Overview

As an Assistant Data Coordinator, you will help collect and analyze foraging, nesting, and hatchery data on a daily basis in addition to ensuring the data are complete and organized at all times. Consequently, you will pick up vital field skills via kayaking, free-diving, photographing sea turtles underwater and on a nesting beach, nightly beach patrols and hatchery management. Being an Assistant Data Coordinator will also require you to interact regularly with volunteers by introducing them to and leading them on our data collection activities.

Project: Perhentian Turtle Project
Location: Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
Job Type: Internship
Duration: 4-months and 8-months periods available between March and October

Learn more about Fuze Ecoteer and the Turtle Project.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct 1.5-2 hour kayak surveys at least twice a week to survey for and collect facial photographs of foraging sea turtles
  • Assist the local Department of Fisheries (DOF) rangers to:
    ○ Patrol a 400m nesting beach in every hour in 4-hour shifts between 10.30pm and 7.15am for nesting turtles and poaching activity
    ○ Collect biometrics and facial photographs of nesting sea turtles
    ○ Collect and relocate eggs from nesting sea turtles into the hatchery
    ○ Collect hatchery data
    ○ Release hatchlings
  • Log all surveys (kayak and beach) and transfer all data collected into the project laptop for data analysis (i.e. photo-ID)
  • Continual monitoring of data for quality and accuracy. Retraining to be provided if required
  • Complete projects, as producing informative displays, and monthly research impact reports to share with stakeholders
  • Introduce, brief and lead volunteers on surveys and data analysis sessions
  • Maintain relationship with local DOF rangers through regular interactions
  • Ensure all safety precautions are taken whilst in the water and make sure all volunteers are accounted for during water-based activities
  • Identify and implement ideas for additional research, sharing data and promoting sustainable practices
  • Ensure the project house is kept clean & tidy with the help of our volunteers through daily chores on a rota basis
  • Follow agreed timetables to deliver work in a timely fashion
  • Be a professional example of a leader and marine conservationist to local community members, volunteers and team members
  • Adherence to all safety measures, protocols, procedures and budgets as directed by Fuze Ecoteer
  • Any other duties that may be required including helping with group events, cover for team member’s leave and illness, shop for project supplies (e.g. food and cleaning supplies), and participate in local/island events

Requirements

  • Must have an interest and passion for sea turtle and marine conservation.
  • Must have a strong interest and experience in outdoor activities, especially water-related activities
  • Must possess strong observational skills, high acuity and attention to detail in particular regards to research training, data collection, data input and research monitoring
  • Must have a strong interest in data collection, management, and analysis
  • Must be proactive and organized in completing tasks
  • Must be able to work (awake, alert, and active) night shifts and in tough conditions
  • Must be open-minded, willing, and determined to try and learn new things, skills, languages, and cultures
  • Must be flexible and quick to adapt to new surroundings – especially humid tropical climates and changes in sleep schedules – and sudden changes in project schedules
  • Must be comfortable communicating in English on a regular basis
  • Must be able to swim and tread water
  • Experience in public outreach and engagement preferred
  • Knowledge of marine conservation in Malaysia and the work of Ecoteer preferred
  • High level of water safety awareness preferred
  • Ability to free dive preferred; training can be provided upon arrival
  • Must be a team player but able to work individually when necessary
  • Strong leadership skills preferred
  • Must have a strong sense of responsibility and discipline
  • Must possess efficient time management to meet set deadlines
  • Must be competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office
  • Skills in R, Python, and/or GIS preferred
  • Experience writing scientific reports preferred
  • First Aid training desirable but basic training can be provided upon arrival.
  • International interns are required to pay a deposit UKP100 to Fuze Ecoteer. Interns will receive the deposit money back when his/her internship contract intern term ends and work performance is satisfactory.

Benefits

  • Have a more holistic understanding of sea turtle and marine conservation by experiencing the wonders and challenges in the field from multiple perspectives including the environmental, social, and legal aspects
  • Develop better leadership and communication skills.
  • Free accommodation – you will live in the project house, sharing a room with at most 3 other people and have access to communal food shared with team members and volunteers.
  • Free food – You’ll get access to communal staff food at the PTP House where you’ll be expected to muck in and help cook. Plus treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine from around the village or when attending Malay dinners with our volunteers.
  • For international interns, visa cost will be borne by the intern. FE can help with the visa application process for a fee.
  • Free Wifi available in the Turtle House.
  • 1 day off per week with an additional block of 7 days off every 90 days during project season (Mar to Nov).
  • All work-related expenses within the islands (Unfortunately this doesn’t include your travel to or from Malaysia)
  • Allowance of RM250 per month from the 7 months onwards if you are able to commit to a longer-term internship.
  • Reference letter upon request after the completion of the internship period.

How to Apply

Applicants should send their CV, cover letter and at least onereference/recommendation letter to adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com.