Costa Rica Field Instructor

Job Summary: EPI field instructors are in charge of facilitating and leading 4 to 12 day environmental education courses on the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Instructors are responsible for the leadership, education and safety of EPI participants.

Accountability: Instructors report to the Costa Rica Program Manager.

Responsibilities:
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, biology, ecology, natural sciences or related field
• Desire to develop conservation leaders 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;
• Field research experience;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Physically and mentally fit enough to lead courses up to 12 days/24 hours a day with a co-instructor;
• Able to successfully pass a criminal background check;
• 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.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

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.

Schedule and Location: The program season is from early March through the end of July 2016. 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. The field programs are run on the Caribbean and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

Compensation: Lodging in Heredia during the field season for permanent instructors, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $65-103/day. Wages are based on EPI /past experience; all new instructors will have the opportunity to submit documentation demonstrating past relevant experience.

Questions can be directed to: The Costa Rica Program Manager, Eylen Zuniga, ateylen@ecologyproject.org.

To apply: Visit Costa Rica Field Instructor application application to complete the online application process.