See Below
I. Basic Functions of the Position:
The Puntacana Ecological Foundation is currently accepting applicants for mid to long term internship positions to develop and implement independent research pilot projects under their Partnership for Ecologically Sustainable Coastal Areas program particularly projects that aim to protect and restore the endangered *Acropora* corals. The selected candidate(s)will be collaborating on a daily basis with the project coordinator to design and implement their independent research. Candidates will be working on a variable but full-time basis determined by the intern’s direct supervisor. The candidate is expected to work outside normal established hours, participate in night diving and on other unscheduled events depending on the needs of the PESCA program.
II. Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Working with the Project Coordinator, develop a prospectus for an independent research study for which the intern will be responsible.
2. Work independently to implement the project and use available resources to collect all data necessary.
3. Assist the Project Coordinator in activities related to the maintenance and upkeep of the coral gardens in the Dominican Republic.
4. Assist the Project Coordinator in out planting and restoration activities.
5. Participate in, lead, or implement environmental education courses, workshops, and/or training activities related to the PESCA program.
6. Suggest and design environmental education materials.
7. Help collect water samples when solicited by the coordinator of that project.
8. Assist the marine technician in activities related to coastal operations.
9. Care for and provide basic maintenance to project equipment.
10. Work with other volunteers or interns to achieve the goals of the coral restoration Project.
11. Commit to seeing the independent project and agreed upon internship completed.
12. Interact and work well with other staff and personnel.
III. Work Relationships:
The selected candidate will be collaborating with:
a) Internal
Puntacana Ecological Foundation Coastal Marine Department: Assignment of tasks
Marina Dock Tender: fuel dispatch and storage.
The Marina: Use of radios, procedures and collaboration with the marine technician
b) External:
United States Peace Corps: Environmental Education
Other coral restoration partners
Other Puntacana Ecological Foundation collaborators
IV. Requirements:
a) Education: We are looking for candidates that are highly motivated and interested in the preservation, conservation and restoration of coastal marine resources. A bachelor’s in one of the following areas is preferred: biology, ecology, marine biology, environmental studies, or other similar careers.
b) Experience: The ideal candidate would have experience in the marine ecosystems of the Dominican Republic. Applying candidates must know how to swim and *possesses a scuba certification *with at least 10 additional dives above those required for Open Water certification. Rescue diver or advance diver certification is preferred. Applicants must have the ability to work under strenuous and adverse conditions including working with currents, waves, poor visibility, long dive times and continuous back to back diving days. The applicant must be able to work efficiently, problem solve, adapt to changing situations and work independently under minimal supervision. Interns must complete assigned tasks on time and with quality; must be punctual and represent the best interest of the institution. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required.
Other Requirements:
Divers Insurance
Medical Insurance
At least Basic Spanish
c) Duration: The length of the internship is negotiable but a minimum of 4 months is required. This is a full-time internship that can be served at any of the established nursery sites in the Dominican Republic. Any compensation or benefits are dependent on the location of the internship and available funding. Interns are not illegible to receive the same benefits as full-time staff. No vacation is awarded but days off can be flexible.
d) Compensation and Benefits: Punta Cana Field Site only (all other sites will be provided at a later time) ? The Ecological Foundation will provide the candidate with on-site dorm stile lodging which have electricity and running water 24 hours. ? Three meals daily will be provided. Breakfast is self-served; lunch is at the Tortuguita employee restaurant which serves mostly Dominican style meals. Interns have access to the Executive dinner at the same employee restaurant. ? A small stipend depending on the qualifications of the candidate, the length of the internship, and the AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (Note: the stipend is dependent on funding; in the past, the stipend has been as much as 24,000 Dominican pesos/month) ? The option of checking out a bicycle for local transport ? Office space with a computer ? At least 6 days off a month (No vacation is contemplated for this internship)
Additional Benefits Include: ? A/C and ceiling fan. ? Semi-private bathroom with weekly housekeeping. A full kitchen with basic cooking utensils and a fridge. ? Wireless internet throughout the foundation. ? Television with Cable. ? Access to the Ecological Reserve and the freshwater lagoons. ? Within 5 miles from the Puntacana International Airport. ? Access to washing machines and dryers (at additional costs). ? Access to a 24 hour employee pool. ? Special discounts at the dive shop. ? The opportunity to travel to other localities.
A typical day as an intern could be described as: 1-2 dives in the morning depending on the needs of the project followed by material prep or data entry in the afternoon. Occasionally, both mornings and afternoons will be dedicated to diving related activities. Dominican students/ professionals are highly encouraged to apply.
Interested Candidates please contact or send your resume with a brief letter of intent to one of the following:
Puntacana Ecological Foundation
Att: Coral Restoration Internships
Email: fepc@puntacana.com
Tel.: 809-959-9221
Coral Restoration Project
Victor Galvan
Email: vgalvan@puntacana.com
Tel.: 809-959-9221×1805