management
Have good written and spoken English (French/Creole would be an advantage)
Have preferably a driving license for car and/or motorbike

Soft Skills

Be physically fit and healthy for working in tough, remote conditions for extended periods of time
Be able to stay focused on repetitive work and ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care
Be a good swimmer.

Highly motivated person with a first practical experience of field conservation and demonstrate a keen interest in field-based island conservation and restorationWork condition:You will be working on unique nature reserves and islands. A monthly food allocation will also be provided to each selected intern to support food and personal expenses. We also offer medical coverage in case of emergency.Food allowance of 20 000 , deductible as per Mauritian LawMessage from your future manager N+1:This is the best opportunity to discover unique places that you will never visit if you were working anywhere else. The internship will allow you to meet with many stakeholders in the sector, discover the career of passionate biologists from all over the world and you may even find your next paid job as many others did.

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