Costa Rica Field Instructor
Application period closes October 11th, 2013
Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit organization, is hiring instructors to teach outdoor environmental/conservation education in Costa Rica on the Caribbean slope.
EPI offers experiential educational programs to students in a variety of outdoor settings (beach and rainforest). Our mission is to improve and inspire science education and conservation through field based student-scientist partnerships.
EPI offers field-based science/conservation educational programs for high school and university students. Our programs are experiential; involving inquiry-based field science through curricula and hands on participation in real conservation/research projects. We promote a deeper understanding of natural systems and the importance of research and conservation for the long term sustainability of life on planet Earth. We work with local Costa Ricans and foreign students between 15-19 years old mainly. Field programs are 4 to 12 days in length.
Our Costa Rica program has an emphasis on sea turtle and tropical rainforest ecology. During the turtle portion of the program our students visit a turtle station (we work with a number of different field stations) on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica where leatherbacks, green and hawksbill turtles nest. At these sites students participate in: night patrols, nest excavations, habitat restoration activities, hikes in the forest and develop research projects. Instructors lead field activities and facilitate the learning experience based on EPI curricula that promotes knowledge of science, along with developing the skills necessary to become an active leader in conservation efforts worldwide.
At the rainforest sites students have opportunities to learn about ongoing research projects and explore the rainforest to learn about ecology and biodiversity.
For visiting foreign students the program’s itinerary includes a cultural exchange which is an amazing opportunity to visit a local high school and spend time with Costa Rican students or visit a rural community to play a game of soccer. There is also an adventure trip included with the possibility of either white-water rafting or a zip-line canopy trip.
In addition to the typical program courses instructor will visit local schools to run short activities with students, promote outreach activities for local participants and may lead short educational trips for adults or companies.
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 science/conservation education programs to a diverse group 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 with accordance to local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges during emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
• Help with course logistics while on courses
• Help photo-documenting the experience of EPI participants
• Write a local student experience for Costa Rica newsletter at the end of the season
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Desire to promote leaders in conservation through our program
• More than one year teaching environmental/conservation education
• More than one year leading outdoor experiences for young adults;
• Experience leading trips in remote areas;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Physically and mentally fit enough to lead courses up to 12 days/24 hours a day with a co-instructor;
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, ecology, natural sciences or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications; individuals not certified at time of applying must be willing to complete this certification before staff training;
• Available to work from mid-February through end of July.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in environmental education;
• Experience in science inquiry-based learning programs;
• Experience living or studying in Latin American settings;
• Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope;
• Research experience with sea turtles and/or rainforest ecology;
• Rafting or canopy experience.
Compensation: Lodging in Heredia during field season for non-Costa Rica residents, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $65-103/day. Wages are based on EPI experience/past experience. All newly hired instructors will be given the opportunity to submit documentation demonstrating past relevant experience.
Dates: The program season is from early March through end July 2013. Selected Instructors will participate in a 10-12 day required unpaid training (room/board provided) to be held mid-February in Costa Rica. They will also be required to participate in staff retreats and a closing event at the end of the season.
Click here to complete you application and submit your cover letter and resume, in order to be considered all applications must be submitted through this link.
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