Biodiversity Field Assistant- Conservation Society of Sierra Leone

The Conservation Society for Sierra Leone (CSSL) promotes the wise use and management of Sierra Leone's Natural Resources through Education, Advocacy, Research and Site Action (CSSL, acc. 2012). CSSL was founded in September 1986, in response to the need for a local organization committed to promote conservation and management of environmental issues in Sierra Leone (CSSL, acc. 2012).

Interns will be working in the staff offices and all project sites of CSSL in Sierra Leone. Interns will be asked to travel from Freetown to the provinces to conduct field assessments and Biodiversity surveys in all of CSSL's projects and program areas, in which case cost of transportation and lodging is to be covered by CSSL.

Interns are expected to have completed, or be in their 3^rd/4^th years of Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) in Biology, Environmental Science, Applied Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, or any other related degree. Interns should have relevant experience or coursework in conducting Biodiversity surveys focused on species and habitat conservation. Interns working towards a Master's degree or with professional work experience in a related field will be preferred.

Interns must be fluent in English. Interns are expected to be a skilled addition to the CSSL team. Interns should have a basic working knowledge of CSSL's working history and partnerships in conservation within Sierra Leone before arriving (available on their website).

The placements are based in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, where qualified individuals have the amazing opportunity to gain hands on experience while furthering their own education. We at ACIPP believe that learning should be holistic and have the utmost faith that each programme will foster growth, education, and compassion in our interns.

Basic Job Requirements and Potential tasks

Interns will be supervised by CSSL staff, and will receive reference guidelines and supportive/enabling supervision, particularly for the first week upon arrival.

1. Assist in all Biodiversity surveys and data collection related to species and habitat conservation in all of CSSL's major projects and programs, listed here: http://conservationsl.org/projects/
2. Assist CSSL in supporting the government in implementing the National Tree Planting Drive, Wildlife Bush Fire Prevention and Control, National Environmental Protection and Sustainable management of Mangroves and the forestry programmes.
3. Assist CSSL in educating and raising awareness of wildlife, threatened species and critical ecosystems.
4. Any other duty as assigned.

Time commitment: This internship has a minimum commitment of 8 weeks time and the internship can last up to 7 months.

Academic Credit: Many universities have given academic credit for our internships, and we will work with you in obtaining credit if you would like.

Fees:

1) Programme Fee: All interns are housed at the ACIPP house, and are provided with meals (2x/day), accommodation, airport pick-up and drop-off, orientation and 24/7 emergency care support for a flat fee of $200 a week (the is the Programme Fee).

2) Confirmation Fee: This non-refundable $500 fee secures the placement. It also pays for the placement set-up (going to the host organization and explaining the intern's background, etc.), donation to host organization (for their time teaching and training you), airport pick-up (getting the intern from airport to the home, getting the staff member to and from Freetown, etc.).