Tropical Ecology Research Internship

About Para La Tierra

Fundación Para La Tierra is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of fragile habitats in Paraguay. Our vision is to change the course of Paraguayan environmentalism by inspiring people to appreciate the value of nature. We are working together with the Paraguayan government, local community members, national and international NGOs, and national and international volunteers and interns to protect Paraguay’s unique environment.

Para La Tierra achieves this mission through three primary programs: Scientific Research, Community Engagement, and Environmental Education.

Based in Paraguay, the ‘heart of South America,’ we are the country’s only year-round research station. Over the past 12 years, we have published over 130 peer-reviewed articles and discovered more than 10 new species. Along the way, over 500 interns have helped contribute to the better understanding of Paraguay’s understudied habitats.

About the Tropical Ecology Research Placement:

Para La Tierra is searching for enthusiastic research interns to join our team in Paraguay for 3 to 6 months. Our internship program provides young biologists an opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the field, gaining hands-on experience running a research project of their own design. Before arriving, our interns are challenged to come up with a research topic, review the relevant literature, and create a methodology with the support of our intern-supervisor.

Available topics include:

• Primatology

• Herpetology

• Entomology

• Ornithology

• Mammalogy

• Museum Studies

• Freshwater Ecology

• Habitat Monitoring

Once in-country, interns are trained in the field techniques required for their project. Whether its mist-netting for birds in the early hours of the morning, fishing at mid-day or staying out late hunting for frogs, PLT will make sure that our interns are confident in the methodology needed to move their research forward. Towards the end of the stay, all our interns give a final presentation in which they share the results of their study with the rest of the research team. The internship program is designed to give young scientists the opportunity to take control of every step of a scientific project. From conception to completion, our interns are in the driver seat.

Design your own wildlife project and contribute to long-term research in Paraguay!

Requirements:

Applicants must be over 18 years old and have or be working towards a degree in a biology related subject. Conversational English is required.

Conditions:

Para La Tierra charges interns to cover costs of room and board. The price includes all living costs during their stay with us and a personal pick-up upon arriving. Interns receive three meals a day, unlimited coffee, tea, yerba mate and diluting juice, as well as a bed in shared accommodation with hot showers and access to WiFi. It also includes organized activities & trips for our interns such as barbeques, game nights, beach trips and much more.

The fee further covers assistance with project development and execution, the use of PLT’s scientific equipment, transportation to field sites, administrative costs associated with the stay, and a small contribution to Para La Tierra's conservation and education projects.

Weekly basis pro rata payments are accepted in special cases. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals.

Costs: $1,195 per month for the 1st 2 months and $995 for each subsequent month.

Benefits:

Our interns finish the program taking away a long list of newly learned skills, a professional reference, and one heck of an experience to share at their next interview. But they also leave behind a great deal. All of our intern projects are directly involved in promoting the conservation of this threatened habitat. The scientific investigations of the area help raise awareness of the ecological importance of Ñeembucu at both the national and international levels. Our projects are regularly published in scientific journals, further raising the profile of Paraguay, and many interns make their way onto the author line for the first time in their early careers through their work with Para La Tierra.

Application:

The application period is rolling and there are no start or end dates, so the trip can be organised to suit the project and the person. Interns must be available to stay for a minimum of three months.

To apply please email your CV and a short cover letter to olivia@paralatierra.org.