Conservation & Social Environmental Impact (SEI) Assistant - Volunteer or Internship

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Recruiting Organization: Playa Viva

Conservation & Social Environmental Impact (SEI) Assistant: Volunteer or Internship in joint activities on sea turtle community conservation for LaTortugaViva (LTV) & SEI for ReSiMar.

Conservation & SEI Assistants have a double role working alongside the local team of LTV and the Manager of ReSiMar. LTV activities are one of the highlights for Playa Viva guests. Assistants become a strong presence in our community where they assist social and environmental projects under the guidance of the Sanctuary Coordinator, SEI Manager & the President of the local NGO.

Weekly schedules can vary. For LTV: as turtles nest and hatch at night and early mornings, volunteers have at least 1 night shift every 1-2 weeks. The main activity of morning release of baby sea turtles is around 6:30-7:30 am, then work at the Sanctuary until 9:00-10:00 am. For ReSiMar, around 2-3 hours per day (11:00am - 2:00pm) are required to work on fisheries, water, and ecological restoration programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Sea turtle sanctuary.

Support the local volunteers in all operations, ecotourism, meetings of the local NGO, data collection, maintenance and improvements of the sanctuary area.

• Education.

Organize workshops, classes, presentations, public releases of baby turtles, clean-ups, documentary projections or other activities for the local schools and our community as well as for visitors and tourists, guests, and training for the local team.

• Eco-Tourism.

Facilitate the activities for Playa Viva guests and visitors such as hatchling releases, guided tours to the sanctuary, and night patrol excursions.

• Fundraising and Marketing.

Lead face to face interactions with Playa Viva guests and group visits in order to raise donations for the Sanctuary, tips for the local volunteers, and funds through the program of Adopt a Nest. Help to develop online marketing, scouting for funding opportunities and sponsors, and writing grant proposals.

• Assist management and administration.

Help with responding to inquiries, conducting inventories, fulfilling applications, writing reports and guides, analyzing data, and contributing to creating informative and educational materials.

• Social Media and Promotion.

Liaise with the remote team to support the creation of content.

• Social-Environmental Projects at ReSiMar.

Support the development of programs related to fisheries, water, and ecosystem restoration. Activities may include attending/holding meetings in nearby communities, conducting interviews, researching and writing reports, data collection, and organization of events and workshops.

• Be a representative of Playa Viva and the Conservation & SEI team wherever you are on the coast, and most importantly, in the shared and common spaces in the hotel. You will be invited and expected to have conversations with guests during meals (when organized).

Schedule

A full-time commitment of 35 hours per week is required. Weekly schedules are created together with the supervisors and change according to the position/project assigned.

Benefits - What do we offer?

• Accommodation in shared housing (3 bedrooms, kitchen,1 bath with a big terrace and garden) located in the nearest village of Juluchuca. The house has only basic amenities (running water, internet, and electricity but this can go out sometimes).

• Two meals per day (breakfast and lunch) are provided during working days (six days per week). You will have one day off and that day you are responsible for your own meals.

• Academic recognition for internships and placements. All fields of study are welcome, biology, environmental engineering, agriculture, sociology, tourism, communication, education and marketing are preferred.

• Fieldwork and professional experience. Volunteers receive unforgettable field experience, working on projects with the local community and with international organizations.

• Cultural Exposure. Living in the vibrant culture of a coastal-rural setting in Mexico. For those coming from Western-based countries or busy urban areas, it will be a cultural reset.

• Reference upon the successful completion of the period of service.

Please note all positions are unpaid and we do not charge any fee for your program. We do not provide insurance, transportation to and from Mexico, or cover any other expenses. Volunteers are welcome to fundraise for their position. Cost of living outside the position's benefits runs $100-200 USD per month.

Minimum Requirements

Long commitment: minimum 5+ months

We ask that you make a commitment to the local way of life, getting to know our community, and helping us to identify areas where we can make an impact together.

Fluency in English and Spanish

At least a B2 (high-intermediate) level of Spanish is required since very few staff members at the resort or among local teams speak English, and even fewer in the community.

Full COVID Vaccination

Willingness to volunteer in a remote location and follow the program´s rules.

Be proactive and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Professional qualifications or relevant experience is preferred, but it is not an essential requirement.

Strong Interpersonal Skills. Communication, presentation and negotiation skills are essential. Community engagement projects are based on communication and the ability to work with one another.

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair AccessibleFalse

Fee RequiredFalse

Fee Amount: None

This opportunity is recurring