The Amazon Conservation Association (ACA) is offering volunteer opportunities at our Peruvian field stations ( http://www.amazonconservation.org/about/fieldsites.html) available in the following areas: *biological monitoring and research*, *sustainable agriculture*, and *community outreach and education*. Opportunities are outlined below. In order to maximize the value and impact of the volunteer experience, we currently require a minimum month commitment in order to participate. Volunteers at all 3 stations pay $35/day (covers food + lodging) for any stay lasting between 1 and 2 months, or $30/day for stays lasting 2 months or longer. Volunteers are required to work 6 hour days at least 5 days a week and must be: o Over 18 years of age o In good physical condition o Able to commit to at least one month on site o Able to speak basic Spanish o Experienced in foreign travel
Our 3 Peruvian field stations offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities that make it possible for almost any individual to make a positive contribution to conservation. With three broad project categories to choose from, flexible work schedules, and tasks tailored to volunteers of all levels of skill and experience, we trust that you will find an opportunity that's right for you. *Biological monitoring volunteer* The Biological Monitoring and Research volunteer opportunity encompasses a wide variety of projects designed to support the station's Science Program. Volunteers in this area will carry a full schedule (~30 hours/week) consisting of one or more of the following activities: o Monitoring and inventorying of biodiversity (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc.), especially in response to climate change and other human impacts o Forest composition and phenology surveys o Research into species' functions, distributions, and population dynamics o Research into habitat health and restoration o Collection and preservation of biological specimens o Recording geographic data using GPS technology o Development of educational materials and interpretive guides o Collection of climatological and water quality data o Research into natural forest nutrient cycles (especially carbon and soil nutrients) and the factors that drive them o Research into native wildlife conservation and management o Data entry and database management *Sustainable agriculture volunteer* The Sustainable Agriculture and Technologies volunteer opportunity encompasses a wide variety of projects designed to make the station more sustainable. Volunteers in this area will carry a full schedule (~30 hours/week) consisting of one or more of the following activities: o Habitat restoration o Gardening and landscaping o Replanting of wild fruiting, medicinal, and ornamental plants o Development of interpretive materials for station visitors o Research about and attraction of native pollinators (could include beekeeping) o Ethnobotanical research and experimentation (medicinal plants) o Waste management and composting o Design, testing, and implementation of sustainable and low-impact technologies and practices for rural communities o Carpentry and general station repair and maintenance *Community outreach volunteer* The Community Outreach and Education volunteer opportunity encompasses a wide variety of projects designed to support the station's Science Program. Volunteers in this area will carry a full schedule (~30 hours/week) consisting of one or more of the following activities: o Development, maintenance, and updating of station's educational and interpretive resources (scientific curriculum, libraries, interpretive trails and center, field guides, etc.) o Assisting with environmental education activities and training workshops for local community members and schoolchildren o Teaching English to Peruvian staff o Providing an orientation for visiting students, researchers, and volunteers o Research and support for local sustainable livelihood, land use, and human-environment interaction projects *Independent project* Volunteers committing 3 months or more to our volunteer program are invited to propose their own independent project for implementation. Requirements for these projects are as follows: - The project must fall within the scope of at least one of the three main project areas (biological research, sustainable agriculture, or community outreach and education) - The project must be viable and completed within the term of volunteer's term at the station - The project must be cost effective (funds for tools or equipment may be provided by ACCA if they are required or useful items for the station and visiting researchers) - No wildlife (including insects) may be collected without necessary permits - The project must be approved by the station's Volunteer Coordinator - The volunteer must produce a final report summarizing the results or outcomes of their project (these results may be published on the ACA or ACCA webpages) *Resident artist* The successful candidate will create artwork--paintings, photographs, writing, drawings, or other art--that helps document and publicize work at the ACCA research stations. Learn about and see the work of past resident artists <http://www.amazonconservation.org/ourwork/art_program.html> >> *Contact info* For more information about these opportunities, please write to Patrick Campbell at [email protected]. Please specify in the subject line both the description (e.g., biological monitoring, sustainable agriculture, etc.) and location (e.g., Los Amigos, Wayqecha, Villa Carmen) of the program you wish to apply to.
