Information about jobs, volunteering opportunities and holidays working in turtle conservation in Cabo Verde Africa. For more general information turtle conservation on Sal visit the Turtle SOS website, facebook page or blog.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

About the project


Cabo Verde is the world’s third most important site for nesting loggerhead turtles.  SOS Tartarugas began operations in June 2008 on Sal in response to the wholesale slaughter of turtles as they came on to the beach to nest, a situation that may have resulted in rapid extinction..  SOS Tartarugas is a non-profit environmental organisation.  The main objective is to protect and conserve loggerhead turtles through deterring illegal hunting and protecting nesting habitat.  We work in conjunction with local and national government and law enforcement agencies and over four years have significantly reduced the number of nesting turtles killed.  SOS Tartarugas is based on Sal but also works in conjunction with other partners on several more islands.  The organization is a member of TAOLA, the Cape Verdean Sea Turtle Network.  For more information visit www.turtlesos.org or our blog
The project encompasses patrolling beaches (night and morning) to monitor nesting and deter hunting, data collection, research, working with tourists and local businesses, operation of hatcheries, outreach activities and beach clean-ups. The work is undertaken by full-time and part-time Rangers of many nationalities as well as volunteers from the community.  Although there is a wide scope of activities within the project, protection of nesting turtles continues to be the main focus and this can be stressful and tiring, but ultimately highly rewarding.  You can find more information about typical nights and days on our blog. Extracts from the log book

The usual nesting season is from June until October with hatchlings being born from mid-August until late December.  The project is based in Santa Maria, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and water-sports.  Participants are based in self-catering accommodation at Turtle House, (www.surfactivity.it) a surf hotel close to the beach as well as in field camps.  Due to expansion of the project there may be alternative accommodation in apartments close to Turtle House.

When & how you can participate in the project


There are various ways in which you can contribute to the conservation of marine turtles in Cabo Verde, depending on your experience and the time you have available.  We are inviting applications for varying periods, ranging from a few weeks to the entire season.  You can even participate if you have only a few days on your holiday. The available positions are described in more detail elsewhere. 

Nesting usually begins in the second week of June and peaks during July & August, declining to one or two nests a day by the beginning of October.  Hatching goes on until late December. July and August are intense and tiring with frequent encounters with hunters, you will need considerable mental and physical stamina, commitment and calmness during this time.  Our work consists of:
·      June – Night patrols and morning patrols.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks for guests start in the last week of the month.
·      July – Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.
·      August - Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.  Nest excavations at the hatchery and on the beach, hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.
·      September - Night patrols, morning patrols. Field camps operational.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach).  Turtle Walks.  Nest excavations at the hatchery and the beach, hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.
·      October - Morning patrols. Afternoon patrols to excavate nests.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach). Nest excavations at the hatchery.  Hatchling releases.  Hatchery checks throughout the night.  Field camps close.
·      November - Hatchery checks throughout the night. Morning & afternoon patrols to excavate nests.  Daily presentations at the hatchery.  Daytime work (maintenance, making signs, outreach). Nest excavations at the hatchery.

Download the job descriptions and application form here.

How to apply


Please read the job descriptions and FAQs carefully before deciding which position you are most suitable for and the dates to which you can commit. Please think carefully which time of year would suit your skills and personality best and whether you have the stamina to sustain a long period of volunteering.  An application form can be downloaded here 

Please follow the instructions very carefully as incomplete or incorrect applications will not be accepted or acknowledged.  Send your application to info@sostartarugas.org 

Your application will be acknowledged within a few days. A personal interview or interview by skype may be required.  You will be notified shortly after the closing date if your application was successful and will be sent a detailed job offer with terms and conditions.  You will have 10 days to accept the position.

Get the application form here.

Summary of positions


Guidelines for research proposals


SOS TARTARUGAS RESEARCH GUIDELINES 2012

In order to understand the objectives of the project please read the information on our website and blog.  For your thesis or research to be accepted your proposal should indicate the benefit to the project & turtle conservation in Cape Verde.

Please note that you must first be accepted as a Ranger by completing the application process and that duties as a Ranger takes priority over research projects.  This means that a research project will mean a great deal of additional work.  Please bear this in mind when writing your proposal.

General Guidleines
  • No unnecessary pain or stress caused to the turtles.
  • A complete proposal must be produced before the research begins. This should include a written document stating the aims, methods, equipment required, costs and benefits.
  • Your research proposal and methodology must be approved by the project co-ordinator/director before you begin.
  • You must ensure other members of the SOS Tartarugas team understand your project/research Although members of the team may be able to assist with data collection or other aspects, this cannot be guaranteed.  You are entirely responsible for the fieldwork.  Involvement of other people must be approved by the project coordinator.  If other members of the team help you with your research it is your responsibility to train them.
  • You are required to give updates periodically to ensure other team members are aware of preliminary results or changes to protocols.
  • Equipment in Cape Verde is limited and basic, if you need any specialist equipment you will need to bring it with you.  However, before you buy anything, ask first, it may already be available.
  • SOS Tartarugas will not contribute funding to your study unless agreed in advance.
  • Data remains the property of SOS Tartarugas and can only be used during your time in the project.  Any copies of the data (electronic or printed) must be returned before you leave unless you have obtained specific approval.  Use of the data for any other purpose is not permitted.


Ongoing studies include:


1. Light pollution
The effects of light pollution on relocation strategies and misorientation of Loggerhead hatchlings.
Influence of moonlight on Loggerhead hatchlings misorientation.

2. Influence of moon phase and tide in nesting behavior in Loggerhead turtles. 

3. Physical and chemical factors affecting hatching success in loggerhead turtles and their importance in relocation strategies. 

4. Predation
Impact of ghost crab predation in Loggerhead turtles.

5. Sex determination
Analysis of data from temperature loggers

6. Relative hatching success 
Hatchery vs in situ vs trans situ

7. Impact of climate change
Impact of climate change on incubation and study on mitigation factors (shading, sprinklers, etc).

8. Inwater study
Analysis of turtle sightings made by fishermen and leisure boats.

Shark specialist needed

If we can find the right person we will include a shark monitoring and education programme in 2012.  If you have outstanding knowledge of sharks (biology, species identification, threats) we would like to hear from you.  The job is primarily one of outreach so you must also have experience of working with fishing communities.  In addition, you must speak either Capeverdean Creole or Portuguese (there will be no exceptions to this, please do not apply if you do not speak these languages).

The successful candidate will be employed as a Wildlife Ranger working with turtles as well as developing the shark programme.

If you are interested please apply in the usual way using the application form but also add a single page detailing your knowledge of and experience with sharks.

Wildlife Rangers (Full time – minimum commitment two months)


We require Wildlife Rangers from the beginning of June until mid-December.  The minimum period is two months but we are looking for several people who can commit for the entire season.  Wildlife Rangers are responsible for protecting nesting loggerhead turtles, their eggs and the nesting beaches.  Duties will include night patrols to deter hunters, tagging and measuring turtles and collecting data and day patrols to relocate nests to the hatchery.  Following the end of the nesting season Rangers will be responsible for monitoring nests and releasing hatchlings.  You may be asked to perform other duties such as working in the hatchery, guiding visitors on nighttime walks as well as participating in outreach activities with schools and other groups.  You may also participate in or develop research projects. This is an opportunity to be part of a new and expanding project that is achieving excellent results and with your contribution will continue to evolve.  It will not only provide you with good experience of turtle conservation techniques but also give you the opportunity to make a real difference to the survival of marine turtles. Rangers have been directly responsible for saving numerous nesting turtles and hatchlings and experience a high level of satisfaction from being able to rapidly affect the declining situation in Cabo Verde.  Rangers are based in Santa Maria but spend varying periods at the field camp in basic conditions. Please note that only water and basic foods are provided in the camps (see section about the camp for more information).

 

We need motivated, committed and flexible individuals with a strong desire to make a difference.  Previous experience on turtle projects is not necessary but priority will be given to those with relevant experience and who wish to develop a career in conservation work.

This is challenging work that can be extremely tiring and stressful.  You will work during the night as well as during the day.  A good level of fitness and physical and mental energy is required as patrols are long (possibly all night), conducted on foot may be as much as 15km. Shift patterns vary but you will have one day’s rest per week.  Read the FAQs for more information.

We patrol in pairs and are sometimes supported by the military but you will encounter hunters on the beach even if soldiers are present.  You should be sure that you are mentally strong and calm enough to accept this. 

Requirements for Wildlife Rangers (full time)
  • Desire to work in conservation
  • High level of energy & flexibility
  • At least 18 years old
  • Understand written and spoken English
  • Good attention to detail
  • Driving License
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • Used to physically challenging conditions (long walks, late nights, hot weather, insects)
  • Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Able to work independently and show initiative

We are particularly interested to hear from you if:
  • You have previous experience with a turtle conservation project
  • You have experience of working within a national parks system
  • You speak more than one language – particularly Kriolu, Portuguese, Italian, German or French
  • You are a mechanic and able to maintain quad bikes and a cars with limited resources
  • You have practical skills such as woodworking or building
  • You have sales or customer service skills
  • You have computer skills (design packages, spreadsheet or database management)
  • You have experience in tourism
  • You have legal experience
  • You are a teacher or have experience in environmental education
  • You have experience training and managing volunteers in a similar project

Benefits: Shared accommodation in surf hotel, Turtle House (www.surfactivitiy.it) is provided.  A monthly food allowance of €100 per month may be offered depending on experience or length of commitment. Rangers normally cook dinner communally for €10 per person per week, other meals are prepared individually.  Sal is not a cheap place to live so you should have sufficient money to support yourself.  Your allowance may be increased if you take on additional responsibilities (such as training, maintenance of equipment, data entry, liaison with volunteers and outreach activities) or show initiative that results in improvements in and development of the project.  Expenses incurred on behalf of the project will be reimbursed but no other costs will be paid.

Timing :  We require Wildlife Rangers from the beginning of June until mid-December and prefer candidates who can commit to two months or longer.  Start dates relate to training sessions and are as follows:
Week commencing 04 June/25 June/16 July/6 August/03 September.  We have open start dates in September, October and November.

Tourism Manager


You are responsible for the development and delivery of all our activities with visitors.  These will include, but are not limited to, leading night-time visits to nesting beaches, presentations at hotels, hatchling releases, kid’s clubs and daily presentations at the hatchery and the maintenance of relationships with businesses on Sal.  You will be responsible for managing our turtle adoption scheme and selling merchandise to support the project.  You will be responsible for our shop in Santa Maria.  You are responsible for the management of two Tourism Rangers. You will also be required to do occasional beach patrols with the other Rangers so that you can fully understand the project goals and methods.  This job is a mixture of daytime and nighttime shifts.

Previous experience with turtles is an advantage but is not necessary, as full training will be given.  However, you need to have a strong desire to work in a conservation project and be able to communicate the project’s goals as well as having a belief in environmentally conscious living.   Your job is to represent the project and you should be confident and outgoing.  Previous experience in a sales or customer service environment is an advantage.  You should be comfortable talking to large groups as well as individuals and recognize that contact with turtles is often a life changing experience for visitors.  A large part of your job is making that experience the best that it can be.  You must be fluent in English and either Portuguese, Italian or German. You must be trustworthy, financially astute, organized and have computer skills.

As we are only in our fourth season there are many areas where expansion of our programme is possible.  You have the opportunity to fine tune our current activities and add new ones.

Requirements for Tourism Manager
  • Previous experience working with tourists or a background in sales or customer service
  • Management experience
  • Desire to work in conservation
  • Outgoing personality and good communication skills
  • Understand written and spoken English
  • One other language - either Portuguese, German or Italian
  • Driving License
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • High level of energy & flexibility.  Innovative and creative
  • Able to make presentations to large groups of people (in English)
  • Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Able to work independently and show initiative
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Computer skills (Word/Excel)
  • Presentable

Benefits:  Shared accommodation at Turtle House (www.surfactvitiy.ie) and a living allowance of €100 a month plus an incentive scheme based on financial and performance targets.  Expenses incurred on behalf of the project will be reimbursed but no other costs will be paid.

Timing : Start date week commencing 4 June to mid December. We prefer candidates who can commit to the entire season.

Tourism Ranger (x2)


Reporting to the Tourism Manager you will be involved in all our activities with visitors.  These will include, but are not limited to, leading night-time visits to nesting beaches, hatchling releases, kid’s clubs and daily presentations at the hatchery.  You will be promoting our Adopt a Turtle scheme and selling merchandise to support the project.  You will also be required to do occasional beach patrols with the other Rangers so that you can fully understand the project goals and methods.  This job is a mixture of daytime and nighttime shifts.  Please consider that you will be accompanying people on turtle walks six nights out of seven for as long as 14 weeks, sometimes without seeing a turtle.  You need to be outgoing, resilient and cheerful to fulfill this job.

Previous experience with turtles is an advantage but is not necessary, as full training will be given.  However, you need to have a strong desire to work in a conservation project and be able to communicate the project’s goals as well as having a belief in environmentally conscious living.   Your job is to represent the project and you should be confident and outgoing.  Previous experience in a sales or customer service environment is an advantage.  You should be comfortable talking to large groups as well as individuals and recognize that contact with turtles is often a life changing experience for visitors.  A large part of your job is making that experience the best that it can be.  You must be fluent in English. Another language (Portuguese, French, Italian or German) is a definite advantage. You must be trustworthy, financially astute, organized and have computer skills.

Requirements for Tourism Ranger:
  • Desire to work in conservation
  • Outgoing personality and good communication skills
  • Previous experience working with tourists
  • Understand written and spoken English (another language such as Italian, German or Portuguese is an advantage)
  • Driving License
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • High level of energy & flexibility
  • Able to make presentations to small groups of people
  • Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Able to work independently and show initiative
  • Organized & presentable

Benefits:  Shared accommodation and a living allowance of €100 a month. Rangers normally cook dinner communally for €10 per person per week, other meals are prepared individually.  Sal is not a cheap place to live so you should have sufficient money to support yourself.  Your allowance may be increased if you take on additional responsibilities or show initiative that results in improvements in and development of the project.  Expenses incurred on behalf of the project will be reimbursed but no other costs will be paid.

Timing :  From mid June to mid December. We prefer candidates who can commit to the entire season but will consider shorter periods. Start dates 20 June/8 August/5 Sept.

Camp Coordinator (Full time – minimum commitment four months)


The camp coordinator performs the same duties as Wildlife Rangers but also manages the field camps that are planned for Serra Negra & Mont Leão.  The camp coordinator must have experience of running remote field camps and preferably have at least three months of experience with nesting turtles.

The camp coordinator will spend varying periods in the camp (up to six days at a time) and be responsible for all aspects of the camp including:
·      Training & motivation of volunteers and rangers
·      Implementation of project protocol relating to data collection, working with the turtles, nest relocation, monitoring of nests, operation of hatchery
·      Camp logistics (transportation, food, water)
·      Health, safety and well being of volunteers and rangers including hygiene of the camp
·      Collation of data
·      Coordination with other aspects of the project

Requirements for Camp Coordinator
  • Experience of management of remote field camps
  • Experience in similar turtle conservation project
  • Experience of managing volunteers
  • Desire to work in conservation
  • High level of energy & flexibility
  • At least 20 years old
  • Understand written and spoken English & Portuguese or Kriolu (or possibly Spanish)
  • Good attention to detail
  • Driving License
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • Used to physically challenging conditions (long walks, late nights, hot weather, insects)
  • Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Able to work independently and show initiative

Benefits: During rest days and days in Santa Maria shared accommodation in surf hotel, Turtle House (www.surfactivitiy.it) is provided as well as a monthly food allowance of €100 per month. Your allowance may be increased if you take on additional responsibilities or show initiative that results in improvements in and development of the project.  Rangers normally cook dinner communally for €10 per person per week, other meals are prepared individually.  Sal is not a cheap place to live so you should have sufficient money to support yourself. Expenses incurred on behalf of the project will be reimbursed but no other costs will be paid.

Timing : 26 June to mid October but shorter periods may be considered.

Educação e Comunicação



Nas últimas quatro temporadas foram estabelecidas patrulhas nas praias para deter os caçadores, em 2011 estabelecemos uma forte campanha para sensibilizar as crianças e demais residentes, associações e empresas para a necessidade de proteger as tartarugas marinhas. A população do Sal é extremamente diversa e abrange inúmeras nacionalidades sendo que algumas têm uma concepção errada sobre o nosso trabalho. A participação dos residentes em actividades de cariz ambiental é muito reduzida. O maior objectivo deste trabalho é sensibilizar a comunidade para a conservação das tartarugas, aumentar a participação da população e divulgar o trabalho da organização.

Reportando ao Director de Educação e Comunicação, a pessoa que ocupar esta vaga será responsável por implementar programas educativos nas escolas, criar eventos com outras organizações, workshops para pescadores e gerir outros eventos, tais como “acampamentos das tartarugas”, quer na ilha do Sal quer nas outras ilhas.

Experiência de trabalho com tartarugas é um factor de vantagem mas não é obrigatório para ocupar esta vaga, uma vez que será dada formação sobre o tema. Contudo, é importante ter uma grande vontade de trabalhar num projecto de conservação, ter boa capacidade de comunicação para transmitir os objectivos da organização e ter consciência ambiental. A pessoa que ocupar esta vaga será a cara do projecto, como tal deverá ser confiante e extrovertida. Para além disso deve ser criativa, inovadora e com muita energia.

Será dada preferência a pessoas com experiência em educação ambiental (particularmente com crianças).
É requisito obrigatório falar fluentemente português ou crioulo e compreender inglês.

Esta posição é uma mistura de trabalho diurno e nocturno. É uma posição desafiante mas terás a oportunidade para mudar a percepção da comunidade sobre a conservação das tartarugas e envolvê-la no projecto.

Requisitos para Educador ambiental; Oficial de comunicação
  • Vontade para trabalhar num projecto de conservação
  • Ser extrovertido e ter boa capacidade de comunicação
  • Experiência em Educação ambiental ou comunicação
  • Ser fluente em português ou crioulo
  • Compreender inglês
  • Ser criativo, energético e flexível
  • Ter capacidade para trabalhar sozinho e mostrar iniciativa
  • Organizado e apresentável

Benefícios:  €300/mês sem acomodação ou €150/mês com acomodação.  Serão pagas todas as despesas em prol do projecto mas nenhum outro custo será suportado pela organização.

Duração :  Contrato anual a partir de Fevereiro 2012.

Volunteers (Minimum commitment one week)


Volunteers assist experienced full-time Rangers and, under supervision, perform all the same duties, including night patrols to deter hunters, tagging and measuring turtles and collecting data and day patrols to relocate nests to the hatchery. Volunteers are also responsible for monitoring nests and releasing hatchlings.  You may be asked to perform other duties such as working with tourists, outreach activities and research projects. It will not only provide you with good experience of turtle conservation techniques, but give you the opportunity to make a real difference to the survival of marine turtles. Volunteers have been directly responsible for saving numerous nesting turtles and hatchlings and experience a high level of satisfaction from being able to rapidly change the declining situation on Sal. 

This is challenging work that can be extremely tiring and stressful.  You will work during the night as well as during the day.  A good level of fitness and physical and mental energy is required as patrols are long (possibly all night), conducted on foot may be as much as 15km. Shift patterns vary but you will have one day’s rest per week.  Read the FAQs for more information.

Requirements:
  • Desire to work in conservation
  • At least 18 years old
  • Understand written and spoken English
  • Good level of physical fitness
  • High level of energy & flexibility
  • Used to physically challenging conditions (long walks, late nights, hot weather, insects)
  • Ability to work and live with people of different backgrounds and nationalities
  • Able to work independently and show initiative
We are particularly interested to hear from you if:
  • You speak more than one language – particularly Kriolu, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French or German
  • You have practical skills such as woodworking, building or vehicle maintenance
  • You have experience in tourism
  • Are a teacher or have experience in environmental education
  • Have computer experience (design packages or databases)
  • Have a legal background

Benefits: Volunteers pay €100 per week to cover accommodation, water & electricity but this does not include food.  Please note that water and basic foods are provided in the camps (see section about the camp for more information).  Rangers normally cook dinner communally for €10 per person per week, other meals are prepared individually.  Sal is not a cheap place to live so you should have sufficient money to support yourself. 

Once a volunteering period has been agreed you will be asked for a deposit with the full amount payable eight weeks prior to arrival.  A cancellation fee of 20% will be applied after this time.

Timing :  We require volunteers from the middle of June until mid-December.  Start dates are flexible.

Apply here.

Working with turtles as part of your holiday


If you would like to participate in the project as part of your holiday we can tailor make a programme to fit in with the time you have available.  This is a good option for families as there are some activities that are suitable for children as young as 10.  Your holiday could incorporate:
  • Night time patrols on foot with Wildlife Rangers to nesting beaches where you will assist with turtles being tagged and measured (must have a good level of fitness)
  • Morning patrols or afternoon patrols to assist with relocations of nests
  • Working in the hatchery and helping with hatchling releases
  • Helping with educational / outreach activities

You will be asked to pay a participation fee of €15 per person per day.  We are a non-profit organisation and your fee goes directly to turtle conservation and community projects.
It is possible to participate from July until December.  (Nesting season is from June to October with hatchlings being born from mid-August until mid-December)
You can choose to stay with the Rangers in Turtle House depending on availability (at additional cost).   Please email info@sostartarugas.org for more information.

FAQs


Will I be trained to work with turtles?  Yes, full training will be given and will be ongoing throughout the season.  For short-term volunteers training will be more hands on and less theoretical.
In what way will this work further my career?  The experience you will gain is only limited by your willingness to become involved.  The project is multifaceted and not only would you learn about working with nesting loggerhead turtles but you could also become involved in research projects, work with tourists, manage data, make presentations, work with communities and with children, and possibly gain experience of managing others.  You will have experienced a new culture and will have demonstrated that you can work hard and have the ability to cope under physically difficult conditions. 

Research projects
If you are a student and wish to complete a research project as part of your studies, we have several ongoing studies that may be suitable.  We can also collaborate on the development of new studies that make a contribution to the conservation of loggerhead turtles in Cabo Verde.  Research projects are undertaken in addition to duties as a Ranger.  If this is of interest please complete the application form for a Wildlife Ranger position and complete the section regarding research projects.
Can I apply for shorter periods than those stated?  Yes, for exceptional candidates dates can be flexible. Living allowances for Rangers are only offered if you make a minimum commitment of two months.
Will I be reimbursed for flights and other expenses?  No, only benefits stated above will be paid.  There are opportunities to increase your living allowance by taking on extra responsibility.
Do I need a visa?  Yes, you should obtain a tourist visa suitable for your length of stay from your own country prior to arrival in Cabo Verde.  We can supply a letter supporting visa applications but cannot assist in any other way.
As a Wildlife Rangers will my living allowance cover all my expenses?  The price of food and other items is high due to import taxes, you should bring extra money to cover unforeseen costs.  In previous years Rangers cooked communally dinner on a budget of €10 per person per week, other meals are prepared individually.
What is the weather like?  Generally weather in Sal is warm and pleasant, (August and September are the hottest months) with strong sea breezes.  Usually small amounts of rain fall in August, September and October.  Warm clothes are needed towards the end of the season.
What are medical facilities like?  There is a government run hospital which is basic and a private clinic which is expensive.  Most medicines are available, but you must arrange insurance that will cover repatriation in an emergency.  We will not be responsible for medical expenses and will ask for proof of insurance.  Cases of malaria are rare in Sal but are sometimes seen on other islands.
What is it like living in Sal?  Sal is a new tourism destination and as such is subject to power cuts, water shortages and other issues that may be expected in a developing nation.  You will not find the same level of service and goods to which you may be accustomed.  However, Santa Maria is a pleasant place to live with low crime, a wide range of water sports, bars and restaurants.  The population on Sal is a mix of European, African and Capeverdean.  Those who come with a flexible and open attitude will enjoy exploring a different culture and maximizing their time on a sunny island with great water sports and good social life.
How much leisure time will I have?  During the nesting season you will usually work six days/nights a week, although this may vary depending on the needs of the project. On your day off you will probably be too tired to do much but sleep and rest but people do find the time to dive, sunbathe or sightsee.
What is the accommodation like?  Turtle House is a surf hotel during the winter and has a range of rooms and communal areas with an outdoor space with hammocks.  It is very close to the beach.  All rooms are en suite with either two or three beds (single sex sharing).  Cooking and eating areas are communal.  You are responsible for keeping your room and the communal areas clean.  We recommend you visit the website www.surfactivity.it.


About the field camps
Two field camps are planned, one at Serra Negra and one at Mont Leão, the only Marine Protected Zone (MPZ) in Cape Verde.  In 2011 Serra Negra had the highest density of turtles on Sal - it is therefore the best opportunity to work with turtles and is also where the majority of training will take place.  Mont Leão has a lower nesting density but has a high mortality rate and therefore is a critical area for protection.  Both beaches are only 20 minutes drive from Santa Maria but are quiet and infrequently visited.  By participating in these camps you will make a very real difference to the survival of nesting turtles on Sal.  You will stay on the beach in groups of three or four living in tents, for three to six nights and have one day of rest in Santa Maria at Turtle House each week.  We may share the camp with soldiers. 
During the night you will make patrols in the area and during the day will have time to rest and swim and perform maintenance duties around the camp (including beach cleaning).  There is a pit toilet and shaded areas but limited fresh water for showering.  Drinking water and basic foodstuff is provided, including rice, pasta, sugar and tinned goods but you will be responsible for bringing fresh food, bread and other items with you.  Facilities and comfort will be limited so you should be sure that you are able to cope with these conditions before you apply for this option.  You will be advised what you need to bring if you are offered a place. 
What is the best way to reach Sal?  You can reach Sal (SID) from many European, African and American cities.  Flights to Cabo Verde can be expensive and it is sometimes best to look for flights with charter, rather than scheduled airlines.  One way bargains can often be obtained close to the day of travel.  We suggest that you try the following :
From Lisbon TACV Cabo Verde Airlines or TAP or White Airways
From the UK (Birmingham, Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands, Glasgow) www.thomsonfly.com or First Choice http://flights.firstchoice.co.uk/firstchoice/en-GB/booking/standardsearch
From Germany (Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Hanover) www.tuifly.com
From Brussels www.jetairfly.com
From France Excel http://www.xlairways.fr/
From Scandanavia http://www.tuiflynordic.dk http://www.tuiflynordic.se http://www.tuiflynordic.fi, http://www.tuiflynordic.no
From the USA there are direct flights on TACV from Boston to Praia (the capital city) but it is generally cheaper to fly via London or another European city.
Please bear in mind that flight prices and charter flights are often cheaper as you get closer to the departure date.
Can my partner, friends or relatives visit me on the project?  This must be arranged in advance.  Please note that during their visit it is unlikely that you will be able to take extra time off since we usually have the minimum number of people we need. If your friends wish to stay in Turtle House (subject to availability) they will be required to pay for accommodation and will be expected to participate fully in the project. 
Will I have time to see any other islands?
We recommend that you allow time at the end of your contract to visit other islands or to relax before going home.  If you are accepted, the date that you have been given as your end date is the date you will be expected to work until.  Any breaks in work (such as graduation ceremonies) must be notified prior to the start of your contract.
How can I find out more about SOS Tartarugas?  Please visit our website (www.turtlesos.org) and blog (http://turtlesoscaboverde.blogspot.com/).