Research Coordinator for Caño Palma Biological Station

The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) seeks a full-time Research Coordinator to administer and operate the research projects permitted at Caño Palma Biological Station.  Our mission is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics.The Biological Station is located next to the Caribbean Ocean within the Barra Colorado Wildlife Refuge and north of the Tortuguero National Park; a region renowned for its sea turtles and lowland rainforest with high diversity. The position is full time with a commitment of at least one year. This position encourages independent research to be carried out by the Research Coordinator.

Preference will be given to candidates with an excellent work ethic and experience in biological/environmental research projects. A record of excellence in dealing with volunteers, student groups, researchers, difficult work situations and conflict resolution are crucial.  Candidates should have at least a basic level of speaking/writing Spanish. A BSc. or college Diploma 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 permit application paperwork which takes place following the busy summer season.

We are looking for someone who is open-minded and with a recognizable level of maturity and professionalism with cultural differences, and an ability to relate conservation/scientific concepts to lay people. The candidate will recognize that the ecosystem is hot, humid, and that working conditions can be difficult at times. There must be a willingness to lead and participate in monitoring programs as required.

Caño Palma Biological Station hosts researchers from various international educational institutions, and independent researchers, who may work on independent permitted research projects, some of which are tied to our monitoring and conservation programs. We also host undergraduate classes, student interns, and volunteers, all working on various monitoring and community conservation permitted programs. The successful candidate is foremost expected to work in collaboration and development of wildlife monitoring programs, which includes marine sea turtles, migratory and resident birds, large mammals, and herpetological studies. As well, the research coordinator works in concert with the station manager assisting in conducting Station maintenance, repair and improve the Station’s infrastructure and trail network, ensure the overall quality of experience of users groups and visitors and 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 research coordinator reports directly to station manager, and coordinates with COTERC, and completes assigned tasks as requested by the Board.

To apply and for further details, please contact Dr. Kymberley A Snarr at conservation@coterc.org   Applications are to include a cover letter, a CV, and three references. You can find more information about COTERC/CPBS on our website: (http://www.coterc.org/).  Review of applications will begin immediately with an immediate starting date.  Salary is equivalent to typical Costa Rican wage rates ($300.00 per month plus food and lodging) with a flight bonus at the end of the contract.