Head Ornithology Intern

Head Ornithology Intern for Caño Palma Biological Station, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

A great stepping stone for the right individual:

• Contribute to the conservation and area management for the endangered great green macaw
• Build on their supervisory experience, working with biology undergraduates
• Assist independent researchers with ornithological projects
• Examine key relationships between local flora and the resident bird species
• Work with local communities and governmental agencies, to promote conservation practices
• Publish from long-term ornithological data sets
• Consolidate data management and report writing skills
• Food, accommodation and a small stipend are provided

The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) seeks a full-time Head Ornithology Intern (HOI) to administer and operate the ornithology research projects at Caño Palma Biological Station.

The Biological Station is located next to the Caribbean Sea within the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and north of Tortuguero National Park; a region renowned for its high species diversity in the lowland rainforest. The position is full time, starting June 2019, with a commitment of at least 12 months. This position encourages publication, utilizing data from our long-term projects. During the employment period we will be continuing long-term monitoring of shorebirds and the endangered great green macaws, as well as assisting independent researchers with projects on understudied species.

This position is perfect for candidates interested in writing for publication, while gaining field experience in the neo-tropics. Preference will be given to candidates with an excellent work ethic and experience in ornithological research projects. A record of excellence in dealing with volunteers, student groups, researchers, difficult work situations and conflict resolution is crucial.  Candidates should be fluent in English and have a high level of spoken/written Spanish as presentations, meetings and reports/permit applications to local authorities must in Spanish. An MSc in biology or ecology with experience working in remote tropical ecosystems, conservation, research/monitoring and sustainable development is preferred. The position entails project report writing and annual permit application paperwork. You will also have the opportunity to give logistical support and mentoring to visiting researchers and groups, including providing international undergraduates with appropriate research ideas, and guiding them in the formation and execution of research.

We are looking for someone who is open-minded and with a recognizable level of maturity and professionalism when presented with cultural differences, and an ability to relate conservation/scientific concepts to lay people. Applicants must be willing and able to work under hot and humid conditions in a remote area.

The successful candidate is foremost expected to work in the development of wildlife monitoring programs, but will also work in concert with the station manager to ensure the overall quality of experience of user groups and visitors and to ensure compliance with Health and Safety standards. Special attention is to be given to issues of education, community conservation, sustainability, and working with a local village. The HOI reports directly to station manager, coordinates with COTERC, and receives supervision from our Canadian based Director of Research.

http://www.coterc.org/

http://www.facebook.com/COTERC

To apply and, please contact Director of Research, Dr.Roberta Fulthorpe, at researchconservation@coterc.org  Applications are to include a cover letter, CV, and three references.