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MENTORING ON-THE-SITE TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS OR CORPORATE/AGENCY STAFFWe have had participants of past courses working with us on excavation and tortoise surveys (100%, GPS surveys). We recommend that above basic training courses, anyone receiving certification from FWC to manage Tortoise Excavations should have at least three full days of excavation with at least 45 burrows being dug. Preferably this training should take place in the habitats that are in the area that the consultant normally works in. Of course this field activity includes in depth training in managing backhoe operators, planning the dig, handling tortoises and data collection and transport. Most people realized that some of their practices really were not the best way to manage burrow digging.
Problem is that Ray is trying to reduce his consultant work and only teach and advise on recipient sites. This means that the number of occasions when he can take folks to work with him on projects is limited.
Solution: If your company is scheduling a dig, you can arrange for Ray teach staff at the dig site and several people can receive hands on training. It is advisable to have at least two days (30 or more burrows) for a good training situation. He can also evaluate the backhoe operator and make sure they are using best practices. Contact us about arrangements and costs. No more than three people can be trained at a time. Similar training is available for 100% tortoise burrow surveys and for Recipient Site evaluation. It is preferable that the individuals have taken the Boot Camp Course or have had at least a full year or more of on the job experience.
Backhoe Operators can be evaluated and/or given a letter to recommend certification using the same method. If the backhoe operator (or the company that has been contracted to do the excavation) has a job and wishes for Ray to come to evaluate them, can contact us to come on site to evaluate the operator. Note that it will take at least one full day or 15 completed burrows to make an evaluation. Contact us to discuss arrangements and costs.
FWC approval of this method of teaching for advanced certification should occur sometime after 1 June 2008. WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE APPROVAL ON THE WEB PAGE AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE IT. ALSO WATCH FOR THE NEW DATES AND SITES FOR THIS SUMMER AND FALL PROGRAMS.
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