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Brilliant 4.71rating (83)

Amazon Research Assistant

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn research technique like camera trap for mammals, search for frogs and glowing mushrooms, bird and forest inventories and much more.
  • Help conservation actions in the Amazon.
  • Boat tours for wildlife watching to see slothes, monkey and lots of other Amazonian species along with gorgeous beaches and native forest.

Highlights

  • Learn research technique like camera trap for mammals, search for frogs and glowing mushrooms, bird and forest inventories and much more.
  • Help conservation actions in the Amazon.
  • Boat tours for wildlife watching to see slothes, monkey and lots of other Amazonian species along with gorgeous beaches and native forest.
  • Learn about Amazonia culture like Curimbo (traditional dance), cook and capoeira classes, Brazilian bbq on the beach.
  • Free time activities: Visit gigantic sumauma trees of the Amazon, Visit Manatee Rehabilitation center, Kayak and much more.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Conduct inventories on Amazonian wildlife in the field: mushrooms, birds, mammals, fish, bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms as well as flora.

    We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, as well as on the behaviour of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.

    Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research ...

    About the program

    We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, as well as on the behaviour of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems.

    Volunteers can participate as Biodiversity Research Assistant and help us conduct long term inventories essential for understanding trend in wildlife patterns and monitoring the effects of climate change. These activities are done in a group and are field research activities where repetitive data collection is required to understand trends over long periods. This role is for volunteers who like to be outside and enjoy physical activity.

    Projects all volunteers will participate in:

    - Forest Inventory and Flora Survey

    - Bird Inventory

    - Fish Inventory

    - Search for Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Organisms

    - Mushroom Inventory

    - Camera Traps for Mammals




    Typical day

    We conducted weekly schedules of research activities (if weather conditions permit). A daily example for bird inventory would be:

    - 8am group meeting (every day)
    - Transport to research sites (4 sites some are hiking distances, some are done on a  boat, some require car transport)
    - Use cameras to ...

    Typical day

    We conducted weekly schedules of research activities (if weather conditions permit). A daily example for bird inventory would be:

    - 8am group meeting (every day)
    - Transport to research sites (4 sites some are hiking distances, some are done on a  boat, some require car transport)
    - Use cameras to film birds seen on the site
    - Head back to download data and identify species
    - Save video content and input in excel so specialist can check ID at a later date
    - After work hours, volunteers swim in the pool at the volunteer house, go to the river or beach, go out for dinner, play games, watching movies etc.


    Free-time activities

    Ilha do Amor: the postcard of Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, love island, beach. Nestled between the Lago Verde and Tapajos river emerges a small island where locals set up palm huts which make wonderful food and drinks.  Canoe and (in the dry season can walk across).

    Morro Piraoca: if you are ...

    Free-time activities

    Ilha do Amor: the postcard of Alter do Chão is the Ilha do Amor, love island, beach. Nestled between the Lago Verde and Tapajos river emerges a small island where locals set up palm huts which make wonderful food and drinks.  Canoe and (in the dry season can walk across).

    Morro Piraoca: if you are feeling more adventurous hike up the mountain to see a stunning 360 degree view of the region. 

    Curimbo: is a movement that began in 2010 to value the richness of Amazonian music, in particular Santarena. On Thursday, near the centre on Alter do Chão after 10 pm you can pay a small fee to enter and listen to this wonderful music and see the Amazonian dances where, generally, the women dress is colour long skirts with lots of bracelets, necklaces and flowers in their hair and move their hips to invite someone to dance. Men are also known to clap to ask for permission to dance.

    Canal do Jari: If you want to see wildlife then this is the trip to do. There is a trail or canoe trip (depending on the season you visit) where it is common to see squirrel monkeys and sloths. In addition, you might get lucky and see owls or the very well camouflaged potoo bird and even might catch a glimpse of a boa constrictor if you are lucky! Moreover, throughout the tour, many species of birds and iguanas can be seen. You will also visit the famous Amazonian water lily, known as Victoria Amazonica, which can grow up to 2.5 meters in diameter. There is also a lady who discovered its edible quality and offers a unique culinary experience.

    Flona: Although the hike is long, it is not steep and the rewards are enormous. At the top, you get to see the gigantic amazonian Sumaúma tree, also known as the kapok tree, which can grow up to 65 meters tall and its roots mean that it can take 26 people holding hands to get around the base of the tree.

    Ponta do Cururu: Usually included in other tours but can be done independently also, ponta do cururu is the perfect place to see sunset. In the dry period, the beach extends far out so you can relax on a thin strip of sand and watch the red and purple sun go down.

    Arapiuns: is known for its never-ending stunning beaches in the summer dry period. You can also visit the community of Coroca which preserve a turtles and bees.

    Fish Market: Many birds hover around to pick up leftovers and pink river dolphins swim just off the side which you can see during the rainy season when the water is high.

    ZOONAMA: is a zoo and rehabilitation center which is in partnership with UNAMA university. You can visit the zoo and also enter their rehabilitation zone for manatees.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Required Documents

    CV and Interview

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    IPBio does not ask for any formal educational requirements from participants, however, we have limited space in the program so we will not be able to accommodate everyone who applies therefore we require candidates to submit their CV and conduct a short interview for the selection process. IPBio takes conservation and our work seriously and therefore we want serious applicants who want to learn and use their time on this expedition to truly expand their horizons.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 1800 reais per week (please check up-to-date exchange rate in your currency) for the specific dates agreed upon. This does not include the VolunteerWorld commission which you will pay directly to VolunteerWorld via their site.

    The fee covers the volunteer’s coordinators, airport pick-up, accommodation, internet access and project costs. A volunteer only confirms their placement once their full payment is made and it is only valid for the specific dates agreed upon. Once a volunteer makes their payment there is no refund if they decide to cancel for whatever reason. We will provide you with specific payment details via paypal by email.

    Volunteers are also responsible for paying for any extra costs such as travel costs, food, visa costs, tourism etc. The currency in Brazil is the Real. There is an ATM machine in Alter do Chão which accepts Visa Credit/Debit cards. 

    Airport Pickup at Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport

     Arrival must be on Wednesday between 8:00am and 18:00pm, unless we specifically agree on different dates/times. One of the coordinators will pick you up, give you a free lift into town on your first day to do shopping and show you the house. 

    Departure must be on a Tuesday at any time (many flights leave early in the morning, there is no issue if you need to book a crazy time!). Airport drop-off is not included but we can help you book a taxi, not the coordinator, to drop you off. 

    Keep in mind, airport pick-up will only occur for agreed upon dates/times, if you book a different date/time you will need to pay for a normal taxi.

    Minimum stay is 4 weeks but applicants who apply for more extended periods are more likely to be selected.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers will stay at the Casa da Lagartixa, situated 3km from Alter do Chão which accommodates 6 people comfortably and 8 during transition of old and new volunteers. The house has two rooms which are suites. The house has two super king beds and two bunk beds but there is the possibility of placing two more mattresses during those transitions. All rooms are air conditioned. The property has three bathrooms and two with hot showers. Room distribution and bed allocation is decided by IPBio for the most comfort for the whole group. The house is equipped with a washing machine and has a fully equipped kitchen where volunteers can cook. Moreover, there is a swimming pool at the house as well as an amazing poolside BBQ.

    Volunteers are fully responsible for maintaining the house clean on a regular basis, however, we do provide a cleaner once a week to clean public areas like bathrooms and will provide fresh bed linen. However, it volunteer’s responsibility to maintain and clean the house; we take this very seriously. Volunteers work from 7.30 to 12 during week days with an hour lunch break (some days you will be required to organize a pack lunch). Shops are located in the town of Alter do Chão 3km away from the house, which you can walk to or get a taxi, where there are various shops with all you will need. 

    IPBio offers airport pick-up, transport to research sites but social activities and shopping will be done by the volunteers themselves.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Santarem-Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport (STM) in Santarem. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

     Arrival must be on Wednesday between 8:00am and 18:00pm, unless we specifically agree on different dates/times. One of the coordinators will pick you up, give you a free lift into town on your first day to do shopping and show you the house. 

    Departure must be on a Tuesday at any time (many flights leave early in the morning, there is no issue if you need to book a crazy time!). Airport drop-off is not included but we can help you book a taxi, not the coordinator, to drop you off. 

    Keep in mind, airport pick-up will only occur for agreed upon dates/times, if you book a different date/time you will need to pay for a normal taxi.

    Minimum stay is 4 weeks but applicants who apply for more extended periods are more likely to be selected.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $450 per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

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    Location

    Americas > South America > Brazil > Alter do Chao

    Meet your project coordinator

    Imran
    83
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2007
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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