Opportunities to acquire multidisciplinary work experience in Applied Terrestrial Research & Conservation in the Aegean Islands, Greece

We are currently looking for interns to join our Terrestrial Research Team at Archipelagos, Institute of Marine Conservation, in the eastern Aegean Island in Greece.

Few positions are still available for Spring Season 2018, while we are currently recruiting the teams of Summer and Autumn Season 2018. The interns will support key research and conservation projects while also gaining valuable hands-on experience in Terrestrial Conservation. 
Projects are based on the islands of Samos, Lipsi and Ikaria. 
Thick pine forests, dense oak woods and green riparian valleys linked to rare island freshwater ecosystems can be found here, alongside garrigue and maquis types of vegetation. Samos is the only island in the Mediterranean where golden jackals can be found and the only place in Greece where Mediterranean chameleons still survive. 
The island of Ikaria supports an ancient holm oak forest, which is more than 500 years old. 
The surrounding islands and islets are important transit stations, feeding grounds and breeding spots for a large number of protected birds, including flamingos, Eleonora’s falcons and Audouin’s gulls.

Research projects

Monitoring of Golden Jackals: Samos Airport Project

Archipelagos Institute is cooperating with Fraport Greece and the University of the West of England in a strategy to exclude the Jackal population from the area of Samos International Airport, in a way that secures both passenger safety and jackal welfare. This project will create guidance for future exclusions, but will also provide important information on Golden Jackal behaviour and their relation to human disturbances. 
This research uses a combination of camera traps, tagging and acoustic monitoring, and will be extended to further research aiming to promote more efficient conservation measures for the Jackal population of the island.

Bird Census

Archipelagos’ members carry out assessments of the biodiversity and abundance of bird populations in the east Aegean islands, through daily qualitative surveys that enable the clarification of the status (i.e. overwintering, breeding etc) and demographics of all the species found. This census is very important, as it generates invaluable knowledge and data can be used for the development of key conservation strategies.

Mediterranean Chameleon Monitoring

The main focus of Archipelagos’ herpetological work is on the Mediterranean chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon). It includes population and habitat monitoring, phenology studies and engagement of the local communities in conservation actions. The above are critical as the population of chameleons of Samos Island is the last remaining population of the species in Greece.

Protecting the Nature of Ikaria island

Ikaria island is considered as one of the most biodiverse islands of the Mediterranean. The large mountainous zone, the ancient oak forests and the numerous small wetlands, with limited human impacts, make research there a great conservation challenge.

Flora & Fauna on Small islets

The small islets of the Aegean are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. 
The geographical isolation, small size and frequent lack of terrestrial mammals, make these islets as ideal nesting grounds for many protected bird species, while the local flora frequently presents speciation phenomena. Though small, human impacts are still present, while the collection of data, combined with the close cooperation with local communities makes their protection possible.

Post Fire Regeneration

Wildfires are increasingly frequent in the Mediterranean, due to the lack of efficient fire prevention and management strategies. 
Archipelagos' terrestrial research team, monitors post-fire recovery and successions, in areas that have been recently impacted by fire. One key factor assessed is the impact of seawater thatwas used for the extinguishing of the fires.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has to show great motivation and enthusiasm, strong work ethics, high attention to detail, a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science, self-motivation and availability to work in a team of volunteers independently. 
Prior experience is preferable but not necessary.

Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduates / graduates of studies related to environmental sciences, biology, ecology, geography etc; or of arts related to science/conservation communication i.e. graphic design, IT, communication, scientific illustration, animation, photography, filmmaking, etc.

Placement Details

Duration: 3-12 months (shorter duration is considered on a case-by-case basis) 
Location: Archipelagos’ main research base is on the island of Samos. Opportunities to visit and work at the other stations in the eastern Aegean Sea are available (Lipsi, Ikaria, Arki, Marathi islands). Placements also include working on board the research boats. 
Costs: Placement fee of 650 euros/month covers accommodation, full board, all placement costs & Greek language lessons (Frequently, placement fees and travel expenses are covered by grants such as Erasmus+, or other equivalent) 
Extras: Archipelagos will offer a free scuba diving course to interns who join for over 3 months between January and April 2018 (apart from the PADI fees).

What you will gain?

Archipelagos internships provide a unique opportunity to make a positive contribution to marine and terrestrial conservation, working as part of an international team of young people who share the same interests. You can gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, writing of publications and reports, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies.

To Apply

Send resume, motivation letter (no more than two pages) to admissions@archipelago.gr