What is a research assistant?

RA's really make the difference helping with the running of our projects and play an essential role in our conservation work; they are the connection between project staff and volunteers and complete our teams as highly appreciated extra members.

We offer a limited number of positions to work as a Research assistant (RA) in our Sea Turtle Conservation Projects. This job will be voluntary and no salaries or stipends will be paid in spite of that you will be considered part of the project staff and that you will have specific duties to carry out. Depending on the previous experience and skills of an applicant, it will be decided whether the costs of lodging and food will be covered by LAST Costa Rica or if the assistant will be asked to pay $5 or $10 per night. Each RA will be responsible for his own travel expenses to the project site in Costa Rica. Also, the RA's should cover other extra expenses like camera, lodging, special food and drinks and transportation to and from the project.

Requirements for RAs

You should

• Be 20 years of age or older and in good physical condition.
• Be fluent in the English and Spanish (advanced) language.
• Have an educational background (undergraduates or graduates) in Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Veterinary, Wildlife Management, Oceanography, Zoology and/or experience in working with Sea Turtles.
• Be willing to a firm commitment to work a minimum at least two and half months, preferably three months or more in the project.
• Be interested in sharing his/her knowledge and to stimulate interest in volunteers for the protection and the conservation of Sea Turtles.
• Be a responsible, hard-working, communicative, and enthusiastic person. Capable to live in tropics with very rustic and basic living conditions (dormitories and shared outside bathrooms) and under adverse climatic conditions. Usually it is very hot with 100% of humidity, frequent rain and very heavy sometimes. With lots of mosquitoes and/or sand flies.

How can I apply for a RA position?

1. Send us your CV, two references (with their e-mail address) and an inquiry letter to volunteers@latinamericanseaturtles.com

2. Once your application is approved we will ask you to fill out an online application form, which will include various questions and time periods and project selected amongst others

You want to know more details about the work during an internship as a RA?

Please send an email to volunteers@latinamericanseaturtles.org