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:
* Over 18 years of age
* In good physical condition
* Able to commit to at least one month on site
* Able to speak basic Spanish
* 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:
* Monitoring and inventorying of biodiversity (mammals, birds,
reptiles, amphibians,
etc.), especially in response to climate change and other human impacts
* Forest composition and phenology surveys
* Research into species' functions, distributions, and population dynamics
* Research into habitat health and restoration
* Collection and preservation of biological specimens
* Recording geographic data using GPS technology
* Development of educational materials and interpretive guides
* Collection of climatological and water quality data
* Research into natural forest nutrient cycles (especially carbon and
soil nutrients) and
the factors that drive them
* Research into native wildlife conservation and management
* 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:
* Habitat restoration
* Gardening and landscaping
* Replanting of wild fruiting, medicinal, and ornamental plants
* Development of interpretive materials for station visitors
* Research about and attraction of native pollinators (could include
beekeeping)
* Ethnobotanical research and experimentation (medicinal plants)
* Waste management and composting
* Design, testing, and implementation of sustainable and low-impact
technologies and
practices for rural communities
* 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:
* Development, maintenance, and updating of station's educational and
interpretive
resources (scientific curriculum, libraries, interpretive
trails and center, field guides,
etc.)
* Assisting with environmental education activities and training
workshops for local
community members and schoolchildren
* Teaching English to Peruvian staff
* Providing an orientation for visiting students, researchers, and
volunteers
* 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 >>
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.
