The Alligator Head Foundation (AHF) is a non-profit organization established to manage and support the East Portland Special Fishery Conservation Area (EPSFCA) – 6km2 of marine coastline located in Portland, Jamaica. The Foundation develops projects to assist the communities dependent on marine resources for their livelihood and to rehabilitate the marine environment located in the EPSFCA. The Foundation uses marine research to drive the management of the EPSFCA through programmes geared towards marine based ecosystem restoration within the EPSFCA. These ecosystems include but are not exclusive to mangroves/wetlands and coral reefs. The AHF has a formal agreement with the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) to conduct marine research through the Alligator Head Marine Lab established at the AHF Headquarters. The science-driven management approach utilizes global monitoring protocols to assess and promote the health and success of the EPSFCA. The Foundation uses contemporary art, digital media, food, culture and music production to effect the protection and preservation of the world´s natural resources with particular focus on the oceans.
The AHF is offering two (2) 6-month long volunteer opportunities for aspiring and early-career Marine Scientists to acquire hands-on field experience in marine science and marine protected areas management in the East Portland Fish Sanctuary, Portland, Jamaica, West Indies.
Hands-on experience will be provided in the following areas:
- Coral Reef Assessment
- Reef Fish Surveys
- Coral Nursery establishment, maintenance, monitoring and outplanting
- Lionfish Control and Management
- Mangrove Nursery maintenance, monitoring and outplantin
- Habitat Mapping using GIS and remote sensing, and actual application within the Sanctuary
- Public Education and Outreach
In addition, PADI training and certification can be provided at a reduced cost to increase your scuba certification:
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rescue Diver
- Divemaster
- Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
- Night Diver Specialty
- AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
- Underwater Photographer Specialty
- Underwater Videographer Specialty
- Deep Diver Specialty
- Fish Identification Specialty
- Invasive Lionfish Tracker Specialty
The professional team at the AHF that will lead the various components include:
Dayne Buddo PhD
CEO – AHF
Marine Ecologist (Invasive Species, Fisheries and MPAs)
PADI Master Instructor
Fabian Kyne MSc
Marine Protected Area Manager
Marine Biologist (Fisheries)
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Denise Henry MPhil
Research Programme Manager
Marine Ecologist (Habitat Restoration)
PADI Rescue Diver
As this is a volunteer internship, the AHF will provide:
- Accommodation nearby the AHF Headquarters
- Marine Science hands-on field experience
- Diving and boating (on average: 30 dives per month)
You will be responsible to cover the costs associated with:
- Travel to Jamaica, and in-country transportation
- Meals and incidentals
- Visas (if applicable)
- Medical Insurance, including diving insurance
Qualifications required:
- Bachelor of Science Degree in marine science or related discipline (students enrolled in a BSc Programme in this field will also be considered)
- PADI Open Water Diver Certification (or equivalent)
This programme will last 6 months, commencing March 4, 2019 (a small change in the start date may be accommodated on request).
Please submit a cover letter and CV no later than January 15, 2019 to:
Dr. Dayne Buddo
CEO
Alligator Head Foundation
Email: alligatorheadfoundation@gmail.com