Field Instructor
ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNATIONAL
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program
Application period closes November 5th, 2010
Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach and lead 4 to 12 day field ecology courses in on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica . Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. During the Sea Turtle Ecology Program, local and international student groups (primarily from the US, from 15 to 18 years old) visit Pacuare Nature Reserve, a private reserve with 3,000 acre of rainforest and 3.5 miles of one of most important nesting beach for endangered leatherback sea turtles, which are the primary focus of our study. International student groups also visit La Suerte Biological Reserve, where they learn about the ecology and biodiversity of the rainforest and collaborate in a reforestation project. Additionally, international student groups have a cultural exchange day at a local high school and enjoy a whitewater rafting trip. Instructors may also lead day field trips and outreach activities for local students. For more detailed information on our courses and organization, please visit our website: www.ecologyproject.org.
Responsibilities:
* Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
* Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
* Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school students in both English and Spanish.
* Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations.
* Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
* Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.
* Participate in all EPI staff development sessions throughout the season, including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and complete feedback and evaluation forms.
* Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with local research protocols.
* Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
* Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
* Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
* Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
* Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
* Desire to make a difference in the world;
* Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
* Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
* Spanish and English fluency;
* Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field;
* Field research experience;
* Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
* Minimum 21 years of age.
Preferred:
* Master’s degree in related field;
* Experience working in remote Latin American settings;
* Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica , especially the Caribbean slope;
* Proven research experience with sea turtles and rainforest ecology; and a
* Wilderness First Responder Certification.
Compensation: Lodging in San Jose during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $50-80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current WFR certification will receive an additional $10 per day.
Dates: The program season is from early March through August 2011. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in Costa Rica .
To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available on-line at http://www.ecologyproject.org/about/jobs/) to:
Costa Rica Instructor Hiring
Ecology Project International
315 South 4th Street East
Missoula, MT , 59801 USA
instructorhiring@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax
Gracias Sandra!