Volunteer Field Assistant

Volunteer Field Assistant

Join Our Scarlet Macaw Reintroduction & Conservation Program in Costa Rica!

Between 2002 and 2014, 75 Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) were reintroduced in Tiskita Private Biological Reserve in Punta Banco, Costa Rica.

Wild Macaw Association

The Wild Macaw Association is a Costa Rican based nonprofit for the protection and study of a newly established Scarlet Macaw population in the southern Golfo Dulce area. This Scarlet Macaw population was established by a reintroduction program based in Tiskita Private Biological Reserve, the biological reserve that surrounds Tiskita Jungle Lodge. The reintroduction program started in 2002 and ended in 2014. It has been replaced by the Wild Macaw Association's Scarlet Macaw conservation program.

We are looking for volunteer field assistants throughout 2016 and 2017. We can also offer guidance to students who want to make their volunteering into course work or an internship.

For more background information:

www.wildmacaws.org

www.facebook.com/wildmacaws/

www.tiskita.com/macaw-conservation

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities are the following:

• Monitoring the health and safety of the reintroduced Scarlet Macaws and their offspring
• Collecting data on the ecology and social behavior of the released Scarlet Macaws
• Participating in projects, e.g. reforestation
• Participating in conservation education (optional)

Profile and qualifications

• Field work experience
• Affinity with birds (or work experience with other wildlife)
• Work well in a team
• Work well alone
• Work well under sometimes challenging conditions
• A basic knowledge of Spanish is recommended

Duration

Placements are available from two weeks onwards. We recommend volunteering with us for at least one month because it takes a while to get accustomed to the work (for example how to identify the macaws) and to the climate.

Costs

The costs include participating in the Scarlet Macaw reintroduction and conservation program, accommodation, and three meals a day.

Accommodation

The accommodation is a homestay with a carefully selected local family in Punta Banco, the little village by the beach at about an 8-minute walk from the entrance gate of Tiskita Jungle Lodge. We aim to place two volunteers per family.

Another option is to stay in a rustic cabin on the grounds of Tiskita Jungle Lodge, meals are then not included but there is equipment for basic cooking. The cabin lies quite isolated so we don’t recommend or allow this to everyone.

Application process

Please send the dates for which you would be available, a CV, and a brief cover letter (please keep it short and to the point) to:

info@wildmacaws.org

We will get back to you as soon as possible (usually within three business days).

See You in Punta Banco, Costa Rica!

Photography by www.bencherryphotos.com