Cloudforest Reserve Manager

Founded in 2002, Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is a private, non-profit cloudforest reserve in the Talamanca mountains of Costa Rica. Beginning with the purchase of degraded farmland, Cloudbridge has been actively reforesting the area in order to connect the forests of the Cerro Chirripó National Park with adjacent nature reserves and forested areas. Beyond reforestation work, Cloudbridge is also committed to environmental education and conducting research on the unique and diverse cloudforest ecosystem.

Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is looking for a reserve manager to run the day-to-day operations of the reserve, train and supervise our team of international volunteers, and assist with education and research projects. This is a full-time position. Accommodation and an $800 stipend for food are provided. Start date to be determined as soon as the right person is available.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for local employees and general volunteers including: training and supervision, payroll, etc.
• Manages use of tools, equipment and vehicles, maintains a tracking system for employees and equipment.
• Assists Scientific Coordinator as required.
• Works closely with visiting students and other visitors, providing logistical support.
• Enforces all of Cloudbridges's Health and Safety regulations and project protocols.
• Motivates volunteers and promotes a fun and enthusiastic environment on site.
• Responsible for overseeing tour & rental operations.
• Assists with the planning and execution of projects supporting the local partners, including the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment (MINAE), local schools, etc.
• Organizes and oversees maintenance of reserve infrastructure and equipment.
• Tracks income and expenses for all onsite financial transactions.
• Organizes logistics for: pick-ups and drop-offs of volunteers, interns, researchers, and renters; off-site reserve activities; and grocery and supply trips.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a supervisory or management position.
• Previous experience working/living in a remote and/or wilderness setting.
• Experience managing volunteers, managing teams in a wilderness setting, and/or managing multicultural teams an asset.
• Must be physically fit and able to hike in steep, high-altitude terrain, and perform physical tasks.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and basic accounting.
• First aid training required; wilderness first aid preferred.
• Good English communication skills; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Candidates with Spanish communication skills preferred. Ability to communicate in additional languages an asset.
• Valid driver’s license that is recognized in Costa Rica. Ability to drive a manual transmission an asset.

Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to take initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to develop, maintain, and facilitate good relationships with others in a communal living environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to persevere and maintain high-quality work in difficult environmental and physically demanding conditions.
• Demonstrate good judgement and common sense in a wilderness environment.
• Ability and interest in teaching others.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm in a crisis.
• Interest in nature, the environment, and conservation. Knowledge of Costa Rican flora and fauna, biology, environmental science, reforestation, an asset.

Locations/Working Conditions

• Position is located in the montane cloudforest of the Talamanca mountains of Costa Rica, adjacent to Cerro Chirripó National Park.
• Altitudes range between 1550 m (5085 ft) and 2200 m (7220 ft).
• Work hours require flexibility but typically between 6:00 am and 2:30 pm, 6 days a week.
• Often required to work outdoors under varying weather conditions.
• Living conditions are rustic and remote, but include running and hot water, electricity, WIFI, and a private room in a shared house. Washing machine and dryer on site.
• Nearest community ½ hour walk or 15 minute drive.
• Access to reserve vehicle.
• Reserve trails are steep and at times difficult and narrow, and can include river fording.

To learn more about Cloudbridge, please visit our website at www.cloudbridge.org. 

To apply, please submit your CV, two references, and a brief cover letter to Tom Gode at tom.gode@cloudbridge.org. In the cover letter, indicate you are applying for the Reserve Manager position, and state when you would be available to start.