Museum Curator and Taxonomist

Para La Tierra is looking to add a new member to an enthusiastic award-winning team focused on conservation through scientific research and education in Paraguay. You'll need a passion for nature, a degree in life sciences or museum studies, with experience of living on a remote (preferably international) field site, and/or of working in a natural history museum. You’ll be joining a forward thinking organisation in a dynamic working environment. The position is available immediatley, and you should be available for a 24 month contract (with the possibility of extension), with six weeks of holiday entitlement per annum. 

You'll live on location in the quaint and close community of Pilar, one of the most beautiful places in Paraguay. You'll learn about neotropical species and ecology while contributing to Paraguay's largest and best maintained collection. You'll get to experience real Paraguayan culture and will be invited to get involved with Para La Tierra's other conservation programs, including environmental education. 

The post includes full bed and board, as well as $400 monthly for the first 6 months, and $450 thereafter. With almost no living costs, our staff are able to save much of what they earn. 

The museum serves two functions: 1. A scientific reference collection which is utilised by both national and international biologists, and exists as a baseline of data for Paraguayan biological science. It also serves to justify the conservation of fragile habitats in Paraguay. 2. As an educational tool. 

Your role will involve: 
1. The dispatch and preparation of scientific specimens for both our reference collection and educational museum according to museum protocol. 
2. Reception and registration of all new specimens to the collection. 
3. Identification of species through taxonomical studies. 
4. Organisation and maintenance of all databases. 
6. Organisation of the physical museum, developing its accessibility for scientists and other visitors. 
7. Working closely with our scientific director and within Para La Tierra's research priorities. 

You'll need to be able to work independently and supervise your own work. If you're very well organised, have a passion for nature and pay extreme attention to detail, apply now by sending your CV, a cover letter and three letters of reference (at least one should be from a relevant position) to rebecca@paralatierra.org.