Volunteer Turtle Conservation Project Assistant

Turtle Foundation Conservation Project in Cape Verde

Are you looking to develop your experience in conservation?

Would you like to be part of an international project which protects endangered species? Maybe you could benefit from our project…

The Turtle Foundation is looking for both long-term and short-term volunteers to play an essential role in protecting nesting loggerhead turtles in Cape Verde during the nesting season – 1st July until 30th September 2025. It could provide you with key skills required to pursue a successful career in conservation and ecological biology, as well as an incredible life experience. Our loggerhead sea turtle protection program on Boa Vista heavily relies on the commitment of international and Cape Verdean volunteers working in our field stations at the beaches. Anyone who is open-minded and enthusiastic about sea turtle conservation and fulfils some basic requirements is welcome to apply for volunteering in our project! In addition to helping to save an endangered species from extinction, volunteering for sea turtle conservation provides unique, rewarding experiences that can change your life. Volunteering with us on Boa Vista is affordable and your contribution will fully benefit our conservation project.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties will include data collection and entry, tagging and measuring nesting turtles, analysing and identifying tracks, maintaining field equipment, relocating nests, studying hatchling success in-situ and in a hatchery and daily patrols during the night or early morning. A typical shift lasts 4-5 hours, but this is dependant on the turtles, some shifts may take longer and you must be prepared to work up to 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Commit to a minimum of 2 weeks for short-term volunteers or 8 weeks for long-term volunteers
• Able to converse, receive and understand instructions given in English
• Good level of physical fitness and enjoy working outdoors – able to walk long distances on soft sand, work in all weather conditions
• Able to work in remote areas under extremely basic conditions
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules – working day or night
• Have comprehensive travel insurance
• Most importantly – Keep positive and smiling!

Please note: volunteers are required to cover the cost of their food and basic accommodation while in camp.

The project is based in camps located on or close to nesting beaches where you would live in basic conditions alongside local Cape Verdeans and international volunteers. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn another language and experience other cultures whilst contributing to the conservation of this species. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact volunteers@turtle-foundation.org and take a look at our website and social media!

We hope to hear from you soon!