Volunteer
as a Research Assistant and gain the fieldwork you need to stand out in the Biologist community. You'll assist in population
recovery, participate in marinelife research, data collection and data analysis. You'll gain the unique experience of managing
the world's only Incubation Greenhouse for sea turtle incubation. Our RA's are trained in collecting data on nesting sea turtles,
nest relocation, incubation greenhouse operation, nest excavation, and hatchling releases. Early morning patrols are run on
ATV's, evenings are spent releasing hatchlings, and days can be spent supervising the incubation area, recording nest data,
designing publicity, and analyzing data to improve hatching success. There are lots of beautiful beaches to explore in the
area, as well as a culture-rich downtown full of shopping, dining, and art galleries.
About our Nest Relocation Project:
Three species of endangered Sea Turtles nest on the beaches of Todos
Santos: Olive Ridley, the critically endangered Leatherback, and occasionally the Black sea turtle. Beginning in October
when Leatherbacks arrive to nest, the sand temperature drops below the necessary 26 degrees celcius required for successful
incubation. For this reason, our Biologists and RA's relocate the nests to a special Incubation Greenhouse designed
to increase the sand temperature and hatchling yeild. Approximately 100 nests are relocated to the greenhouse each season.
RA's also help supervise the incubation areas, care for hatchlings before their release, are trained in
nest escavation, and help manage the hatchling releases.
Research
Assistant Job Description:
We work with each of our RA's on an individual basis to design a program that fits your interests
and needs. RA's can work various shifts depending on the month of participation. Nest Relocation Patrols are run
late at night and in the early morning October - March. You will be trained in recording physical data on nesting turtles,
nest collection and relocation.
Daytime duties include: Incubation supervision, Recording Greenhouse temperatures,
Caring for hatchlings, Nest escavation and Hatchling releases (Releases take place November 15- April). There are
many on-going Volunteer activities that take place throughout the year like public awareness design and development. We are
also open to you receive your ideas. You may work as little as four hours each day, or up to 10 hours if you desire.
You can also take days off to relax and explore Todos Santos on your own.
Accommodations:
The Volunteer Casitas are
conveniently located between the beach and centro, with several markets within walking distance. The property is gated and each Casita
has a locking door and private bathroom with hot water. There is a large palapa covered kitchen and common eating area. Volunteers
will be coming and going at different times, and so can choose to prepare meals individually or as a group. There is wi-fi
so bring your portable internet device. Volunteers can elect to be woken up and taken to the nesting site if a turtle is on
the beach during your night off. After submitting your registration below you will be taken to a page to reserve your
Casita.
.
Research Assistant Prerequisites?
Research Assistants need to be at least 18 years of age. We accept
undergraduate students, grad students, and college graduates with coursework in Biology, Environmental studies, Oceanography,
Geology, Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, Spanish, International business, Business management and any other related
major. Spanish language skills are not a requirement, but will come in handy. We are currently accepting Reasearch Assistant
registrations for the upcoming nesting season.
When is the Best Time to Intern?
October 15 - March31 is our target
season, when outside temperatures are too low for natural incubation. Hatchling Releases and Incubation supervision
begin in mid November and last through April. Nightly patrols are run October - February, and taper off to every
other night in March depending on nesting frequency.
. Transportation
in Todos Santos: Research Assistants have assess to vehicles )ATV and passanger van) provided they have a valid
drivers licence (Foreign licences are acceptable).
Costs:
Research Assistants are responsible
for their travel expenses, meals, contribution, and entertainment:
The following safety protocols have been established for the health and safety of our Staff,Interns and Visitors:
1.
Only Staff and Interns are permitted inside the Turtle Camp and Greenhouse.
2. Visitors can observe hatchling releases
from a six foot distance.
3. Night patrols are limited to a 4-5 person maximum.
4. Biologist for a Day is limited
to a 4-5 person maximum.
5. Informational signs will replace Informational speeches.
6. Intern Casitas have private
bathrooms and refrigerators.
7. Casita eating areas are outside and well ventilated
At this time we do not have paid Internships available
due to lack of Funding.
Month
Nest Relocation
Hatchling Releases
Oct
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
-
Nov
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
-
Dec
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
Jan
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback
Feb
Olive Ridley, Leatherback
Olive Ridley,
Black, Leatherback
Mar
Leatherback
Olive Ridley, Leatherback
Apr
-
Olive Ridley, Leatherback
July 2017:
Junior Lifeguard
and Sea Turtle Camp Instructors
Work with
local Mexican kids as they develop their swimming skills, learn about conservation, and camp out to rescue sea turtle nests
If you will be in Todos Santos for the nesting season at another
location, conservation opportunities are also available. Contact us to plan your family Camp-out (October-December),
organize a school field trip or create a group conservation activity. You can also help supervise the incubation
greenhouse (January-March), and participate hatchling releases in Las Playitas.
The Volunteer form is not required to participate in Hatchling Releases or single night Camp-outs.
Julie with Olive Ridley hatchling
Josh with Leatherback track
Our philosophy is that Environmental Advocates love the ocean and environment because of our positive experiences that have
bonded us to them. Help us give positive environmental experiences to young people by sponsoring one of our Education Programs!
