Amazon Research Assistant

Non-profit
·
founded in 2007
IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana
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Coordinator | Imran
Coordinator | Imran
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

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
Conduct inventories on Amazonian wildlife in the field: mushrooms, birds, mammals, fish, bioluminescent and fluorescent organisms as well as flora. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

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 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 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.

Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

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

Services by IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana

Volunteers at IPBio are required to pay 1000 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 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

We will ask for your booking details so we can set up airport pick up. Details of flights should be discussed before purchase to make sure they are compatible the program.

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 9am to 3 - 4pm 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.

Dorm Room Guesthouse
Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees. 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.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

IPBio Amazon Volunteer Program is only open from 1st of June to the 15th of December due to local weather conditions which do not permit projects to be conducted all year long. Remember here in the Amazon the water level can change up to 5 meters so it is completely impossible to do certain projects when the water is high as areas become flooded, fish disperse and various other limiting factors.

You can arrive on any weekday and we will pick you up at the airport. 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
Duration
4 - 50 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
4 weeks (min. stay)
$880
5 weeks
$1,100
6 weeks
$1,320
7 weeks
$1,540
11 weeks
$2,420
19 weeks
$4,180
50 weeks (max. stay)
$11,000
Average fees
$220 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by IPBio - Reserva Jutuarana.

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Amazon Research Assistant

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

$220/week

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