Field Instructor

Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program

Application period closes October 3^rd, 2008

Description:                                                                                          

Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach and lead 4 to 12 day field ecology courses in Costa Rica.  Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts.  Our main project site in Costa Rica is a 2,000 acre rainforest reserve on the Caribbean coast. This reserve has 4 miles of an important nesting beach for endangered leatherback sea turtles, which are the primary focus of study in our programs.  EPI offers sea turtle conservation courses to both Costa Rican and International student groups (mainly from US). Additionally, international students explore rainforest ecology, participate in a reforestation project at a biological station, exchange with a local school, and enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting trip. For more detailed information on our courses and organization, please visit our website: www.ecologyproject.org.

Responsibilities:

·                           Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.

·         Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.

·         Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school,

            middle school, or university students in both English and Spanish.

·         Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations. 

·         Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.

·                           Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.

·                           Participate in all EPI staff development sessions throughout the season, including staff training, staff meetings,

        staff retreats, and complete feedback and evaluation forms.

·                           Oversee and/or lead research activities accordance with local research protocols.

·                           Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.

·                           Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.

·                           Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.

·                           Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.

·         Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults. 
• Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas.
• Spanish and English fluency. 
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field.
• Field research experience. 
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in related field.
• Experience working in remote Latin American settings. 
• Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope.
• Proven research experience with sea turtles and rainforest ecology.

Compensation:  Lodging in San Jose during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $50-80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current WFR certification will receive an additional $10 per day.

Dates:  The program season is early March – end of July 2009.  Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in Costa Rica. 

To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available on-line at http://www.ecologyproject.org/english/about_epi/jobs.html) to:

Costa Rica Instructor Hiring

Ecology Project International

P.O. Box 9192

Missoula, MT, 59807 USA

info@...

(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax