Sea Turtle and Seagrass Monitoring Supervisor

Operation Wallacea is a network of academics from European and North American universities who design and implement biodiversity and conservation management research programmes across 13 countries worldwide.

We are currently recruiting for a Sea Turtle and Seagrass Monitoring Supervisor to work at our Mexico site in Akumal. This position will run for six weeks from June until early August, and information on the site is available on our website.

The role of the Sea Turtle and Seagrass Monitoring Supervisor for Opwall involves working closely with undergraduate students who are completing their dissertations by researching sea turtle behaviour and seagrass populations.

The aim of this project is to investigate the abundance and distribution of immature green turtles in Akumal Bay in relation to the abundance and distribution of seagrasses Thallassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii and in relation to the distribution of tourists. The project will also investigate the intensity and distribution of turtle grazing on seagrasses. Collectively, these data sets may be used to determine the ideal location of snorkel tour routes in the bay relative to restricted areas designated for turtle foraging. Data from the project will determine the extent of overgrazing of seagrasses and the sustainability of the resident turtle population.

Applicants will need to be qualified and confident to lead students on in water surveys so must be qualified to PADI rescue diver or equivalent and be a strong snorkeller/swimmer. Applicants should also have a background knowledge and experience working with sea turtles and/or seagrass and experience working with volunteers within similar marine conservation projects.

In return, successful applicants receive full accommodation and food on-site, as well as access to the research and educational programme taking place on-site and the potential to develop their roles within Opwall in future years. Successful applicants will also receive a contribution towards international flights, as well as the chance to dive on the beautiful reefs and magical cenotes of the Yucutan Peninsula.

The positions will be filled as and when we find suitable candidates so if you are interested, please apply as soon as you can to give yourself the best chance. The positions do involve working with minors so if successful you will be asked to complete a background check.