| Description |
Costa Rica is currently undergoing a period of rapid economic and social change. As this resource-rich, wonderfully biodiverse country continues along a path of rapid development, it is increasingly influenced by global policy such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement and foreign markets. Costa Rica's economy has shifted from one based chiefly on agriculture to one driven by ecotourism and technology exports. At the same time, rapid rural-to-urban conversion is straining natural resources in ecologically fragile areas. The country is at a critical juncture as resource management decisions are being made in an effort to keep pace with competitive global markets. Our goal is to study different development and resource management models that protect the biodiversity of Costa Rica's ecosystems while promoting socioeconomic benefits for its people.
Internship Summary:
The purpose of this position is to provide support in the areas of program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance. Interns assist faculty with classroom work, field exercises, and various research projects. Interns also assist the Student Affairs Manager (SAM) in the planning and implementation of student group activities and operations.
Location:
The SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies in Atenas, Costa Rica
Program Schedule:
This is a one-year internship starting mid-August 2017 and ending mid-August 2018.
Reports to:
Center Director. Day-to-day supervision may be delegated to Student Affairs Manager, Faculty, or Site Manager as appropriate.
Duties & Responsibilities
Student Group Dynamics:
- Assist the Student Affairs Manager (SAM) in creating, coordinating and carrying out group field trips, field exercises, camping trips, center projects, farm work and community outreach
- Participate in planning activities prior to and during the program
- Participate in the orientation components of the program presented to students
- Organize students to perform their required tasks in support of the residential aspects of program (farm and kitchen chores, food preparation, recycling efforts, center clean-ups, outreach projects)
- Support the SAM in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
- Monitor student morale and assist in solving daily problems at the Center
Academic:
- Assist faculty with coordinating and executing academic and research activities
- Organize and prepare academic and research materials for faculty projects
- Help develop Center sustainability projects
- Provide support in off-site field exercises
- Opportunity to develop and carry out research projects under the guidance of a faculty member
- Opportunity to learn about and work in sustainable food production on a Rain Forest Alliance certified farm.
Administrative/Logistical:
- Assist with administrative or logistical tasks such as running errands, driving personnel and students, record keeping, and routine maintenance of site and equipment as requested
- Assist in organizing the library, teaching aids, research materials, and projects
Student Life:
- Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals with the students
- On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Center-specific "staff of the day" duties
- Take part in, and occasionally lead social and field activities
- Participate in community service activities
- At all times, work to ensure good relations between the Center and local community
Safety and Risk Management:
- Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and Center policies, procedures, and rules
- Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and assist the SAM in conducting safety briefings for students
- Maintain the First Aid equipment and help create and document safety procedures
Required Qualifications
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) certification required by start date
- Conversational Spanish required
- B.A./B.S. in an environmental- or education-related field
- Experience organizing and facilitating groups
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative to work independently as well as working cooperatively in a team
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
- Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff and group of US undergraduate students
- Class D International Drivers Permit, lean driving record, and ability to operate standard transmission vehicles
Preferred Qualifications
- In country or regional experience
- Advanced medical certifications (WFR, EMT, WEMT, etc.)
- Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program
- Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access and statistical software skills
- Experience with composting techniques, recycling of organic waste, generation of organic fertilizers, and development of organic alternatives of pest control are a plus.
Compensation/Benefits
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage
- Stipend
- Onsite room and board
- Extensive program travel throughout Costa Rica
- Invitation to attend SFS courses and lectures, including Spanish, Tropical Ecology, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Economics
To Apply:
Submit a resume and detailed cover letter outlining relevant experience online. References will be required upon request. Equal Opportunity Employer.
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