The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is the official source of information on Soufrière Hills Volcano and is responsible for monitoring the ongoing eruption. It was established soon after the start of the 1995 eruption, and has attracted individuals from numerous research, government and private organizations.

Highly motivated and focused university students and local secondary school students may apply to the volunteer programme at the MVO for varying periods, the details of which are given below. Volunteers will be given an invaluable opportunity to work closely with MVO staff, learn about volcano monitoring while at the same time assisting with a variety of technical and scientific projects.

Volunteer Opportunities

The MVO Volunteer programme is divided into three levels; each level caters to the needs/interests/skills of the various kinds of people who may wish to be volunteers at MVO. Each level has academic and work prerequisites. Applicants should review the levels below and apply to the programme most appropriate to their interests, qualifications and experience. Applicants should note that their work at the MVO is subject to the guidelines of the MVO Research and Data Policy.

Level 1: Post Graduate Students

Level 1 volunteers work on an independent study of their own choosing under the supervision of an MVO scientist. Persons interested in a Level 1 independent study must submit a background statement and a research proposal.

Research Proposal
Applicants must provide a written proposal outlining their independent study research project and background. They must describe their research topic, provide an argument as to why their visit to the MVO is important, propose research methodology and explain how the research will be used and/or distributed. In general, MVO volunteer projects fall under these categories:

• Seismology
• Ground deformation
• Petrology
• Gas Monitoring/Geochemistry
• Thermal monitoring
• Environmental monitoring (ash, gas, rain water)
• Dome volume methodologies
• Field studies of volcanic products (e.g. mapping, stratigraphy, grainsize analysis etc.)
• Modelling of volcanic phenomena and their deposits
• Hazard and Risk Assessment

Duration
Level 1 volunteer visits are generally up to 2 months in duration. However, candidates can apply for a longer visit.

Requirements
Must be a PhD or Masters student with a 2.0 GPA/degree class or higher in the Earth Sciences or a related discipline. The following documents should be submitted with the Level 1 application: Curriculum Vitae/Résumé, two reference letters from academic or work supervisors/colleagues addressed to the Director of MVO, Personal Statement, and a Research Proposal.

Level 2: Final-Year Undergraduate Students

Level 2 volunteers work on a project of their own choosing under the supervision of an MVO scientist. Level 2 applicants should submit either an idea for a project or preferably a formal research proposal.

Duration
Level 1 volunteer visits are generally up to 6-8 weeks in duration. However, candidates can apply for a longer visit.

Requirements
Must be a final-year university level student with a 2.0 GPA/degree class or higher. At least one year of course work in the Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Geology Mapping, Geographical Information Systems, Mathematics, Petrology, Physics and Software Engineering will be beneficial although highly motivated students from other disciplines can also apply. The following documents should be submitted with the Level 2 application: Curriculum Vitae/Résumé, two reference letters from academic or work supervisors/colleagues addressed to the Director of MVO, Personal Statement, and a Research Proposal or project idea.

Level 3: High School (Residents of Montserrat only)

Motivated high school students with an interest in the work of the MVO can apply. This programme will provide high school students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that will enhance formal classroom instruction and positively influence their academic and career goals.

Duration
The Level 3 Volunteer programme is for 3-4 weeks.

Qualifications
High School level students interested in any of the multi-disciplines and skill sets that are used at the MVO are encouraged to apply. Students currently enrolled in CAPE level Geography coursework will find this level beneficial. The volunteer programme is designed to give successful students a full understanding of how the MVO attains its objectives through collaboration with the technical, administrative and scientific staff at MVO.

Application and Selection Process

All candidates must complete an application form which is available on the MVO website. Applications should be sent to the Education and Outreach Officer Thiffanie Williams: thiffanie@mvo.ms. Suitable candidates will be contacted and notified via email if accepted.

Level 1 and 2 volunteers who are engaged in field work that require helicopter use are required to attain the relevant insurance from one of the agents below.

Jacquie Ryan Enterprises Ms Osborne Ltd
Agents for United Insurance Agents for Nemwil & CLICO Insurance Company
Phone: 1-664-491-2055 Phone: 1 (664) 491 3813 or 491-3814
Fax: 1-664-491-3257 Fax: 1 (664) 491 3815

Ryan Investments Ltd
Agents for Nagico Insurances
Phone: 1-664-491-3403
Fax: 1-664-491-491-7307
info@ryaninvestments.ms