Application deadline: February 20, 2017
Start date: March-April 2017
Duration: 6-month period with the possibility of extending subject to the approval of the project coordinator
Introduction
The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) is looking for a volunteer with a marine science background to join the Marine Biology Department at the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. The selected candidate will be an important member of the Seamounts Project, whose objective is to assist in the first ever comprehensive ecological characterization of deep-sea communities across numerous seamounts inside the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR). She or he will establish a biodiversity baseline that will act a reference point for monitoring future ecosystem changes. This project involves the analysis of images and videos, identification of deep-sea fauna, undertaking statistical analysis, technical writing, as well as engaging with local communities to support the project’s education campaign and social awareness program. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the first deep-sea baseline study of seamounts in the GMR and the discovery of deep-sea species that very likely are new to science. Moreover, the volunteer will have the opportunity to work with a team of international scientists and experience life on an island community inside one of the most unique marine reserves.
Volunteer Responsibilities
1. Assist in developing methodologies for analyzing images and video transects that were recorded across numerous seamounts in the GMR.
2. Analyze images and videos transects for the characterization of Galapagos seamount deep-sea communities.
3. Assist in creating an identification guide for deep-sea species of the East Tropical Pacific.
4. Update the project’s databases and bibliography.
5. Support the coordination of exporting deep-sea samples to our international collaborating
scientist.
6. Assist in data analysis, writing scientific publications and technical/donor reports, and
developing education/awareness materials and social media articles.
7. Design and undertake surveys among local communities to assess current perception,
use and value of seamounts ecosystems of the GMR.
8. Assist in developing and executing the project’s outreach program, as well as
education/awareness events across the Archipelago’s communities.
9. Provide logistical support for fieldwork activities and maintenance field gear.
10. Partake in eventual field trips, data collection and lab work.
11. Support other marine research activities of the department as required by the project
coordinator.
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Galápagos, Ecuador Casilla 17-1-3891 Quito – Ecuador (593-5) 2526 146/147
cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec
www.darwinfoundation.org
Required qualifications
• BSc in marine biology or related field. Graduate degree is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience in taxonomy of marine organisms, experience with deep-
sea fauna is an advantage. Experience in stereo-video analysis is desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially using Excel, as well as statistical
software such as R, for handling of large databases.
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills. Previous experience in conducting interviews
and surveys is desirable.
• Advanced fluency in Spanish, as candidate is required to be able to communicate
both in writing and orally in both English and Spanish. Additional languages are an
asset.
• Ability to take initiative and manage time to complete delegated tasks efficiently with
minimal supervision.
• Proactive team player, able to integrate into a multidisciplinary team in an isolated
environment and able to work a busy office.
Terms
The volunteer of the Seamounts Project works under the direct supervision of the project coordinator. The selected candidate will be based at the CDRS on the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Volunteering at CDF does not imply an ongoing relationship with the volunteer beyond the expected duration of the mission.
The volunteer is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, from 07:30am to 12:00pm and from 13:30pm to 17:00pm. Due to certain project activities, such as field trips, this schedule may be altered. The volunteer can request an extension in advance, but it will be subject to the approval of the project coordinator.
The volunteer is responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the Galapagos Islands, living expenses and accommodation during their time here. A room in the Volunteers Dorms on the CDF campus can be arranged if there is availability. The volunteer must purchase their own accident, diving and life insurance for travel to and from the Galapagos and for the duration of their work in the Islands.
The CDF will assist in processing entry permits into to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. This will require however the collaboration of the volunteers’ country of residence to coordinate with the Ecuadorian embassy, which grants the necessary visas. The CDF cannot process a visa longer than the expected duration of the mission.
How to apply
The applications forms are available at: www.darwinfoundation.org Email vol@fcdarwin.org.ec:
• Filled out application form with necessary annexes.
• Resume and cover letter.
• Names and email addresses of two references that can give a personal
recommendation of the candidate.

• Two professional letters of recommendation, including the names and email addresses of the references
Email the above address if you have any questions