Costa Rica Field Instructor

Description: 
Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit organization, is hiring instructors to teach field-based science/conservation/environmental educational programs for high school and junior university students in Costa Rica.

EPI offers experiential educational programs to students in a variety of outdoor settings. Our mission is to improve and inspire science education and conservation through field based students-scientist partnerships. Our Costa Rica program teaches students different concepts including rainforest ecology, sea turtles biology, sustainable development, conservation and leadership.

Our programs are experiential and involve inquiry-based field science through curricula and hands on participation in a real conservation/research program. We promote a deeper understanding of natural systems and the importance of research and conservation for the long term sustainability of life on Earth. We work both with local Costa Ricans and foreign students between 15-19 years old. Field programs are 4 to 12 days in length.

Our Costa Rica program has an emphasis on sea turtles and tropical forests. During the program our students visit a sea turtle site on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica where leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles nest. At these stations students participate in: night patrols, nest excavations, habitat restoration activities and hikes in the forest. Instructors lead field activities and facilitate the learning experience based on curricula that promotes the use of real, student-collected data to further the understanding of the scientific process and its applications on science, conservation and every-day life.

Our foreign students (mainly from US) visit a rainforest station where we focus our curriculum on rainforest ecology and biodiversity; students participate in forest hikes and night walks and many other educational and fun activities. The program itinerary includes a visit to a local high school to participate in a cultural exchange and finishes with a white water rafting or canopy trip.

Instructors may also lead short educational trips for adults or companies and promote outreach activities for local students.

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
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications: 
Required: 
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• More than one year teaching environmental/conservation education and leading outdoor experiences for young adults; 
• Experience leading trips in remote areas;
• Bilingual: Spanish and English fluency; 
• In physical and mental condition to lead courses up to 12 days/24 hours a day with a co-instructor;
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field; 
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications; individuals not certified at time of application must be willing to complete this certification before staff training.
• Minimum 23 years of age.
• Available to work from late February through end of July (training in late February)

Preferred: 
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience with inquiry-based learning programs;
• Experience living or studying in Latin American settings; 
• Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope;
• Proven research experience with sea turtles and/or rainforest ecology; 
• Rafting or canopy experience

Compensation: Lodging in Heredia during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $60-90/day (including season completion bonus).

Dates: The program season is from early March through end July 2013. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in Costa Rica, two days of staff retreat, two times during the season, for program evaluation and closing event at the end of the season.

Inquiries:
instructorhiring@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784 phone

In an effort to conserve resources we have moved to an online application system. Please follow the link below in order to apply (All applicants must apply on-line).

Apply Now to Ecology Project International