Conservation Internship

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This is an opportunity that requires the participant to contribute to the cost of the program. If you are still interested, then please read on.

Crees is seeking motivated and dedicated individuals looking to develop their work experience and CV by contributing to a range of conservation projects at our field station (Manu Learning Center) in the Amazon rainforest, Peru. Located on the edge of the Manu Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, our research is oriented towards promoting rainforest protection and regeneration and determining the impact of that on biodiversity.

If you are a student, recent graduate, or someone looking to develop their skills and experience further in the field of rainforest conservation, then we would encourage you to get involved.

Crees is a leading Educational Center located in the Amazon Rainforest. We offer a six month internship and a 10-12 week internship which are designed to develop specific skills in Conservation Research, Community Development and Project Management.

Interns gain a wealth of knowledge and experience in scientific monitoring techniques and conservation research in a tropical rainforest. You also get the opportunity to work with local communities creating biogardens and agroforestry plots, which enable local people to live sustainably and in harmony with the forest.

The internship is split into three phases: a volunteer phase where you will be introduced to all our projects and receive extensive training; a Cusco phase that involves Spanish lessons and a homestay with a Peruvian family; a Work Placement phase where you will gain practical skills in one of two areas (conservation research or community development). You will act as a field team member and run your own project (assigned by the intern co-ordinator) and receive guidance from an assigned mentor.

Skills you will gain:

• Knowledge and experience of a range of scientific monitoring techniques including camera trapping, visual encounter surveys, butterfly trapping, mammal and bird clay lick monitoring, mammal track identification, avian mist netting, amphibian and reptile pitfalling and lots more!
• Gain valuable leadership and management skills through running your own project.
• Biological survey planning
• Species identification
• Handling and processing of specimens including amphibians, butterflies and reptiles
• Environmental impact assessment
• Assessment of risk and supervision of health and safety in the field
• Data analysis and management
• Emergency first aid training and certification

For further information please visit our website: http://www.crees-manu.org/crees-volunteer/internships/programme-2/

This is an excellent opportunity to actively participate in meaningful, well-structured and important conservation and sustainable projects. Working alongside like-minded people, you would gain important field study experience, learning techniques and methods in an area of vital environmental importance.

Crees has been running internship and volunteer positions for over a decade. See our website blog for testimonials and more information ( www.crees-manu.org/blog). The Crees Foundation was set up to promote the conservation of the rainforest through conducting scientific research. Volunteers and interns in the past have contributed to papers that have been published in the National Geographic, the Journal of Herpetology and Science Direct to name a few. Recently, a species of frog new to science was discovered while progress has been made in developing local community initiatives that help preserve the rainforest.

The internship program is available throughout the year. Our key program lasts for six months. However, we also have shorter-term internships (around 10 weeks) that would suit students looking to gain experience while they are studying. See our website ( www.crees-manu.org/internships/) for more information on what you gain from an internship with us. You will stay at our field station (the Manu Learning Center), located within the rainforest on the edge of the Madre de Dios river. This is a worthwhile and beneficial experience that will improve your CV and employment opportunities as well as complement your studies.

AVAILABILITY:

This program is available throughout the year. See the website for more information or contact our US Sales Manager (Duncan@Crees-Manu.org) for dates and availability. Please include details of when you would like to start, what length of program you are interested in and a brief explanation of why you would like to assist our projects.

COSTS:

This is an unpaid position and participants are required to contribute to the cost of the program. You would be responsible for your travel to Cusco, but travel to and from the MLC, food and lodging and program costs are covered in the internship fee.

REQUIREMENTS:

- No previous field study experience is required, but study in a related field is desirable.

- Commitment to Crees' mission and a passion for environmental education and conservation

- A positive and flexible attitude, desire to learn and work hard, willingness to adapt to a changing work environment

- Comfortable living in remote and rustic living conditions in a tropical environment, ability to get along with others in tight, close-knit, living conditions

- Selected applicants must complete a signed form of good health

- Availability meets arrival and departure dates as outlined for each position

CONTACT:

Email: duncan@Crees-Manu.org

Telephone: (585) 310-2670

Website: www.crees-manu.org