Science Communications Officer

Earthwatch Institute is an international, non-profit organization which engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.

The Sustainable Coffee Program was designed to help increase sustainable coffee farming practices in the Tarrazú region of Costa Rica, with the ability to be replicated in other farms and coffee regions. The program is participatory and includes major stakeholders (farmers, buyers and the general public) in its design, field research and dissemination elements. Funding for this Initiative is provided by Starbucks and other corporate partners. Stakeholders include Costa Rican coffee farmers, CoopeTarrazú and other coffee cooperatives in Costa Rica, Costa Rican academic institutions, Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (ICAFE), Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio), and the Starbucks Agronomy Unit, among others.

Position summary:

The Science Communication Officer will be responsible for implementing the communication strategy for the Earthwatch Sustainable Coffee Program at the Tarrazú Field Center in the Los Santos region of Costa Rica. This position will take the lead on project communication and education activities to disseminate results from the past three years of research and engage stakeholders for the Earthwatch field research program. In addition, the Communication Officer will assist with pre-project logistical planning, and field operations.  The Communication Officer will be based in the El Marqués office of CoopeTarrazú in San Marcos de Tarrazú, Costa Rica. Some work may require the person to travel within Costa Rica.  Some travel outside Costa Rica may be required eventually.  The appointment will be for nine months with the possibility of renewal pending additional grant funding.  The position will report to the Tarrazú Field Coordinator.  Salary will be based on experience within local Costa Rican salary range.  Applicants must be eligible to work in Costa Rica.