IS RECRUITING Echo parakeet project Conservation Biologists (EPCB - 2020) Paid and Volunteer positions available Project background/ purpose The echo parakeet (Psittacula eques) is endemic to Mauritius. The species began to decline in the nineteenth century as a result of habitat destruction and the introduction of invasive competitor and predator species. By the end of the 1980's, around 20 echo parakeets remained, making it then the rarest parrot in the world. From that point intensive conservation management actions were applied on the population by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF). As a result of these actions, the echo parakeet population has risen to over 800 birds today. The purpose of this project is to safeguard the echo parakeet population by using conservation management actions to further encourage population growth but also to consider what minimum management strategies need to be implemented. Conservation techniques used include; the provision of supplementary food, the provision of artificial nest sites, the removal of exotic competitors from nesting sites, close monitoring of the population and translocations and releases. We invite you to visit our website for further information on the project and on the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The position The position of Conservation Biologist on the Echo Parakeet project is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic field team, and contribute to the conservation of what was once considered the rarest parakeet in the world. The project has been one of the most intensive and successful parakeet conservation projects ever conducted. The position offers the successful applicant the opportunity to learn a wide range of field skills relating to the monitoring and management of the species, some of which include nest box construction / maintenance and bird handling (ringing, blood sample collection and collection of morphometric measurements). This is an exciting opportunity to work with a species and a project that is known internationally amongst conservationists and interact with conservation biologists from around the world. We regularly run talks and presentations given both by visiting scientists and our own staff where you will learn about other conservation recovery projects run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Qualifications / requirement We are looking for applicants that have the following qualities/experience: ➢ BSc in a relevant subject and over 21 years old ➢ Have no fear of heights. ➢ Climbing experience / a willingness to learn how to climb. ➢ Good level of physical fitness and stamina (ability to walk long distances and carry heavy loads). ➢ Experience working outdoors (especially hiking and navigation in the forest and in difficult terrain). ➢ Ability to work alone, in all weather, in remote and rugged locations. ➢ Full, clean driving licence. Experience of 4x4 off-road driving. ➢ Strong observation skills. ➢ Good practical skills. ➢ Good communicator – written and oral. ➢ Strong initiative and independence; must be able to work unsupervised on a day to day basis. ➢ Ability to live and work with teams and persons from different backgrounds in remote arduous conditions. ➢ Able to follow and work to established protocols. ➢ Must not be colour blind. ➢ Proven interest in wildlife conservation and the environment Summary of terms and conditions of employment Terms and conditions: This is a temporary position with a preferred start date of 1st August 2020 for a duration of 6 months. Other conditions will be further discussed at interview. Accommodation: Provided Transport: Provided for work purposes Location: Island of Mauritius / Mauritius Policies and procedures: We have policies designed to ensure the well-being of both workers and volunteers e.g. Accommodation, vehicles etc. Recruitment & Selection process A questionnaire will be sent to applicants that are short-listed, which will be followed by an interview for the strongest candidates. Skype interviews will be held for overseas candidates. How to apply • E-mail your application quoting the job reference to the HR at hr@mauritian- wildlife.org • Attach a motivation letter (saved as: first name_last name_Motivation Letter) and CV (saved as: first name_last name_CV) as separate word documents attached to the e- mail. • Selection will start as from the 31st of March 2020, and will continue until the positions are filled. .