Overview

Macaw Conservation Volunteer (1 to 6 months) –

Runs annually from July to February

Purpose:

The applicant will be a care taker at our Macaw Breeding Center during the non-breeding season. After a training period, the applicant will be given responsibility to care for a group of Macaws. Depending on the successes of the previous breeding season this includes caring for offspring and preparing them for release into the wild.

Volunteer Duties:

•    Daily food preparation and feeding of captive breeding birds, pre-release birds and supplementary feeding of the released flock

•    Regular site maintenance including aviary cleaning, providing perches and enrichment for captive birds and various other husbandry tasks

•    Monitoring the health and behaviour of captive birds

•    Different general maintenance or development tasks may be assigned depending on our current needs and the skills and abilities of particular volunteers

Background:

No previous experience or academic background in Biology needed. However applicants with a background in biology/veterinary or carpentry/construction are preferred.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work 5.5 days a week. Monday to Friday from 5.30am until 5pm with a three-hour break and half a day in the weekend.

Duration of Work:

The minimum duration is one month with a maximum of 6 months. Only available from the beginning of July through the end of February.

Desirable personal Qualities:

•    Dependable and responsible

•    Motivated and positive with a desire to contribute

•    Interested in bird- and nature conservation

•    Flexible, friendly, patient and optimistic

•    Sense of humor is helpful.

Other Benefits:

•    Great experience both in terms of travel and supporting a non-profit

•    Increased understanding and appreciation of different values and lifestyles

•    Increased skill in creative problem-solving

•    Increased skill in team-communication

Anticipated costs:

All international and nation travel costs to get to the site are your responsibility. Volunteers pay $300 per month for on-site accommodation and all utilities. Volunteers buy and prepare all their own food and we recommend you budget for at least $40 per week.