Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Universities looking for gap year travellers.

Gap years abroad are becoming more popular as universities look for people that have travelled, according to an expert.

Marcus Watts, founder of Greenforce, said that skills and experiences which can be picked up from travelling abroad were becoming sought after by universities.

He added: "Twenty years ago, doing something in a local area would have been enough but now with world travel being much easier, universities are looking for people who have more depth of experience, along with more knowledge and awareness of world issues."

Mr Watts also commented that parents are pushing gappers to consider the safety risks that they might face meaning they are less likely to run into problems.

He said that parental involvement in the planning of a gap year can be a positive thing as they make sure that their sons or daughters are taking out travel insurance and researching the areas that they are visiting

Published from the Year Out Group

See Gapforce and Greenforce in the following newspapers:

The Guardian

The Times

The Daily Mail

and

Channel 4 ITN News

Why Greenforce?

"When I explored the world, I found many people just followed the same guide books, visiting the same places, volunteering on the same projects, while many communities that really needed help were left out. So I created Greenforce. With our own staff living full time in most countries find unique programs, run them at a lower cost and it is safe and more fun than travelling on your own.

Our field staff can offer communities on going commitment, so Volunteers are a real part of a long term, committed and sustainable projects."

Marcus Watts FRGS - Founder

Background:

For 20 years, we have been providing innovative gap year projects. Greenforce has created UNESCO heritage sites in Fiji and works extensively with WWF and the Red Cross in South America. They were also in charge of the Maasai Marathon in April 2008, which proved a great success. Trekforce has used their expertise to become the first non-Belizean organisation to become an NGO and be given a portion of their rainforest to sustain. They have also established relationships with the governments in Papua New Guinea and Borneo. Ozforce has remained a popular choice for participants looking to raise money and our range of jobs in Australia sets us apart, with choices from agriculture to hospitality, teaching to construction. Medforce and Skiforce are exciting new ventures that combine our previous knowledge with some of the best programmes worldwide. They are already gaining a solid reputation in the gap year and travel industry.

Using our non-profit status and close ties with the Year Out Group and the Foreign Commonwealth Office, Gapforce has become a pioneer in the industry, leading the way with profound vision. All ages, nationalities and religions are welcome. Join us as we travel to the world's most captivating destinations and watch as you have the time of your life.

Why us?

Gapforce has important principles that continue to guide it as a leader in the gap year industry. Over the years, the organisations within Gapforce have stressed these features.

1. Make a Difference
Greenforce project work with and alongside host partner. We respond to local needs . We do not preach we work together. Gapforce places the highest emphasis on safety. We carry out thorough risk assessments in each country in which we consider all the potential dangers and hazards that we may encounter in our remote environments. We also abide by the governing guidelines of the Year Out Group (YOG) and the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) and use BSi8848 to ensure preventative measures in the field. Furthermore, our staff are required to have Satellite Phones so that, in case of a serious incident, there will be an immediate evacuation. The evacuation plans are carefully thought through and we utilise our relationships in country with local military and medical assistance teams.

2. UK Staff
All of Gapforce’s core projects employ UK staff. This highlights our emphasis on safety and security. These experienced members of the team form the platform for the expeditions and help participants adjust to the new surroundings and make them feel secure. The staff responsibilities include airport pick up, food purchases, regular check ups and liaising with local contacts.

3. Massive Choice
Gapforce a massive choice of great locations that operate throughout the year.

Undertake wildlife conservation, volunteer overseas, gain ski or expedition leader qualifications, jungle trek or simply have an unforgettable gap year. Greenforce projects contribute directly to local communities and aid them through teaching, research and development. Greenforce also offers a number of specialised conservation programmes. Trekforce centres on adventurous and extreme treks that challenge and reward participants. Medforce, Ozforce, Skiforce and Careergap each have their own unique approach to creating your perfect gap year opportunity

Who's who?

Marcus Watts FRGS MD, Managing Director

I set up Greenforce following section 3c’s requirement of the Rio Earth Summit. Our first project in Uganda had three scientists and two volunteers. The owner of the first Land Rover we bought was smiling so much when we drove off into the bush, in a cloud of smoke! Three years later we had completed the biodiversity survey of the Reserve, helped implement the first sustainable management plan and created a Warden Training Program. Equally satisfying was that original Land Rover was still going strong!

Creating Gap Force ensure we still have that personal touch, meeting you before you go at our Briefing Day and BBQ, our own staff in country. On your return the reunion party all ensure we get feedback and can continue to improve the programs, for both you and our host country partners.

Paul Martin FRGS, Development Manager

Engineer, Zoologist, Soldier, Legionnaire, Expedition Leader, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the list just goes on!

Born in Kent but has claims to living ‘just about everywhere’, Paul brings a variety of skills to the role. With years of experience operating in the field he has set up a Marine Research Station in the Bahamas, wildlife conservation programmes in Tanzania and created a new NGO in Belize.

Paul also acts as a Consultant for TV production companies needing logistical and creative support for filming projects in the UK and in more demanding locations such as the Sahara Desert or the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Always enjoys a challenge, Paul organized for 6 Maasai Warriors to visit the UK and participate in the Flora London Marathon and ran with them in his Army boots and was awarded an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records!

Daniella Noykova, Director of Operations

Daniella joined Greenforce shortly after arriving in the UK, and worked for a number of years on our financial controls and new project location planning. In 2004 she moved into Operations, first to assist Alan the previous Operations Manager. Following his move in 2005 to Quito to head up our South America Programme, Daniella now uses her extensive overseas travel experience and dive skills combined with her organisational management training to supervise all aspects of the Volunteers experience, following their arrival in country.

 

Joanne Klobuch, Volunteer Coordinator

Joanne took a gap year before going on to study Tourism Management at Bristol UWE. After working for the first six months, she was then able to fund her travelling experience which was organised  using some gap year companies and also independently. Now she is working with us on her university placement year helping to spread the message about the benefits of taking a gap year!

 

Marleen Lammers, Medforce Manager

Marleen just joined GapFORCE as Manager of MedFORCE. Originally from the Netherlands, and with a background in journalism, Marleen recently moved to London after having spent three years in Southern Africa. Driven by her passion for conservation and community development, she developed and managed volunteer projects in Zambia and South Africa. Marleen is now very excited to head up MedFORCE, and to offer a wide range of medical programmes overseas to doctors, medical students, and anyone else interested in the medical field.

 

Nadia Daer, Gap Advisor

It all started when I heard about Trekforce and their Amazon expedition. So despite finishing my degree at Leeds Uni, it was the amazing time I had with Trekforce as a Trekker out in South America that pulled me back. Having been a Trekker myself I know how difficult it is to select which one to go on. But give me a call I and I promise to give you the low down on all the locations and not just the Amazon!

 

 

James Catterall, Schools Manager

 

James is the Schools Manager for GapFORCE. Originally from Sussex, his passion for travel has seen him live and work in Australia and Barbados and travel extensively in South America, South East Asia and India, as well as parts of the Middle East and Africa.

James’ second passion is sport, in particular cricket and rugby. Supporting the national team is a favourite pastime of his and he recently resurrected his playing career by joining a local club cricket team.

Having been on several group trips when at school as well as taking a Gap Year afterwards, James is keen to spread the word on the benefits and

exciting options available for both school groups and individuals.

Safety Regulations

We feel that with all of the air travel that is necessary to participate in our global projects it is right for us to take measures to balance out the CO2 that is produced. We have therefore taken the approved measures to ensure your Gapforce adventure is carbon neutral.

We aim to have UK qualified medics or doctors on all our expeditions. We utilize BSI 8848; the provision of expeditions and adventurous activities outside the UK. We only have a positive impact on our environment. We also adhere to the Year Out Group’s Code of Practice for Expeditions and are a part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.

                                      

We are an independent organisation with no corporate shareholders etc. We can therefore ensure your payment goes to where it's needed most: your project. Part of every allocation is specifically provided to help build the future of your selected community.

Based on annual accounts. Provided by independent Chartered Accountants. Copies available at Companies House www.companieshouse.gov.uk

Staff Positions - Come and join our vital work on the wild side!

Unlike most other similar organisations, Greenforce believes in rewarding their field staff. So although these are voluntary positions the following are provided for you: international flight cost, food, accommodation, medical insurance, stipend and the Greenforce Bonus Programme. These annual awards can be used to help fund MSc or additional training.

If you feel you have the relevant experience for any of the jobs listed below and can commit for at least 12 months, we would be very interested to hear from you.

Ex-volunteers or Trainees are encouraged to apply too.

Staff are based on location - see relevant country page for details.

On going career options, including scientific training or London placements may be available.

We always accept applications even if the job vacancy is 3-6 months away. Do call us even if you do not exactly meet our profiles.

Please note that upon a successful application you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau check before being accepted to work in the field.

Potential Positions

Marine Expedition Leader
Applicants should have experience of people manage- ment and have good organisational and communication skills. A minimum of PADI OWI & EFR instructor. Also RYA level 1 boat handling qualification or handling experience is required. Experience in maintaining dive equipment and boats is a plus!

Chief Scientist - Marine
Applicants should be experienced in tropical coastal research and a postgraduate qualification in a relevant field would be preferred. A dive qualification, minimum of PADI Open Water diver (or equivalent) is required.

Assistant Scientist - Marine
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in a biological or environmental science. Expedition experience and presentation experience is desirable. A dive qualification, PADI Open Water diver (or equivalent) is required. The role involves autonomous work and the ability to help lead a team of inexperienced teams. Wilderness First Aid training is provided.

Dive Instructor
Applicants should be qualified to at least PADI Open Water Instructor and have experience of training divers. Boat handling or RYA 1 is useful. Any understanding of servicing boat engines and compressors would be a plus!

Expedition Leader - Terrestrial
Applicants should have some expedition or trekking experience. Some presentation experience is desirable. The role involves autonomous work and the ability to help lead a team of inexperienced volunteers. Other useful skills would be: 4x4 vehicle experience, first aid and planning skills. Wilderness Medical Training is provided. In country logistics back up is also provided.

Chief Scientist - Terrestrial
Applicants should have a postgraduate degree in a zoological or conservation science. Data analysis skills are essential and experience of community development programmes is desirable. Other useful skills would be 4x4 vehicle experience, first aid and presentation skills. Expedition experience would be an advantage.

How to apply

To apply for any of the above staff positions please fill in the Staff Application Form and email to:

info@greenforce.org

or post to:

Greenforce,
530 Fulham Road,
Fulham,
London,
SW6 5NR

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Internship - Trainee

"My traineeship in Fiji allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the marine life and scientific methods used. I also learnt more about the behind the scenes running of a Greenforce project. 6 months later I came out to the Bahamas in the position of Research Assistant and have been out here for 10 months."
Jess Fry, Trainee Fiji and Staff member Bahamas

As part of Greenforce's commitment to conservation we have created what we believe is a unique opportunity for keen and talented volunteers to gain vital work experience with us after the end of their initial expedition.

The Greenforce Traineeship is awarded to one volunteer from each expedition, each phase. It allows the trainee to stay on for the next 10 week phase in an assisting capacity, with all expenses paid.

What is it all about?
If you're keen to build your career in conservation you will already know that the key to success lies in gaining practical fieldwork experience and demonstrating your enthusiasm. That's why Greenforce has created a position for promising individuals, to give you extra fieldwork time and a chance to get more deeply involved with the running of the project.

How do I become one?
During each expedition the staff assess the individual volunteers and choose one person to stay on as a trainee for the next phase. You don't have to be a scientific genius to win the traineeship. Our staff will choose the person they feel has made the most significant contribution to the project - in terms of the scientific work as well as the camp life. Enthusiasm is the key factor combined with a commitment to progressing within the environmental sector.

What are the benefits?
As a Trainee you will not only get an opportunity to pass on your practical fieldwork skills to the next volunteers, but also to develop teamwork and managaement skills which will be of value to what ever chosen career you may pursue.

Following the traineeship it may be possible for you go on to become paid field staff. Where suitable Greenforce has a policy to recruit staff from the pool of former trainees. We offer a long service bonus to our Field Staff after two years in the field.