Research base manager, Jalova, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Location

The Biological Research Station Jalova is based on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, inside the protected areas collectively known as Tortuguero National Park. Considered one of the most beautiful areas on the planet, the park consists of lowland wet tropical rainforest, a network of fresh water canals and pristine, remote beaches. There are no roads in the area, so all transport is by boat, canoe or on foot. Nearby Tortuguero village has amenities set-up for ecotourism and is visited at least once every other week. For more information visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortuguero_National_Park, https://www.facebook.com/GVICostaRicaJalova, http://www.twitter.com/GVIJalova, http://www.gviworld.com

Start date

Beginning of May 2015

Description

We are looking for a dependable, responsible and detail oriented individual to run our research programs and manage our international staff team & program participants in Tortuguero national park. The Jalova base manager lives on the field station permanently and is responsible for running our remote research station in Tortuguero national park. Main responsibilities include health & safety and volunteer management, budgets, program development, science training, program logistics and biological & community development work programs which support the local partners, including the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment (MINAE). Current biological projects include monitoring of sea turtle nesting, jaguar presence and predation of sea turtles, aquatic bird monitoring, general biodiversity assessments and other less intensive projects. The base manager reports to the Country Director. Community projects can include environmental awareness projects, beach cleans and other local capacity building when possible. There are good long term opportunities for promotion for those candidates with excellent management experience and skills. This is an amazing opportunity for someone who is looking to continue their career as a remote program manager, while working in the heart of a tropical national park. Global Vision International has been running conservation expeditions since 1998 to provide support and services to international charities, non profit organisations and government agencies. Through its international network of over 200 personnel in over 40 countries GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe. GVI places over 100 people each year in jobs or field work placements overseas and also distinguishes itself by having a proven track record of sending over 3000 people away every year for safe, enjoyable, educational and fulfilling volunteer experiences on a variety of projects and expeditions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high standards of Health and Safety
• Responsibility and leadership to up to 30 volunteers and long-term staff under challenging field conditions
• Ensure high standards of data-collection and management
• Continuous volunteer management; ensuring high volunteer and long-term staff morale and motivation
• Provide trainings on First Aid, GVI's H&S protocols, GVI's field survey techniques and others
• Manage logistics of the base and activities
• Represent GVI in the area and local communities and liaise with national and international partners
• Volunteer programme development
• Research programme development
• Translate, interpret and facilitate communication in Spanish and English.

Qualifications/Skills required

• Fluent English, ability to conduct basic conversations in Spanish and capacity to manage or delegate Spanish translations, interpretations and communications including negotiations and scientific publications and reports
• BSc in one of the following fields: conservation biology, wildlife management, biology, zoology, tropical ecology, entomology, herpetology, botany, or other relevant scientific discipline (MSc is preferred)
• Personnel management experience
• Logistics management experience
• Demonstrated field study experience (tropical rainforest experience is preferred)
• International volunteer experience / experience working with native English-speakers
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and with minimal supervision
• Ability to provide leadership and constant management of volunteers (up to 20) and staff (up to 9)
• Willingness to accept basic communal living and very long hours of work in a challenging environment, hot & humid/wet conditions
• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours including nights (during turtle season)
• Must be passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable about current environmental issues
• High degree of computer literacy, ability to use a variety of online and social media, have full command of MS office package

Qualifications/Skills desired

• Fluency in Spanish highly desirable
• MSc, PhD or equivalent in one of the following fields: conservation biology, wildlife management, biology, zoology, tropical ecology, entomology, herpetology, botany, or other relevant scientific discipline
• Working knowledge of Costa-Rican taxa
• Current first aid qualification, EFR instructor or instructor trainer qualification
• RYA2 powerboat qualification or equivalent, boat handling experience
• Experience working or volunteering with GVI

Other details

We are looking for someone with affinity with the mission and objectives of GVI and the motivation to commit their skills and energy to our organisation. Please send a short cover letter describing specifically why you want to work for GVI and send together with a CV/Resume via email to costarica@gviworld.com and kenya@gviworld.com. Be sure to include the title of the position in your correspondence. Thank You!

This is a full-time position for one year with possibility of extension. Living and working conditions are basic, the station has running cold water but limited power. With limited phone and internet communications are challenging. Camp duty tasks such as cleaning and cooking are shared amongst the all on base. Days can be long, night work is frequent and physically demanding. Applicants must be fit and in good state of health, be enthusiastic, flexible and hard-working, with excellent management, personnel and leadership skills.

The candidate is required to arrange a personal medical insurance which covers all programme activities adequately including air evacuation and repatriation. Successful candidates will also need to provide a CRB or equivalent background check and provide a full disclosure of any criminal records and a medical form signed by a doctor.

Costa Rican nationals are highly encouraged to apply.

Included

• In field accomodation, food and transport
• Extensive in-field GVI trainings in survey techniques as well as H&S and volunteer management 
• The possibility of training provided by partners or third parties
• Cover under GVI's liability insurance
• Good opportunities for professional development, for excellent staff members positions open up within the organisation both nationally and internationally on a regular basis