Perhentian Turtle Project
project assistant

The team Project Assistant will be based at the nesting beach called Tiga Ruang and the project house in the village, they will work alongside the Project Manager of Perhentian Turtle Project. As the Perhentian Turtle Project Assistant, you will assist the Project Leader by overseeing and coordinating the daily logistics of the project, ensuring that project activities run smoothly, especially at the nesting beach. This entails liaising between the project manager, interns, the local community and potential volunteers as well as stakeholders. You will be able to contact the conservation teams who are equally passionate about conservation, helping them to raise awareness and promoting their amazing programmes. In addition, you will also be expected to temporarily fill in the positions of other team members – Project Manager, Research Coordinator or Volunteer Coordinator – when necessary. In order to do so, you will receive training on the nature and activities of the project as well as sea turtles and marine conservation. Consequently, you will develop your field, leadership and communication skills.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Report to the PTP Project Manager but also work closely with the PTP team in Perhentian Island.
• Liaise with potential undergraduates and postgraduate researchers for them to conduct research for their dissertations with PTP.
• To lead and train the team on night patrol on nesting beach
• Work with the Department of Fisheries in data collection – eggs count, photo ID on nesting beaches, hatching success rate, etc.
• Assist the local Department of Fisheries (DOF) rangers and co-manage the interns to:

1. 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
2. Collect biometrics and facial photographs of nesting sea turtles
3. Collect and relocate eggs from nesting sea turtles into the hatchery
4. Collect hatchery data
5. Release hatchlings

• Introduce, brief and lead volunteers on surveys, patrols, data analysis, and any other project activity
• Log all beach surveys and transfer all data collected into the project laptop for data analysis (i.e. photo-ID)
• Continual monitoring of data for quality and accuracy. Retraining to be provided if required
• Complete projects, as assisting in producing informative displays, and monthly research impact reports to share with stakeholders and tourists on daily basis
• Daily engagement with the potential stakeholders and tourists to promote PTP’s conservation effort
• Assist with the planning and hosting of public outreach events, if any
• Maintain relationship with local DOF rangers through regular interactions
• Provide adequate notice of any travel needed whether work-related or personal
• Ensure a good level of communication between yourself, project manager and the PTP team at all times.
• Identify and implement ideas for additional research, mini project, sharing data and promoting sustainable practices
• Ensure 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
• Conduct daily inventories and budgeting of the onsite project 
• Train the interns and volunteers, as well as ensuring the success of delivering the project
• 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

• Degree in Environmental Science/Marine Science or any related field
• 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
• 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) night shifts in tough conditions 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
• Fluency in written and spoken Bahasa and English is essential.
• Must be able to swim and tread water
• Experience in public outreach and engagement preferred
• High level of water safety awareness preferred
• The candidate should be a team player but able to work independently and as part of a team to develop and implement conservation projects with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership skills 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

• RM500 allowance per month
• The position is a 9-month contract starting from February 2024 – October 2024 with the possibility of extension into the next season
• 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
• 1 day off per week with an additional block of 7 days off every 90 days during project season (Mar to Nov). 
• Potential for career advancement
• When in the Perhentian Island, you will get:

1. All work-related expenses within the islands (unfortunately this doesn’t include your travel to or from Malaysia)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. For international staff, visa cost will be borne by the staff. FE can help with the visa application process for a fee.
5. Free WIFI available in the Turtle House.

• Reference letter upon request after the completion of your employment