The Sea Turtle Conservation program at Osa Conservation has an exciting opportunity available. We are looking for a Research Field Assistant (RFA) to start no later than 5^th November 2021, with a duration of 6-9 months. This opportunity will allow you to gain field experience and develop vital skills needed to have an impact in conservation.

Position Summary:

Osa Conservation’s mission is to protect the globally significant biodiversity in the Osa Peninsula. The Sea Turtle Conservation Program is committed to that mission by directly contributing to the conservation of nesting sea turtles in this region; by 1) contributing to the long-term monitoring of nesting sea turtle activity, and 2) directly improving nest hatching success through hatchery management. The program reaches these objectives by gathering vital population and reproductive data of nesting sea turtles during beach surveys, and by assisting with the monitoring and release of baby sea turtles in our hatchery.

Conservation technology has become an increasingly important tool during the last decades, and also for Osa Conservation and its programs. This year we moved away from traditional notebooks and pens, now using specially-designed apps on our program’s phones to facilitate monitoring and data collection. Additionally, we are developing and implementing a strategy to tackle two of the biggest threats to sea turtles worldwide: plastic pollution and unsustainable fishing practices.

The Sea Turtle Conservation Research Field Assistant will assist Osa Conservation’s sea turtle team with fieldwork efforts to assess the health and status of Osa’s sea turtle populations and explore new approaches to contribute to the goals listed above. RFAs have the opportunity to advance their training in the fields of marine biology, sustainability, conservation, and Spanish. This is a high-energy position and requires excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, in addition to experience in biology and the ability to work in a challenging field environment.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Execute sea turtle population monitoring and data entry during evening and morning surveys as part of a team on Piro Beach (2 km) and Pejeperro Beach (4.5 km). Daily equipment cleaning and preparation is also an important part of this work.
• Monitor nesting sites for hatchlings and predation, and carry out nest protection techniques and assessment of potential risk factors.
• Relocate vulnerable nests to the hatchery and monitor nest hatching success through excavations of hatched nests.
• Assist with the daily maintenance of the Osa Conservation sea turtle hatchery, including construction and cleaning projects.
• Conduct regular beach cleans to reduce the amount of plastic on the beaches we monitor, classify and weight marine debris, and provide education and increase awareness to reduce single-use plastics.
• Work closely with volunteers, interns, and our Environmental Educational Outreach coordinator to promote sea turtle activities. Perform sea turtle tours and be willing to teach and share your knowledge with local communities, guests, and visiting groups.
• Communicate program results by analysing data and drafting reports and scientific publications to expand or improve the current research conducted under the sea turtle program.
• Create content for personal and Osa Conservation social media accounts to promote the work of the sea turtle program and communicate stories of a young wildlife biologist living in the field.
• Research and implementation of technologies to facilitate long-term monitoring and data collection, and to improve our understanding of sea turtles and nesting beaches to benefit their conservation.
• Attend bi-weekly science and social media meetings to interact with Osa Conservation’s science team and outside researchers, giving project update presentations when required.
• Assist in the search and application to possible program funding opportunities – to develop exciting projects of interest to the Sea Turtle Program.
• Participate in any additional tasks required by the Sea Turtle Program and general Osa Conservation activities and tasks. In addition to being part of Osa Conservation’s vital sea turtle conservation work, you will have opportunities to assist with other Osa Conservation programs, including restoration, regenerative farming, and wildlife.

Skills and Attributes Required:

• BSc degree in wildlife, environmental or conservation topic.
• Fluent in English and/or Spanish (Oral and Written). Proficiency in both languages is desired.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting wildlife monitoring surveys in the field in harsh environments and remote locations.
• Excellent computer skills, especially in Microsoft and Google platforms. Knowledge of R programming and GIS is desired.
• Experience living in remote places with basic living conditions.
• Physically fit and able to work long hours on soft sand in a difficult and harsh environment.
• Good team member with excellent communication skills – able to live and work with a multicultural team.
• Hardworking, reliable, creative, and ambitious, with a willingness to develop new skills and ideas.
• Comfortable using technology in order to collect sea turtle data via phone apps and assist in conservation technology trials to advance to the Sea Turtle Program.
• Hard-working and passionate with a desire to learn and improve – willing to put the hard work in and go the extra mile for conservation efforts and personal career development.

Conditions of Work:

• Complete 3-5 morning surveys per week.
• One and a half days off per week (which is not always a weekend).
• A bed in a basic shared living space – a rainforest camp with outdoor bathrooms and three meals per day provided at our biological station.
• A monthly stipend of $100 is included.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter outlining your previous experience, the conservation areas you are passionate about, and why you would like to join the Osa Conservation Sea Turtle team, and include links to your social media accounts with the subject title “Sea Turtle RFA 2021” to the Sea Turtle Conservation program coordinator Bárbara Sellés This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The deadline for RFA applications is October 4^th, 2021.