Sea Turtle Conservation Intern @ Tanjong Jara

Organisation : Lang Tengah Turtle Watch

Title : Sea Turtle Conservation Intern

Location : Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia

Duration : minimum 3 months (starting March, mid May or July 2023)

Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is looking for a passionate and engaging individual who is willing to gain experience from an unpaid internship position in practical conservation work at their mainland project, based at the prestigious Tanjong Jara Resort on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This project provides plenty of opportunity for hands on conservation work while learning more about public outreach and engagement.

Work description

LTTW operates a Visitors’ Hut and multiple hatcheries in collaboration with the resort. You will be an integral part of our team, assisting our on-site staff members with whatever aspects they require, which may involve any of the following: 

• Collecting biometric and photo-ID data of nesting mothers.
• Relocating sea turtle nests into our hatcheries.
• Carrying out nest checks, hatchling releases and post hatch inspections.
• Inputting data gathered during nest monitoring, relocations, nest checks and post-emergence inspections.
• Giving informative briefings to guests during these activities.
• Being based at our Visitors’ Hut and being on hand to chat with resort guests and answer any questions.
• Helping with our nest adoption programme: contacting local tender holders to purchase eggs otherwise being sold to the marketplace; signing up guests to the nest adoption programme; gathering photographs and sending out the nest adoption updates to the adoptees.
• Ensuring the hatchery, visitors’ hut and our accommodation are kept clean and tidy at all times.
• Liaising with Tanjong Jara Resort staff to inform them about hatchling releases, nest inspections etc.
• Helping to coordinate and carry out beach cleanups and outreach programmes involving local schools.
• Updating our social media pages.
• Ensuring the project house is kept clean & tidy with the help of our volunteers through daily chores on a rota basis Adhering to all safety measures, protocols, procedures and budgets as directed by LTTW.
• Assisting in any other duties that may be required including cover for team member’s leave and illness, shop for project supplies and participate in local events.

One-week training at Lang Tengah Island

For this role, you will be sent to Lang Tengah for a week of training at our jungle camp before you come to Tanjong Jara, where you will learn about sea turtle, biology, ecology and conservation. You need to feel comfortable living in a stripped-back and open-air camp, which lies slightly recessed behind the secluded beach of Turtle Bay. Think rustic, jungle living - bucket-showers and campfires.

Take a tour around our campsite with this video made by our volunteers

As TJR is a 5-star resort (http://www.tanjongjararesort.com) we aim to maintain a high quality of operations and therefore want you to be able to answer any questions that may be directed your way without hesitation.

General requirements

• Experience in public outreach and engagement preferred
• Outgoing - this is one of the most important elements, as you will representing the organisation on a daily basis while liaising with resort staff and guests
• Organised and have strong attention to details
• Able to live and work in a small team as well as individually when necessary
• Expect to work long hours, throughout the day and night, often with irregular or little sleep
• Eager to learn about marine biology and conservation, specifically sea turtle biology, ecology and conservation Have initiative and possess flexible and adaptive approaches to problems
• Culturally sensitive
• Strong command of English
• Must be competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office