Subject: [ARTAG] voluntary postion in Caribbean

Volunteer vacancy in the Caribbean - Live-food technician and assistant to mountain chicken programme, Dominica, West Indies

The Dominican mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) conservation programme (see www.mountainchicken.org <http://www.mountainchicken.org/> ), co-managed by the Zoological Society of London and Chester Zoo in collaboration with the Government of Dominica is seeking a dedicated, energetic and self-motivated invertebrate/herpetology specialist to spend a period of one year in Dominica, West Indies.

The main objective will be to assist Dominica Forestry and Wildlife personnel in establishing and developing large-scale invertebrate food cultures (crickets/cockroaches/snails/worms etc) and invertebrate harvesting techniques to feed a proposed captive assurance colony of the Critically Endangered frog Leptodactylus fallax. Husbandry and monitoring of the initial captive frogs may also become part of the remit depending upon progress with the food source and readiness to initiate the frog breeding programme.

The successful candidate will have a proven background in invertebrate care and culturing and/or a demonstrable aptitude for the same. Experience in the management of amphibians, especially large frogs, would be an advantage but is not essential.

The position is based in Roseau, capital of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean. International air travel and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses will be provided.

Applications should be received by 26th August 2008. Unfortunately, we are unable to send individual replies to all who apply, so if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, we regret that your application has not been successful.

Please send a letter of application, emphasising relevant experience, and a recent Curriculum Vitae to:

Andrew A. Cunningham or Ian Stephen

Head of Wildlife Epidemiology Assistant Curator, Herpetology

Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London

Zoological Society of London Regent's park

Regent's Park London NW1 4RY

London NW1 4RY

Email: Ian.Stephen@zsl.org