Jordi Casals Tomàs

• Provide technical support to ornamental plant nurseries on plant health and phytosanitary regulations.
• Draft detailed pest and disease reports, including biology, diagnosis, and control measures.
• Conduct scientific literature reviews to identify and validate potential treatments.
• Manage and update the association's website (WordPress), including full content restructuring and translation into multiple languages.
• Create and schedule content for social media channels to communicate technical and practical information to members.
• Coordinate with external institutions and participate in collaborative technical projects.

• Participated in a work-for-accommodation program aimed at improving English language skills through cultural immersion.
• Assisted with household tasks, property maintenance, and occasional outdoor work in a rural setting.
• Engaged daily in English communication with hosts and other international volunteers.
• Developed autonomy, resilience, and adaptability while living in a remote environment.
• Gained confidence and fluency in English through real-life, immersive practice.

• Operated as a cashier, managing daily sales, customer service, and stock organization.
• Took responsibility for cash handling and end-of-day balancing in the absence of the store manager.
• Managed the store’s social media presence, creating and posting promotional content.
• Delivered orders to clients using the company vehicle, ensuring timely and accurate service.
• Contributed to maintaining store cleanliness, stock rotation, and proper product display.

• Performed general construction tasks, including material handling, site cleaning, and basic structural support work.
• Supported skilled workers in masonry, carpentry, and demolition.
• Learned to follow technical instructions precisely and maintain high safety standards on-site.
• Developed strong physical endurance, attention to detail, and a reliable work ethic.
• Gained valuable experience in teamwork, discipline, and adapting to physically demanding environments.

Monitoring of target species in freshwater using environmental DNA (eDNA)

• Designed and carried out a study to detect aquatic species using environmental DNA as a non-invasive monitoring tool.
• Collected and filtered freshwater samples in natural environments for DNA analysis.
• Applied molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• Processed and interpreted molecular data to assess species presence.
• Gained practical experience in laboratory protocols, contamination control, and scientific writing.
• Developed skills in critical thinking, scientific writing, and coordination between fieldwork and laboratory work.

• Participated in the larval rearing of Pinna nobilis, a critically endangered Mediterranean bivalve species.
• Assisted in the daily management of aquaculture systems, including tank hygiene, feeding, and water quality monitoring.
• Conducted basic water analysis (e.g., temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH) to ensure optimal rearing conditions.
• Took part in plankton production to support larval feeding, learning the basics of microalgae cultivation.
• Supported fieldwork and specimen collection in coastal environments.
• Contributed to data recording and developmental monitoring of larval stages.
• Gained experience in marine hatchery protocols and practical conservation research.