Costa Rica Field Instructor

About the role

Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit, hires instructors to teach field-based science, conservation and environmental education programs for high school and junior university students in Costa Rica. The program focuses on sea turtles and tropical forests, with students visiting a sea turtle nesting site on the Caribbean coast and a rainforest station, and lasts 4 to 12 days. Instructors may also lead short educational trips for adults or companies and run outreach for local students.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and provide a positive experience for participants in the field, promoting a safe learning and living environment
• Plan, lead and instruct experiential science and conservation courses in English and Spanish, adapted to the group's expectations
• Monitor and enforce EPI policies and protocols, and mentor interns
• Oversee research activities in line with local research protocols
• Maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, partners and co-instructors, and handle emergency logistics
• Complete paperwork for each course and take part in staff training, meetings, retreats and evaluations

Required profile

• More than one year teaching environmental or conservation education and leading outdoor experiences for young adults
• Experience leading residential trips in remote areas
• Bilingual Spanish and English
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences or a related field
• Field research experience
• Physical and mental fitness to lead courses up to 12 days, 24 hours a day with a co-instructor
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification (uncertified applicants must complete it before training)
• At least 23 years old, available March through August (training in late February)

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience with inquiry-based learning programs
• Experience living or studying in Latin America
• Familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope
• Research experience with sea turtles and/or rainforest ecology

What we offer

• Room and board while on course
• Work-related in-country travel
• Paid at $77-117 per day depending on experience and field days