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Civic Service Volunteer – Garden & Welcome

Do you enjoy gardening? Welcoming people? Want to experience being part of a great team in a beautiful part of France? Are you between 18 and 30? A Rocha France needs you! They have funding for an eight-month volunteer post (with a small stipend) starting as soon as possible.

The post is open to anyone aged between 18-30. Candidates from the European Union or Switzerland do not need a visa. Those from beyond will need one but A Rocha France is willing to help with paperwork for the visa process for the right candidate.

Read the full outline of the post here.

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A Rocha France – European Volunteer – ESC (Mas Mireille)

The project offers young people the opportunity to acquire competences in scientific studies of flora, fauna and ecosystems and to put this into practice by implementing projects for managing and protecting the sensitive and threatened wetlands of the Vallée des Baux near Arles. Volunteers will take part in observation, monitoring or censing of species, taking samples and analyzing them, protecting biodiversity of the sites managed by A Rocha by direct actions (tree planting, vegetation cutting, setting up nesting boxes or perches, etc). Specific time (up to 10%) will be devoted to learning French language, 10% of the time will be devoted to communicating about the ESC through different medium (video, stands, articles). 30% of the time will be spent on tasks related to the proper functioning of the Centre A Rocha France: – Welcoming visitors – Maintenance of the domain and its park, various tasks related to Community life.

WHERE? Lieu-dit Mas Mireille, 13280 Arles, France

WHEN? As soon as possible

JOB DESCRIPTION: 1 year volunteering position with A Rocha France in the Vallée des Baux, starting before the end of March Open to young European citizens from outside France.

Send resume and motivation (with two references) to Timothée Schwartz, science director and Mas Mireille centre director, [email protected].

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

The volunteers are housed at the study centre, which is also the logistic base for the projects, the head office and the hub for running the life of the team. They share rooms (1 to 2 people of the same sex per room). Lunch and supper are eaten together during the week with the team and any other participants at fixed times. Breakfasts are self-service. The team members take turns at preparing the meals for the group. Special diets are catered for. The centre is no-smoking. Bikes are available for getting around. Rules of life might be adapted due to the COVID situation.

Training during the activity

Training will be provided at arrival concerning the rules of life at the center, community life, week planning and project and activity description. Field work training is provided all along the project to the volunteer such as: species identification skills, protocols, use of observation tools and other field equipment. Training in database management, data analysis and report drafting is also provided depending on the volunteer skills at arrival.

Participant profile

We are looking for volunteers who have a real interest in protecting the environment. They will need to enjoy life in the country and the contact with the flora and fauna, which means sometimes putting up with difficult conditions, getting around by bike, the wind, dry heat, etc. The volunteers will have to show that they can take initiatives in the tasks they undertake and take them through to completion. They should not hesitate to ask for clarification or direction if necessary for their projects. A basic knowledge of French is an advantage for the volunteers, but not a necessity.

ESC (AR France)

A Rocha France – European Volunteer – ESC (Courmettes)

Activity description:

Starting by the end of February 2023 for a year

Les Courmettes is a natural site of 600ha in a Natura 2000 area. Located nearby Nice, scientific studies and monitorings are implemented along side actions to raise awereness and train people. The European volunteers, under the direction of the nature activities manager, will participate in protecting this rich site by reconciling both nature conservation and welcoming the public. Volunteers will develop competences in environmental education, scientific studies and natural site management.

LOCATION: Domaine des Courmettes 06140 Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France

DATE: As soon as possible for 12 months

ORGANISATION: 35h/week, 1week-end over 2 and public holidays

POSITIONS TO BE FILLLED: open to young European citizens from outside France

Send resume and motivation (with two references) to Charlotte Léon, Nature Projects manager at Les Courmettes : [email protected].

Domaine des Courmettes
The ocellated Lizard, threatened
Orchids monitoring

Missions

Volunteers will take part in :

  • raising awareness with the public through different media (panels, discussion, educational tools etc.)
  • species and habitat studies (fieldwork, data analysis etc.)
  • maintenance and management actions (trail marking, site defence etc.)
  • learning French (10% of the time) and communicating about the ESC through different media (10% – video, stands, articles)
  • tasks related to the proper functioning of the Les Courmettes centre: welcoming visitors, maintenance of the estate and its park, various tasks related to community life, cooking, etc. (30%)

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers are housed at the Courmettes centre, which is also the logistical base for the projects, A Rocha France’s head office and the hub for running the life of the team. Rooms are shared (1 to 2 people of the same sex per room). Lunch and supper, prepared by a cook, are eaten together at fixed times during the week with the team and any other participants. When the cook is absent, team members take turns to prepare meals. Breakfasts are self-service. Vegetarian diets can be offered. Cars are available (with a fee) to get around. The modus vivendi ‘rules of life’ may be adapted due to the COVID situation.

Participant profile:

  • real interest in raising awareness and protecting the environment 
  • enjoying rural life, contact with people and flora and fauna. Meaning sometimes putting up with difficult weather conditions and being ready to welcome visitors at Les Courmettes and talk about the site’s regulations.
  • taking initiative in the tasks they undertake and following them through to completion
  • basic knowledge of French and a driving license are an advantage for the volunteers
Courmettes-1

France – Les Courmettes

France – Les Courmette

Courmettes 1Le Domaine des Courmettes is A Rocha France’s second site, an hour’s drive up into the hills northwest of Nice. It offers 600 ha of preserved wildlife in a variety of natural habitats and a breathtaking view of the French Riviera. The Domain is open to the public, with several hiking trails.

This is a pioneering experience, with a small on-site team and volunteering needs in many areas: building, painting, roofing, insulating, administrating, welcoming visitors and hikers, nature surveying, path-making, marketing, hosting commercial events, and so on. Les Courmettes holds huge potential for touching hearts and lives and helping visitors connect with the losses generated by climate change and the joys of living healthily. Come and be a part of it as an individual or even better, as a group!

A Rocha also hopes to develop various environmental education tools in the near future, as well as eco-tourism in the years to come.

Volunteers at Les Courmettes are welcomed for stays of at least two weeks. Living conditions are a little rougher than at Les Tourades, especially during the winter months, and city dwellers might feel somewhat isolated over longer stays. Count on about 130 euros for a week’s full board (subject to change).

Those who participate in outdoors work need to be physically fit and able to hike around the Domain. Ability in French, while not essential, is an asset. Because the community at Les Courmettes is an international one, we do not offer a French-language immersion experience

Long-term volunteer positions at Les Courmettes include:

  • logistics assistant for events management and welcoming visitors (with organisational and people skills)
  • building maintenance coordinator (with a variety of construction and home improvement skills)
  • land management assistant (with skills in environmental management)
  • renewable energy project manager (for implementation on site and to offer feasibility studies for churches and parachurch structures)
  • environmental education assistant (with skills in education, small group leadership, graphic design and drawing)
  • gardening and house help (with agriculture and organisational skills).

These team members may live on or off-site; they would join the team for six to 12 months or more. They must be financially self-supporting, and A Rocha France is available to help volunteers raise support from their local communities.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

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France – European Solidarity Corps Volunteer

Reconciling biodiversity preservation and welcoming the public at Les Courmettes.

  • Location: Domaine des Courmettes – 06140 Tourrettes sur Loup – France
  • Date: from Monday the 3rd of January 2022, for a period of 12 months
  • Organization: 35h/week, mission including work on weekends and public holidays (2 weekends per month) and some school holidays (spring and autumn)
  • Positions to be filled: two, open to young European citizens from outside France
 

Activity description:

The project offers young people the opportunity to acquire experience in a project that includes both nature conservation and welcoming the public, a new issue that many natural sites worldwide are currently facing. By being involved in the management of the site of Les Courmettes, a beautiful and naturally rich site near Nice, volunteers will develop competences in environmental education, scientific studies and natural site management.

Volunteers will take part in raising awareness with the public through different media (panels, discussion, educational tools etc.), species and habitat studies (fieldwork, data analysis etc.), maintenance and management actions (trail marking, site defence etc.). Specific time (up to 10%) will be devoted to learning French and communicating about the ESC through different media (10% – video, stands, articles). 30% of the time will be spent on tasks related to the proper functioning of the Les Courmettes centre: welcoming visitors, maintenance of the estate and its park, various tasks related to community life etc.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangement:

Volunteers are housed at the Courmettes centre, which is also the logistical base for the projects, A Rocha France’s head office and the hub for running the life of the team. Rooms are shared (1 to 2 people of the same sex per room). Lunch and supper, prepared by a cook, are eaten together at fixed times during the week with the team and any other participants. When the cook is absent, team members take turns to prepare meals. Breakfasts are self-service. Vegetarian diets can be offered. Cars are available (with a fee) to get around. The modus vivendi ‘rules of life’ may be adapted due to the COVID situation.

Training during the activity:

Training will be provided on arrival concerning the modus vivendi of the centre’s community life and how the week, project and activities will unfold. Field work training is provided for the volunteer throughout project such as: species identification skills, protocols, use of observation tools and other field equipment. Training in welcoming public and environmental education will be provided on arrival.

Participant profile:

We are looking for volunteers who have a real interest in raising awareness and protecting the environment. They will need to enjoy rural life, contact with people and flora and fauna, which means sometimes putting up with difficult weather conditions and being ready to welcome visitors at Les Courmettes and talk about the site’s regulations. Volunteers will have to show that they can take initiative in the tasks they undertake and follow them through to completion. They should not hesitate to ask for clarification or direction if necessary for their projects. A basic knowledge of French is an advantage for the volunteers, but not a necessity.

Contact:

Send resume and motivation (with two references) to:

Coline Raillon, Nature Projects Officer at Les Courmettes

[email protected]

Czech-bird-monitoring

Czech Republic – Bird ringing

Krupárna, A Rocha Czech Republic’s environmental centre, is in the northeast of the Czech Republic. The centre and its ponds and bird hide enjoys many visitors – children, adults and wildlife. The team actively monitors and rings birds in nearby Special Protected Areas (SPAs) under the Natura 2000 / European Birds Directive.

The team would appreciate volunteers with at least a basic knowledge of ornithology or environmental conservation to help with the monitoring and ringing (in spring and summer) and research in general (at all times). The main monitoring work will be with Corncrake and Red-backed Shrike. Other activities that may be part of the work programme are building nest boxes, DIY, gardening, and general support of the field study centre. Volunteers are expected to be involved in work activities over usual work hours (6-7 hours per day). Speaking Czech is not necessary, but please be prepared that the team operates in Czech and has basic English.

Volunteers usually come for a period of two weeks minimum and are accommodated in single-sex dormitory rooms at Krupárna at the cost of 15 € per day for food and lodging. This opportunity could be a great fit for two friends who wish to volunteer together, as the residential community is small and may not be able to offer full-time support over weekends.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

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Portugal – European Solidarity Corps

One or two volunteers are welcomed each year under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) scheme: if you live in the EU, Iceland, Switzerland or Norway, are under 30 and are willing to spend six to 12 months working at Cruzinha, you could apply to be the next ESC volunteer.

This opportunity would ideally suit a gap year student or graduate looking for conservation experience, though it is open to anyone who fulfils the above criteria. ESC volunteers receive free flights to and from their country of origin (within the EU), free board and lodging, free language classes and about 100 € a month.

Successful ESC applicants would be based at Cruzinha, our bird observatory and field study centre set in the Alvor marshes in the Algarve. Cruzinha has a capacity to accommodate up to 14 people; volunteers are normally accommodated in male or female dormitories.

Please note that A Rocha Portugal’s participation in ESC depends on an annual application, submitted in October and subject to ESC’s decision early in the following year.

The ESC application process is separate from our general volunteer application process; please contact A Rocha Portugal directly for information at [email protected].

Peru-conservation

Peru (science)

A Rocha Peru is currently limited in terms of human resource capacity and would greatly appreciate the input of a limited number of skilled, motivated and flexible volunteers. Intermediate Spanish is required; of course, the more fluent you are, the better!

Volunteers with skills ranging from institutional support to project design and implementation, with a particular focus on conservation and reforestation expertise, are welcome for short to mid-term appointments.

We are not able to offer accommodation, but can offer to cover costs for local transportation and some costs associated with longer field trips (meals, etc.).

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Kenya-marine

Kenya – Marine Programme

The marine environment in the Western Indian Ocean is exceptionally biodiverse, including habitats such as mangrove forests, beautiful sandy beaches, seagrass beds and coral reefs. They are also exceptionally threatened by coastal development, climate change, and fishing pressure. A Rocha Kenya works in Watamu Marine Park to understand the status and processes impacting marine biodiversity of these habitats.

We seek graduate students willing to get immersed in all tasks and work in a cross-cultural situation, recognizing that marine habitats have intrinsic value and that we can bring healing to the ocean and those who depend upon it.

The marine team is specifically looking for volunteer support in two categories:

  • Students pursuing a degree in marine biology who wish to help with specific existing projects (e.g. shark monitoring, rock pool monitoring, microplastics)
  • Graduate students (Masters and PhD) looking for a research site and / or to facilitate our marine work

We regret to say that at this time, we simply do not have the capacity to take on volunteers who have an interest in marine science but no experience.

Minimal requirements for marine volunteers:

  • Ability to swim long distances
  • Ability to use spreadsheet programmes for data entry and analysis
  • Are comfortable working in and around boats

Preference will be given to candidates who:

  • Have an internationally recognized SCUBA certification
  • Have previous experience in tropical marine environments
  • Have a degree in a marine science
  • Experience analyzing scientific data
  • Are from East Africa

In addition to normal volunteer requirements, we may ask that you:

  • Research Kenyan marine parks and write a one page essay describing one threat to Kenyan marine parks and possible solutions to that problem
  • Write a second one page essay on how marine conservation and faith apply to each other
  • Complete a required reading list prior to arrival in Kenya
  • Supply your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel)

Volunteers would be based at the field study centre, Mwamba, on the coast at Watamu.

Costs: approximately $20 US per day for volunteers, including all three meals.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.

Note: the security advice for the Kenyan coast has been in flux recently. Please check with your travel insurance provider to confirm cover. The British Foreign Commonwealth Office issues travel advice for UK residents at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya. Any decision to travel is the responsibility of the traveller.

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France – Vallée des Baux (science)

A Rocha France runs scientific research in the Vallée des Baux, Provence, 6 km east of Arles and within easy reach by car of the Camargue wetlands, la Crau steppe and les Alpilles limestone hills. The team works closely with local landowners, particularly in the valley, which includes canals and natural wetlands, Holm Oak and pine forest, and the garrigue ecosystem.

Volunteers are welcomed for stays of at least two weeks, to help with a wide variety of practical tasks ranging from centre operations and maintenance, gardening, cooking, office work (IT, grant-writing, clerical tasks, data entry) to wildlife and habitat surveys. Volunteers live in comfortable conditions in shared dormitories, and pay about 130 euros for a week’s full board (subject to change).

Those who participate in our scientific program need to be physically fit and able to cycle 10-30 km to reach the study sites. Ability in French, while not essential, is an asset. Because the community at Les Tourades is an international one, we do not offer a French-language immersion experience.

Long-term volunteers may live on or off-site, and join the team for six to 12 months or more. They must be financially self- supporting. A Rocha France is available to help volunteers raise support from their local communities.

To apply, please fill out our volunteer application form.