As a non-profit organization with limited resources, research assistants and volunteers are a vital part of our existence.
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They help us to run our long-term monitoring projects as well as helping to take care of the Reserve itself. From March to September they provide us with the critical manpower required to send multiple teams on the beach at night, to collect data and safeguard the nesting turtles.
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Many of our volunteers visit as individuals with a passion for conservation. Most have a biology or conservation background, but regardless of their background or education, all share two key traits - a desire to make a difference, and a strong work ethic!
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The essential difference between research assistants and volunteers, is that while volunteers are here to help us get our surveys done, and play a valuable role in increasing our capacity for night censuses, research assistants are engaged to ensure that all aspects of the project are completed to the highest standard. They also play a bigger role in helping us to achieve our education goals.
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Research Assistants
(Volunteer-based position)
We want to build a team of young people deeply interested in conservation, who could be students or graduates in Biology or a related subject, but this is not essential. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in a team with people from different parts of the world, to live by a remote turtle nesting beach surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, to participate in the conservation of a critically endangered species, to gain leadership experience and to test yourself physically and mentally as never before!
Requirements:
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Spanish and English speaker
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Previous field experience an advantage but not essential
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We need people who are motivated and adaptable, good team members, hard-working and happy to live in a small isolated community
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FAs are expected to get involved in the different programmes going on at the Reserve such as composting and recycling, and to help with local schools that come for Environmental Education
Reseach Assistants lead night patrols on the beach with groups and visitors to take data from the nesting turtles including tagging and relocating of nest if necessary. Daily early morning walk to count the turtle tracks and check status of nests, release hatchlings and conduct post-hatching excavations. This means long hours and hard but rewarding work
You will have four free days a month. Your accommodation is simple and comfortable (bed with sheets and pillow), you will share a room with another fellow assistant. We provide three good meals a day, coffee and tea 24 hours.- Assistants are not paid but should have no expenses whilst in the Reserve
Volunteers
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We are currently reviewing our internal volunteer program, but you can still volunteer at the Reserve by booking an opportunity with our partner organizations:
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We are accepting applications for research assistants for the 2019 season. For detailed information please click below.