Green Turtle GPS Tracking Research internship
Join the turtle research team helping to develop a new GPS and cellular sea turtle tracking device.
Location: Kuala Lumpur and Redang/Perhentian
Category: Perhentian Turtle Project
Job Type: Research internship
Contract Length: Min 3 months
Start Date: 5th April 2025
Introduction
As a Sea Turtle Tracking Research Assistant, you will help collect tracking data of foraging and nesting sea turtles in Perhentian and Redang Marine Parks. You will be helping us to restrain green turtles and then attaching GPS units using the backpack method. This is new novel research to our team and an exciting project to be involved with. You will be helping with boat tracking data to identify regular boat lanes of fishing boats. This is part of a multi year project to develop action plans to improve the in-water conservation efforts of nesting green turtles. It is likely you will get involved with other sea turtle project aspects but the tracking is your key focus. The duration of your internship will be split between Redang and Perhentian accordingly.
Key duties and responsibilities
- Swimming in the sea spotting green turtles.
- Helping to restrain them in the water.
- Attaching a GPS backpack.
- Collect facial photographs of foraging sea turtles.
- Collect photogrammetry photos – testing a non-invasive method for measuring turtles whilst they are in the water.
- Record the data accurately in the database.
- Collecting GPS data of fishing boats around the marine parks.
- Continual monitoring of data for quality and accuracy. Retraining to be provided if required.
Other aspects
- Data entry esp for depth gauges.
- Helping to produce the backpack. We have made a similar backpack in 2023.
- You may also be asked to do:-
- Patrol a 400m nesting beach in every hour in 2 shifts between 08.00 PM and 7.15 AM for nesting turtles and poaching activity
- Collect biometrics and facial photographs of nesting sea turtles
- Collect and relocate eggs from nesting sea turtles into the hatchery
- Collect hatchery data
- Release hatchlings
- Complete projects, as producing informative displays, and monthly research impact reports to share with stakeholders
- Introduce, brief and lead volunteers on surveys and data analysis sessions
General
- Ensure all safety precautions are taken and the Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P) are followed whilst in the water and make sure all volunteers are accounted for during water-based activities
- Identify and implement ideas for additional research, mini project, sharing data and promoting sustainable practices
- Ensure the project house and Tiga Ruang’s campsite are kept clean & tidy with the help of the team members and our volunteers through daily chores on a rota basis
- Follow agreed timetables to deliver work in a timely fashion
- Be a professional example of a leader and marine conservationist to local community members, volunteers and team members
- Adherence to all safety measures, protocols, procedures and budgets as directed by Fuze Ecoteer
- Any other duties that may be required including helping with group events, cover for team member’s leave and illness, shop for project supplies (e.g. food and cleaning supplies), and participate in local/island events
- The successful candidate will report to the Project Manager of Perhentian Turtle Project and work together with another team member to reach the project’s objectives.
Requirements
- Must have an interest and passion for sea turtle and marine conservation and the work of Fuze Ecoteer.
- Must have a strong interest and experience in outdoor activities, especially water-related activities
- Ability to free dive preferred; training can be provided upon arrival.
- Must possess strong observational skills, high acuity and attention to detail in particular regards to research training, data collection, data input and research monitoring
- Must have a strong interest in data collection, management, and analysis
- Must be proactive and organized in completing tasks
- Must be able to work (awake, alert, and active) long shifts in tough conditions, in the sun and on a small isolated island with limited resources.
- Experience living in basic and rustic conditions preferred
- Must be open-minded, respectful, willing, and determined to try and learn new things, skills, languages, and cultures
- Must be flexible and quick to adapt to new surroundings – especially humid tropical climates and changes in sleep schedules – and sudden changes in project schedules
- High level of water safety awareness preferred
- Must have a strong sense of responsibility, discipline and display a professional example to villagers, volunteers and colleagues at all times.
- Must possess efficient time management to meet set deadlines
- Must be competent in Windows OS, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Power BI
- Skills in R, Python, and/or GIS preferred
- Experience writing scientific reports preferred
- First aid training is desirable but basic training can be provided upon arrival.
Benefits
- Free accommodation – you will live in the project house, sharing a room with at most 3 other people and have access to communal food shared with team members and volunteers.
- Free food – You’ll get access to communal staff food at the Turtle House where you’ll be expected to muck in and help cook. Plus treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine from around the village or when attending Malay dinners with our volunteers.
- Have a more holistic understanding of sea turtle and marine conservation by experiencing the wonders and challenges in the field from multiple perspectives including the environmental, social, and legal aspects
- Develop better leadership, communication and data analytics skills.
- Wifi available at all Project Houses.
- 1 day off per week with an additional block of 7 days off every 90 days during project season (Mar to Nov).
- All work-related expenses within the islands (unfortunately this doesn’t include your travel to or from Malaysia)
- Reference letter upon request after the completion of the internship period.
Dates
- Application deadline 15th of February 2025
- Starting date: 5th April 2025
If that’s not enough to convince you, check out this video of the project. It’ll give you a pretty good idea about what you’ll be getting up to.