European Solidarity Corps volunteer – the european roller

Rollier d’Europe Coracias garrulus © Peter Waghorn

European Solidarity Corps volunteer – Protect and restore an endangered bird species: the european roller

• Where? Lieu-dit Mas Mireille, 13280 Arles, France

• When? Application deadline : end of March Possibility to start earlier for early applications
• Job description : 1 year volunteering position with A Rocha France in the Vallée des Baux, for non french European citizens

 Activity description

This opportunity consists in restoring the nesting sites of the roller by protecting and planting cavity trees, by installing and maintaining artificial nesting boxes, and by sensitizing the local actors to reduce the agricultural intensification and the use of pesticides. On the other hand, it consists in participating in the monitoring of the population of rollers in the Vallée des Baux. This consists of locating and monitoring the reproduction of breeding pairs, participating in the ringing of birds, participating in scientific research programs on the species, and managing the database for monitoring the roller. Other tasks will include French language courses, time spent communicating about the European Solidarity Corps through various actions (video, stands, articles), tasks related to the daily life of the A Rocha France Center.

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