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Volunteer

 
OceansWatch is a not-for-profit organisation focusing on marine conservation and supporting sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities and marine environments in developing countries. OceansWatch is registered in New Zealand and the USA and volunteers are needed for both branches of the organisation. Volunteers need to cover their own costs when working with us.
We post our latest volunteer positions on idealist.org and Intern positions here.
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2010 VOLUNTEER POSITIONS!

We are looking for:
Marine biologists
Divers
Sustainable livelihood specialists
Conservation experts
and Skippers

to join us for our 2010 projects in the South Pacific!

For more info, please email info@oceanswatch.org to request a volunteer pack.

Good Luck!
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CURRENTLY SEEKING EXPERIENCED SKIPPER! 

We are looking for an experienced skipper to run our flagship, Magic Roundabout.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a lifetime of sailing behind them, a love of the ocean and a proven conservation background.

 Minimum qualification is the RYA / MCA Ocean Yachtmaster and PADI Open Water diver.  Experience must include several ocean passages and miles of coastal sailing. This is a prestigious position that requires additional skills appropriate to OceansWatch, such as - video maker, PADI OW Scuba Instructor, Reef Check diver, marine biologist, writer, doctor etc.
 The position is voluntary and applicants must be prepared to share expenses if funding is not available. 

 Magic Roundabout is a Sweden 34 in good and improving condition!  She is dearly loved by OceansWatch and has already completed 15,000 sea miles as our flagship.
 Timeline - arrive in New Zealand mid February to work with Chris Bone, CEO, on the refit of Magic Roundabout.  Leave for Vanuatu by 1st May, returning to New Zealand in November 2010.  There will be up to three others on board including marine biologists and divers. 
Whilst in Vanuatu the OceansWatch team on Magic Roundabout will be working with Vanuatu Fisheries and Vanuatu Reef Check.  As skipper you will be representing OceansWatch and most likely work alongside OceansWatch members on their yachts. 
 

Email a CV and cover letter to chris@oceanswatch.org to apply, or infor@oceanswatch.org for more information
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Volunteer skills needed:
For our projects:

  • Oceanographers, marine biologists, environmental scientists, divemasters, PADI OWSI instructors, divers (preferably Reef Check trained), sailors, skippers, nurses, medics, doctors, engineers, project leaders, development experts, small business development advisors, organic horticulture and permaculture advisors

For our yachts in the USA and New Zealand:

  • Boat builders, skippers, engineers, marine trades people, painters etc

For our head office in New Zealand (online or onsite):

  • Book keepers, office manager, marine scientist, website marketers, accountants/business advisors, humanitarian development experts.

There are 5 levels at which volunteers can participate.

1. Online office/web/business volunteers.

We are looking for administrative assistance. The basic requirements are that you can commit to work long enough to achieve tangible results for us.

2.  Onsite office volunteers.

We need a couple of helpers at our home office in Matapouri. We can accommodate. You will be part of a small team and it’s a busy, fun and positive atmosphere!

3.  Support yacht volunteers.

  • Trips will generally be 2-4 weeks in duration. You will be staying on an OceansWatch member's yacht. Financial arrangements for food etc is a private matter between your self and the yacht owner. You must have an academic qualification or extensive experience that has some relevance, so that you can contribute your knowledge to your hosts and the project. All our projects include an element of marine conservation so marine biology or similar qualifications and diving experience are basic requirements.

4. Boat builders and trades people in the USA

  • We are re-fitting a fine old 90’ Schooner in Connecticut USA. We need a great team of boat builders, trades people and general labourer assistants to finish her as our USA project lead yacht.

5. Lead yacht volunteers

Generally we need the following skill set on the boats:

  • 1 skipper, 1 dive master, 1 project leader, 1 humanitarian specialist, 1 competent crew person, 3 ReefCheck trained divers, 1 marine biologist (or similar), 1 high level First Aid specialist

The above set of skills constitute the core crew and need to be covered by a maximum of 3 people (all minimum PADI Open Water qualified).

Depending on the boat and the project requirements we can take others to complement the crew who have appropriate skills.

  • Trips are 3-6 months. You may need to stay in New Zealand for ~2 months prior to the trip working on the boat and helping with project planning. You need to assist OceansWatch by contributing a fixed amount for food and boat running expenses (NZ$200pw or less depending on funding). You must have an appropriate degree or higher qualification relevant to the project. Qualifications we require are mainly Marine Biology, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Development. You need to be able to prove a commitment to conservation through your work or volunteer record. You need to have spent some time in a developing country. Preference given to people with a good knowledge of Coral Reef Ecology. Sailing experience is a distinct advantage. You must be trained in First Aid. You must be appropriately insured.

Applying
 
In all cases please send us a resume appropriate to the position that you wish to help us with. Indicate what position you are interested in. Tell us when you are available and for how long.

You will need to be a fully paid up member of OceansWatch to work with us, as we are an unfunded not-for-profit organisation.

For long term volunteers on the project lead boats we expect a full resume. You will then have to answer a questionnaire to help us with our short listing procedure.

Apply by email to chris@oceanswatch.org
2010 projects
 

  • Vanuatu: mainly marine conservation and education.
  • Papua New Guinea: marine conservation, education, sustainable livelihiids, and climate change.
  • Solomon Islands: marine conservation, education and sustainable livelihoods.