Earth Sea & Sky Volunteers

• Having the opportunity to gain experience combining sustainable tourism and conservation issues, whilst working closely with other NGO’s.
• Learning the basic care and maintenance of aquatic, marine and reptilian animals at our Rescue Station – featuring aquariums and terrarium enclosures.
• The thrill of seeing Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles and hatchlings in their natural environment.
• Bird watching to spot many of the rare migrating birds.
• Getting a glimpse of the very shy and extremely endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
• Experiencing Greek culture first hand on a beautifully verdant, picturesque island, and picking up some of the language.
• Taking a great first step towards your career in practical conservation or simply making a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered species.

• Applicants are required to be 18 years or over at the time of their placement.
• Enthusiasm and commitment for the protection of the natural environment is necessary.
• A good understanding of English is essential, and potential volunteers will only be considered for participation if able to communicate in English on at least an intermediate level.
• Applicants must carry a valid health insurance policy, or equivalent, for the duration of their placement. Proof of cover must be provided.
• Minimum period of project placement is 2 weeks, however longer term participation is highly encouraged.
• Participants must be prepared to work under hot summer conditions on a daily basis.
• Flexibility is a must, as conditions or required tasks and shifts can change at short notice.
• Volunteers are selected on an individual basis. Groups of more than two persons are not accepted for the project in the same period of time.
• Volunteers must be prepared to experience communal life, of living and working in a shared house, and operate as members of a small team.
• The ability to live and co-operate with people of different cultures and backgrounds is essential.
• Volunteers are trained and supervised by Project Leaders and experienced members. They must be prepared to participate in every aspect of the work. Duties are allocated on a weekly rota and may include working throughout the night or long hours during the day
• Volunteers are expected to behave in a civil and responsible manner at all times, whether on or off duty. Unsociable, inappropriate or risky behaviour, or failing to follow the Coordinators instructions, will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the project.

• Volunteers will be involved in the cleaning and upkeep of tanks and enclosures, as well as the basic care of aquatic and land animals including: fish, terrapins, snakes and birds.
• General maintenance and handyperson work at the Rescue Station and volunteer accommodation requiring low to medium skill sets.
• Throughout the season, volunteers will be actively involved in visitor and tourist education, through information sessions, of the issues facing the animals and habitats of the Zakynthos National Marine Park.
• Rescuing any injured wildlife, providing basic medical assistance if necessary, and reporting injuries or fatalities to the Coordinator.
• Specialised technical support with a focus on providing maintenance duties, like painting, basic carpenter work, operating the water-supply system, etc. These volunteers will need to have previous experience in technical or tradesman work.
• Writing of reports, articles and copy for publication on websites and submission to various wildlife protection organisations and management bodies.
• Research, collection and collation of data on the endangered flora and fauna species of the Ionian Islands. Entering that data and findings into databases.
• As well as all this, the team will help with the fundraising for the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Station and are encouraged to create and suggest ideas to raise money.

• Public awareness and Rescue Station duty - involves acquainting tourists with our conservation work, providing information on the many unique species of flora and fauna of the Ionian, how they can contribute to our protection efforts, and selling merchandise to raise funds for the project.
• Habitat and population assessment of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the Mediterranean Monk Seal to assess damage and pressures of tourism activities.
• Volunteers may also accompany tourists on catamaran sailing trips, island tours and nature walks, providing them with vital sea turtle, monk seal and wildlife conservation guidelines.
• Regular beach and marine cleans, as part of the PADI Aware International Cleanup Event – includes skin diving and snorkelling.

• Public awareness and Rescue Station duty.
• Migrating bird species population assessment – early mornings and evenings.
• Identify and report areas that have been affected by human presence – pollution, light and sound disturbances.
• Beach and forest rubbish clean-ups, to tidy up after tourism madness.
• Island surveys, beach and forest walks, to assess damage on wildlife habitats: dune destruction, pollution, hunting.

• After completion of the Rescue Station in spring 2012, on-going maintenance, handyperson and technical support work will be required.
• If there are injured sea turtles is care, tasks include preparation and administration of food, operation of the sea water supply systems, carrying and cleaning the animals, as well as cleaning the facilities and equipment.
• Public awareness activities include the running of exhibition area and providing information.
• Island surveys, beach and forest walks to assess damage on wildlife habitats from dune destruction, illegal developments, pollution, hunting.

• While there are no extreme physical conditions or psychological demands, you should be fit and confident enough to walk at least 3-5 km (2-3 miles) of beach and/or uneven forest trails for up to 3 hours at a moderate pace.
• You must have good night vision; you will be walking with very limited light and/or a red light, during night time patrols.
• You must be able to wake up early and carry about a 2.5 kg (5 lb) pack - backpacks are used to carry the team’s field equipment - while walking on sand and forest paths.
• Walking on uneven ground is difficult and not recommended for people with heart conditions, prosthetic limbs, or limited mobility.
• Phobias to snakes and insects will pose a problem, although encounters with snakes in the wild are unlikely.
• If you are allergic to insect bites, bees or wasps please come prepared with appropriate medication or epi-kit.
• To avoid dehydration and other heat related conditions, you are advised to bring a reusable water bottle in order to stay hydrated during field activities.
• Minor injuries or scrapes due to falls or tripping over obstacles on unsealed paths can occur while working.
• Allergies or phobias to domestic pets will be problematic. There are resident domestic and farm animals living in and around the volunteer accommodation.
• Volunteers will spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, often exposed to the elements. Appropriate skin and sun protection is highly recommended.
• Temperatures in the height of summer - July and August - can go beyond the average highs of 40°C (104°F). If you are sensitive to heat or strong sun, consider participating on the project outside of peak season.
• Submission of a Medical Clearance Form is required from all volunteers wishing to participate on the project.