Peru-conservation

Peru (science)

Opportunities

A Rocha Peru is currently limited in terms of human resource capacity and would greatly appreciate the input of a limited number of skilled, motivated and flexible volunteers. Basic Spanish is required; of course, the more fluent you are, the better!

Volunteers with skills ranging from institutional support to project design and implementation, with a particular focus on conservation and reforestation expertise, are welcome for short to mid-term appointments.

We are not able to offer accommodation, but can offer to cover costs for local transportation and some costs associated with longer field trips (meals, etc.).

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Kenya-marine

Kenya – Marine Programme

Opportunities

The marine environment in the Western Indian Ocean is exceptionally biodiverse, including habitats such as mangrove forests, beautiful sandy beaches, seagrass beds and coral reefs. They are also exceptionally threatened by coastal development, climate change, and fishing pressure. A Rocha Kenya works in Watamu Marine Park to understand the status and processes impacting marine biodiversity of these habitats.

We seek graduate students willing to get immersed in all tasks and work in a cross-cultural situation, recognizing that marine habitats have intrinsic value and that we can bring healing to the ocean and those who depend upon it.

The marine team is specifically looking for volunteer support in two categories:

  • Students pursuing a degree in marine biology who wish to help with specific existing projects (e.g. shark monitoring, rock pool monitoring, microplastics)
  • Graduate students (Masters and PhD) looking for a research site and / or to facilitate our marine work

We regret to say that at this time, we simply do not have the capacity to take on volunteers who have an interest in marine science but no experience.

Minimal requirements for marine volunteers:

  • Ability to swim long distances
  • Ability to use spreadsheet programmes for data entry and analysis
  • Are comfortable working in and around boats

Preference will be given to candidates who:

  • Have an internationally recognized SCUBA certification
  • Have previous experience in tropical marine environments
  • Have a degree in a marine science
  • Experience analyzing scientific data
  • Are from East Africa

In addition to normal volunteer requirements, we may ask that you:

  • Research Kenyan marine parks and write a one page essay describing one threat to Kenyan marine parks and possible solutions to that problem
  • Write a second one page essay on how marine conservation and faith apply to each other
  • Complete a required reading list prior to arrival in Kenya
  • Supply your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel)

Volunteers would be based at the field study centre, Mwamba, on the coast at Watamu.

Costs: approximately $20 US per day for volunteers, including all three meals.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Note: the security advice for the Kenyan coast has been in flux recently. Please check with your travel insurance provider to confirm cover. The British Foreign Commonwealth Office issues travel advice for UK residents at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya. Any decision to travel is the responsibility of the traveller.

Digital Image

France – Vallée des Baux (science)

Opportunities

A Rocha France runs scientific research in the Vallée des Baux, Provence, 6 km east of Arles and within easy reach by car of the Camargue wetlands, la Crau steppe and les Alpilles limestone hills. The team works closely with local landowners, particularly in the valley, which includes canals and natural wetlands, Holm Oak and pine forest, and the garrigue ecosystem.

Volunteers are welcomed for stays of at least two weeks, to help with a wide variety of practical tasks ranging from centre operations and maintenance, gardening, cooking, office work (IT, grant-writing, clerical tasks, data entry) to wildlife and habitat surveys. Volunteers live in comfortable conditions in shared dormitories, and pay about 130 euros for a week’s full board (subject to change).

Those who participate in our scientific program need to be physically fit and able to cycle 10-30 km to reach the study sites. Ability in French, while not essential, is an asset. Because the community at Les Tourades is an international one, we do not offer a French-language immersion experience.

Long-term volunteers may live on or off-site, and join the team for six to 12 months or more. They must be financially self- supporting. A Rocha France is available to help volunteers raise support from their local communities.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

USA-2

USA

Opportunities

A Rocha USA is establishing a nationwide network of conservation activities and is glad to connect with people interested in starting an effort in their own communities.

We welcome volunteers at several sites, but are unable to provide housing at this time. Please see A Rocha USA’s Join the Team page for the latest opportunities.

Alvor-Estuary-Mel-Ong

Portugal

Opportunities

A Rocha Portugal is based at Cruzinha, A Rocha’s bird observatory and field study centre set in the Alvor marshes in the Algarve. Cruzinha has a capacity to accommodate up to 14 people; volunteers are normally accommodated in male or female dormitories. It is surrounded by an environmentally friendly garden, an orchard and three small biological gardens, making it a desirable place for wildlife and pleasant for visitors searching for a rest.

First time volunteers usually stay for 2-6 weeks and all kinds of skills are welcome: DIY (handyman) skills, IT skills, wildlife observation and reporting skills, an ability to cook for large numbers, artistic ability and photography can all be useful. We would also welcome someone with experience of fundraising.

For costs, contact portugal@test.arocha.org.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Peru

Peru

Opportunities

A Rocha Peru is currently limited in terms of human resource capacity and would greatly appreciate the input of a limited number of skilled, motivated and flexible volunteers. Basic Spanish is required; the more fluent you are, the better!

Volunteers with skills ranging from institutional support (graphic design, communications, fundraising, etc.) to project implementation (project design, science and research, environmental education, community conservation and development) are welcome for short to mid-term appointments.

We are not able to offer accommodation, but can offer local transportation.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Kenya-general-1

Kenya: volunteering

Opportunities

The Kenyan team welcomes one or two general volunteers at a time, willing to put their hand to whatever is needed. In addition, the team is also looking for specific capacity in the following areas:

  • ‘Handyman’ or building skills, including carpentry, cement work, electrical installation and vehicle mechanics
  • Artistic ability: sketching wildlife and illustrating books / environmental education material
  • GIS and mapping experience
  • Graphic design: for a range of projects – e.g. website, brochures, books and training materials
  • Computer literacy: especially Excel, for data management

Volunteers would usually come for a period of 4-12 weeks and would be based at the field study centre, Mwamba, on the coast at Watamu.

Costs: approximately $45 US per day for guests and $20 US per day for volunteers, including all three meals.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form. For more details about volunteering, download our A Rocha Kenya International Volunteer Handbook.

Note: the security advice for the Kenyan coast has been in flux. Please check with your travel insurance provider to confirm cover and read the current travel advice issued by your country – e.g. British Foreign Commonwealth Office travel advice at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya. Any decision to travel is the responsibility of the traveller.

Czech-other

Czech Republic – centre renovations

Opportunities

Kruparna, A Rocha Czech Republic’s environmental centre, is in the northeast of the Czech Republic. The centre and its ponds and bird hide enjoys many visitors – children, adults and wildlife.

The team would appreciate volunteers able to help with building work and renovation of the centre. Volunteers are expected to be involved in work activities over usual work hours (6-7 hours per day). Speaking Czech is not necessary, but please be prepared that the team operates in Czech and has basic English.

Volunteers usually come for a period of two weeks minimum and are accommodated in single-sex dormitory rooms at Kruparna at the cost of 15 € per day for food and lodging. This opportunity could be a great fit for two friends who wish to volunteer together, as the residential community is small and may not be able to offer full-time support over weekends.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.