Sea Turtle Conservation Long-Term Field Internship (9 Months)
Osa Conservation (Private) | https://osaconservation.org/
Details
Application Deadline:
11/30/2025
Published:
03/11/2025
Starting Date:
after 5/1/2025
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
none
Education Required:
High School Diploma
Experience Required:
none
Location:
Costa Rica
Tags:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Are you passionate about marine biology and conservation? Are you looking for an immersive field experience where you can actively contribute to the protection of sea turtles and their habitats? Osa Conservation invites early-career marine biologists and conservationists to join our Sea Turtle Conservation Program for a unique 9-month field internship in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
At Osa Conservation, we are committed to protecting southern Costa Rica’s unparalleled biodiversity in the face of climate change. From restoring forests and rewilding key species to protecting vital habitats, we are developing a holistic, community-driven model of conservation. The Sea Turtle Program, Osa Conservation’s longest-standing initiative, focuses on safeguarding the four species of sea turtles that nest along our beaches. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in conservation practices that span scientific research, community outreach, and active conservation measures.
Our Sea Turtle Program works to:
- Monitor sea turtle populations and nesting activity over the long term.
- Implement a sea turtle hatchery to mitigate poaching, predation, and climate change.
- Reduce plastic pollution through beach clean-ups and innovative recycling solutions.
- Promote educational outreach to increase awareness of sea turtle conservation.
- Conduct scientific research to fill data gaps and inform conservation strategies.
As a Sea Turtle Conservation Long-Term Field Intern, you will be at the forefront of these efforts, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and working closely with a passionate team of biologists, educators, community leaders, and media specialists.
Intern Activities & Learning Opportunities:
- Sea Turtle Monitoring:
- Participate in morning and night patrols (3-5 times a week) along 6.5 km of nesting beaches, monitoring the four target species: Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback.
- Collect and manage nesting data to track sea turtle activity.
- Assist in nest relocation and the safe incubation of eggs in the hatchery.
- Record morphometric data and analyze hatching success.
- Hatchery Management:
- Assist in the maintenance of the Osa Conservation Sea Turtle Hatchery, including daily cleaning and structural upkeep.
- Learn to manage incubation conditions, monitor nests, and participate in the release of baby sea turtles into the wild.
- Data Management & Analysis:
- Input and review data collected from field activities into databases, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Support the preparation of data for global platforms like the State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT).
- Plastic Pollution Reduction:
- Lead beach clean-ups and classify marine debris.
- Contribute to global datasets by uploading data and participating in efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
- Community Engagement & Education:
- Design and execute environmental education activities for local communities, tourists, and visiting students.
- Share your knowledge through social media and create engaging content that promotes conservation efforts.
- Present updates on the program and participate in science and media meetings with our conservation team.
- Scientific Research:
- Trained in field equipment for sea turtle monitoring.
- Assist in literature reviews, scientific writing, and contributing to conservation communications.
- Collaborate with the broader Osa Conservation team on related conservation initiatives, including rewilding, native tree restoration, and sustainable agriculture.
The Osa Conservation Experience:
This internship will immerse you in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems—the Osa Peninsula’s tropical rainforest. You will live and work at the Osa Conservation Campus (OCC), a remote field station that acts as a hub for cutting-edge conservation science. With 35+ km of trails, pristine coastlines, and a research lab, the OCC is the perfect environment for professional growth.
Internship Details:
- Location: Osa Conservation Campus, Southern Costa Rica
Application Deadline: Rolling applications between January – March (for the upcoming field season) - Duration: 9 months (Starting April/May annually)Start Date: April/May (9-month commitment)
- Accommodation & Meals: All food and accommodation are provided. You’ll stay in shared, basic living conditions in the heart of the rainforest, with three cooked meals per day provided by our campus kitchen.
Why Apply? This is a rare opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in sea turtle conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically important regions.
- Build a network of professional contacts within the conservation community.
- Contribute meaningfully to a vital conservation program while gaining valuable skills for your future career in marine biology and conservation science.
How to Apply:
If you are passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to gain practical experience in a remote field station, we want to hear from you! Please send your CV, cover letter, and a 1-minute video explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this field internship to seaturtles@osaconservation.org with the subject line “Sea Turtle Conservation Long-Term Field Internship [Year].”
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from January to March for the upcoming field season starting in April/May. Don’t forget to include the year you’re applying for in your email title and cover letter.
Contact
HR
seaturtles@osaconservation.org (preferred contact method)