The Sloth Institute Seeks Education/Field Tech Intern

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The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) was founded in 2014 for the purpose of enhancing the welfare of captive and wild sloths through research and educations and to collaborate with Toucan Rescue Ranch to assist with the care, rehabilitation and release of sloths. TSI accepts one Sloth Education/Field Technician Volunteer at any one time. TSI is a legal non-profit in Costa Rica and fiscally sponsored by a US 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit. Our headquarters and projects, are located in the Manuel Antonio rainforest maritime zone property at Tulemar Resort a short distance from Manuel Antonio National Park.

TSI has a three part mission.

1) RESEARCH of captive, wild and recently released sloths including collaborations with conservationists and scientists around the world

2) EDUCATION to generate and disseminate responsible information about sloths

3) CONSERVATION programs that negate human encroachment issues impacting sloths welfare and habitat.

Position Description:

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is looking for a Sloth Education/Field Tech Volunteer Intern to support both the Executive Director and Wildlife Director at the TSI field station, located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

We are looking for an active, passionate, creative multi-talented person with great people and presentation skills to help us elevate our release and research programs through public and community engagements. In addition, the ideal candidate will have field work experience as part of the position will include tracking wild sloths and collecting sloth observation data.

The Sloth Education/Field Tech Volunteer should have excellent presentation skills and enjoy walking and providing educational information to the public. A professional appearance, self-starter, positive disposition and public speaking skills are essential. You must have the ability to work long days (12+ hours) with little time off in hot, humid, buggy conditions! BUT, you will get to be close to sloths and capture their amazing antics on a daily basis. You will also participate in tracking and observation field work of the sloths in our program and be a part of their journey back to the rainforest. This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth conservation. You must also be willing to commit to a minimum six month stay.

Responsibilities:

Sloth Education:

• Conduct Wild Sloth Walks at Tulemar for Tulemar guests (6 days a week)
• Create sloth education programs at Tulemar and for the Community

Content Needs:

• Create educational content for SM and newsletters
• Assist SM/marketing teams as needed

Typical Day:

• Prepare for Sloth Walk with Tulemar guests
• Conduct Sloth Walk (6 days a week if booked)
• Input Guest info and feedback
• Respond to Sloth Walk requests
• Assist with educational program planning & delivery
• Sloth tracking and observation hours

Qualifications/Experience:

All applicants must be physically fit, healthy, have field research experience, behavioral research experience (requires patience!), excellent communication skills, a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation and a great sense of humor. Must be non-smoker.

A background in education, conducting tours and knowledge of Microsoft Word programs is a must. Photography skills is a plus.

Coursework or experience in zoology, environmental education, wildlife ecology, or a related field is required. Experience traveling to a tropical country and living in rainforest conditions are a plus.

Spanish language skills and experience working with VHF tracking technology are strongly considered.

Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance prior to arrival in Costa Rica.

Additional Items to Bring:

• Snake proof boots
• Serious raingear, including heavy duty rain poncho. You will be getting wet very often in the rainy season
• Comfortable clothing, preferably quick-dry. Clothes get destroyed in the jungle, so bring plenty of shirts/tank tops and shorts
• Khaki field shorts (3-4 pairs)
• Large umbrella
• Water bottle
• Backpack (waterproof)
• Headlamps
• Binoculars
• Laptop
• Unlocked smart phone
• Waterproof case for phone

Salary/Funding: This is a voluntary self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Room is shared apartment accommodation and basic meals will be provided. WIFI, electricity and running water will be included.

Term of Appointment: Must be willing to stay at least 6 months with an option for extension upon review. Position begins Dec. 1, 2017.

Applications due by October 1, 2017. To begin the application process, please send your CV and letter of interest to info@theslothinstitutecostarica.org