Field Staff for Costa Rica Research and Conservation Expedition

Position starts May 15, 2011, with a minimum 6 months commitment.

Description:

The main responsibility of this position is to provide assistance in continuous volunteer management and training, with a sound basis in GVI's Health and Safety regulations and project protocols.

Staff are also required to assist with the planning and execution of the biological projects supporting 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 and other less intensive projects.

Good chance of promotion for 2011 for those candidates with excellent management experience and Spanish language skills.

All staff will be expected to participate in all aspects of safely and efficiently running the operations of the expedition – from weekly shopping for the expedition food to finances, logistical help to scheduling surveys each week for staff and volunteers. Good organizational and time management skills are essential.

Qualifications required:

Highest degree of fluency in Spanish and English. This requirement is a MUST.
Proven people management skills.
BSc (or higher) in one of the following fields: conservation biology, wildlife management, biology, zoology, tropical ecology, entomology, herpetology, botany, or other relevant scientific discipline.
Minimum of 4 years professional work experience after university/college.
Demonstrated field study experience (tropical rainforest experience is preferred).
International volunteer experience / experience working with native English-speakers.
Current First Aid qualification.
Able to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
Able to provide leadership and constant management of volunteers (up to 20).
Willingness to accept basic communal living and very long hours of work in hot & humid/wet conditions.
Willingness to work during the day and night (during turtle season) for 10-week phases.
Must be passionate about wildlife and knowledgeable about current environmental issues.
Full command of MS Office package.

Highly desired: Power boat driving license (equivalent of RYA Powerboat level 2)

EFR instructor qualification

Conditions:

Long term contract is subject to succesfull 4 week paid trial period in country.

In field food and accommodation is included.

Staff to provide transport to project site and personal medical insurance, including air evacuation & repatriation.

Good opportunities for promotion for excellent staff members, with further benefits. Intensive training and experience can be gained in a wide range of skills and survey techniques.

Please check http://gvicostarica.blogspot.com and http://www.gvi.co.uk/expeditions/Central%20America/Costa%20Rica/coastal-rainforest-expedtion-costa-rica/home for more details of the work we are currently involved in.

To apply for this postion, email a cover letter and CV to costarica@gviworld.com and quote the reference CRJalGVI-1108 sdodo.