Natural Resources Job Board

Caño Palma Biological Station is owned by COTERC and was founded in 1991. The turtle monitoring project was the first long-term project initiated and students participating in our program may use our datasets to complete university internship assignments. Data is collected under permit by the Costa Rican Ministry for the Environment, and informs resource management decisions in the conservation area we work in. We collect data and protect turtles and their nests from May through October each year. The station is in an isolated area, and all participants live on base in a communal setting. Accommodations are rustic and dorm-style, with Wi-Fi, and office spaces for those working on research projects.

Participants work a mix of nocturnal and diurnal patrols, collecting data from nesting turtles and marking nests for monitoring and later, excavations. They participate in daily monitoring of all nests, as well as making and placing protective bamboo mesh over nests to minimise mammal predation. Participants may also assist with data management.

All participants should be able to walk for up to 5 hours on uneven terrain and be prepared to work in hot and humid conditions and/or work in the dark with minimal illumination. A good work ethic, and great attitude to learning and communal living in rustic conditions, as well as working with an international team, are essential.

Interns should be studying/pursuing a career in biology or conservation.

Research Assistant positions are for those with significant previous experience working in a similar project, including application of Inconel and/or Monel tags on nesting marine turtles.

Turtle Research Fellow: Suitable for a recent graduate who has previous experience working in a similar turtle nesting project. Data management and field duties and an opportunity to publish from long-term data. 

Interns:  contribute $255 per week to cover training, food and accommodation, and commit to a 6-week minimum stay.  

Research Assistants: Food and accommodation costs are covered by the station for with appropriate experience who commit to 10-20 weeks.
Turtle Research Fellow: Food and accommodation costs are covered, and monthly stipend given. Position runs from April 15th-November 30th

Applicants should submit their CV and cover letter to station@coterc.org