Community Outreach Volunteer, Costa Rica, Macaw Recovery Network

Macaw populations have declined significantly over the past decades. The main causes are illegal poaching for the pet trade and the loss of mature forest habitat, which they rely on for feeding and nesting. MRN's vision is to see a future with thriving parrot populations in healthy, connected forests, across their former ranges. MRN believes that conservation cannot move forward without people and communities, therefore our Community Outreach Program is a fundamental pillar into our organization.

Reports to: Outreach Integration Officer

Purpose: ­­­­­­

Provide technical knowledge and support to the rangers in their local nursery and their environmental education work, aiming that they develop their maximum potential.

Volunteer Duties:

- Support and to accompany the rangers on visits to educational centers and schools.

- Lead, alongside the rangers, the non-formal environmental education programs.

- Accompany the rangers on seed collection projects.

- Support the rangers to improve seed germination processes and tree nursery management

- Organize reforestation activities, alongside the rangers

-  Help to Improve the reforestation monitoring process

- Collaborate with tree species identification

 - Support the Community Integration Officer with administrative tasks

Duration of Work:

2 months minimum or longer, All year long

Hours of work:

8 hours per day, 5 days of the week.

 Benefits:

- Training in plant identification and seed germination

- Training in nursery management

- Opportunity to practice and improve your knowledge of the Spanish language

- Daily hands-on conservation experiences

- Opportunity to learn about Costa Rican culture

Requirements:

- Student or graduate of biology, environmental management, forestry engineering, agronomy, environmental science, or any other relevant degree.

- Advanced level of Spanish language

- Experience driving manual transmission cars and a valid driver’s license

- Experience in tropical ecosystems (desirable)

- Experience in education or teaching (desirable)

- Experience in nurseries or reforestation programs (desirable)

Desirable personal Qualities:

-          Strong teamwork skills

-           Excellent communication skills

-           Great sense of inclusion and respect for diversity

-          Ease of speech and comfortable speaking in public

-          Responsible and organized