Field Assistant Recruitment

Position: Field assistant 
Affiliation: Asian Turtle Program – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Duty station: Quang Ngai Province, Central Vietnam  
Application deadline: 30th August 2013
Start date: September 2013

Background:

The Asian Turtle Program was established in 1998 and incorporated into the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo/Cleveland Zoological Society’s Asia regional program in 2003. 

The aim of ATP is to create a safe and sustainable future for Asian turtles, and to ensure that no further turtle species become extinct in the region. We implement strategic interventions that directly contribute to the conservation of Asian turtles through developing capacity, strengthening leadership, and ultimately effecting positive attitudinal and behavioral changes within society.

Scope of work:

The Field assistant will assist the Field officer in the development of Conservation projects for important turtle species in central Vietnam such as Vietnamese Pond Turtle (Mauremys annamensis), Bourret’s Indochinese box turtles (Cuora bourreti), Lesser Indochinese Box turtle (Cuora picturata) and other species.  The field assistant will support field officer in conducting field surveys and activities to monitor wild turtle population and engaging local communities through a variety of awareness activities.  

All activities will be undertaken under the supervision of the program coordinator’s and Vietnam turtle coordinator.

Main responsibilities:

- Field assistant works with field officer to conduct interviews and field surveys throughout Central and Southern Vietnam focused on priority species, Mauremys annamensis, Cuora bourreti, Cuora picturata and other species.
- Work closely with Field officer to make schedules, budgets and complete receipts, report updates and press releases after each survey or activity.
- Complete  turtle field records for all specimens observed.
- Support field officer in establishing and developing the Species Habitat Conservation Area (SHCA) for the Vietnamese Pond Turtle (Mauremys annamensis).
- Support field officer in monitoring of released wild animals inside SHCA area using various methods such as non-lethal trapping and radio telemetry
- Assist the Field officer with awareness activities such as community meetings, school programs, training and wildlife crime advocacy activities.
- Assist Field officer to complete weekly and monthly reports in English to be submitted to the Vietnam turtle coordinator.
- Support Field officer to work with local counterparts and collect data in local area.
- Other tasks when required

Desired qualifications and candidate profile

- University degree in forestry, fisheries, biology or related fields.
- One year or more work experience
- Passionate to conservation of Vietnam’s wildlife
- Competent in computers, words, excel, PowerPoint and Email
- Good English skills.
- Strong communication skills and an ability to work with local communities and local government officials.
- Able and willing to work well in field.

Contract Duration: successful candidate will be offered  one-year contract with the possibility of extension base on completion of his/her performance .

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact details to: 

Ms. Bui Thi An –Office Manager

Asian Turtle Program, 1302, Thanh Cong Tower,
57 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi
Tel: 043 3514 9750/Fax: 043 3519 0383
Email: [email protected] 

We are sorry that only short listed candidates will be contacted. No phone contact, please.

For more information on the ATP, please visit our website: www.asianturtleprogram.org