Conservation Intern @ Tanjong Jara Resort

CONSERVATION INTERN @ TANJONG JARA RESORT

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.

Internship Duration

Starting as soon as possible, or, July – October (minimum 3 months)

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-emergence 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 universities, schools and corporate groups.
Updating our social media platforms (e.g. Facebook and Instagram).
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.

As Tanjong Jara Resort is a 5-star resort, 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.

Free Time

Turtles aside, you can explore all Terengganu has to offer during your free time, which will be at your own expense. These activities include: hiking, visit to waterfalls, day trip to nearby islands, picnic, etc.

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
Good knowledge of English
Good knowledge of Malay is an advantage
Must be competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office

This is a great opportunity to get involved with a small organisation that is growing rapidly. This means that your work has a real impact on the success of the project and you will also be able to contribute to shaping the future of the project. In 2021 we were able to save over 21,000 eggs, which would have otherwise been sold to the market for human consumption. All of these nests were relocated into the safety of our hatcheries where they were monitored until their release.

While this is an unpaid position, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch will cover your in-country land travel to/from project site, food and accommodation whilst on the project. You will be living in the staff quarters of the resort, sharing a room and toilet along with up to four other interns. You will prepare breakfast and lunch yourself, or eat at the staff canteen. We take turns to cook dinner every night. Travel to and from Malaysia is at the expense of the intern.

If you feel you’re the right person to be part of our young, passionate and dynamic team of conservationists, please do send through a copy of your C.V. and a cover letter stating which time slot you are applying for to our Operations & Administrative Coordinator, Mary, at mary@langtengahturtlewatch.org with TJ Conservation Intern as the subject heading.