Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

Wildlife Biology Intern - Costa Rica

Hiring Organization:
Wild Sun Rescue Center

Date Posted:
2018-09-20

Position Description:
Wild Sun is a non-profit organization in Cabuya, Costa Rica. We are not only dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of our local wildlife but also to reintroduction of locally extinct species and other large-scale conservation projects. Preserving biodiversity and ecosystem balance are at the core of what we do. For the benefit of the animals in our care, consistency with their caretakers is key. For that reason, we will only accept interns willing to commit 12 weeks to the care of the animals. Volunteers and interns work 6 days a week for 6-8 hours a day, as needs dictate. Interns begin their stay at Wild Sun Rescue working alongside the other volunteers. Volunteer duties include but are not limited to:

-Animal husbandry
-Diet preparation
-Enclosure building/maintenance
-Cleaning and upkeep of center
-Social media and graphic design work
-Educational programming

As interns become comfortable with our system (within a few weeks), we begin training and work on the internship program. Duties of the Wildlife Biology Intern include:

-Life history research on local wildlife
-Data input and preliminary analysis of rehabilitation data through Wild Sun Database
-Behavioural focal scans of patients in pre-release to better understand their release criteria
-Census and behavioural data collection of local howler troops
-Contacting other rescue centres to compare and share strategies

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants must be at least 20 years old, able to work in all weather conditions, and comfortable being on their feet for extended periods of time. Prior experience in animal husbandry is valued but not required, as all volunteers and interns go through a formal training upon arrival. Prior experience in biology, environmental sciences, statistics, field work, or related fields will be given preference. Strong work ethic, flexibility, positive attitude, and a passion for animals are a must.

Salary/funding:
We offer free lodging in exchange for a 12-week commitment, however a $500 deposit is required to confirm your spot. Upon successful completion of your full 12 weeks, $400 will be returned to you ($100 is a donation to the rescue center).

Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Interns receive free lodging at Wild Sun Jungle Resort after the required deposit. You may cook your own meals in our shared kitchen, or you can opt in to a professional meal plan for $150/week.

Wild Sun is a beautiful, ocean view property with a yoga deck, infinity pool, on-site rescue center and various common areas among 5 acres of land next to the Cabo Blanco National Park. We have a private chef who will prepare all meals for those on the meal plan, except for lunch and dinner on Saturdays. Most dietary needs can be accommodated. See www.wildsunjungleresort.com for more information and photos regarding accommodation.

Term of Appointment:
12 weeks

Application Deadline:
Rolling

Comments:
If you cannot commit to a 12 week internship but are interested in our program, we do offer shorter-term volunteer appointments for a price.

Contact Jeremy (jeremy@wildsunrescue.com) for questions about packages and pricing. Direct all other inquiries and questions about volunteering to our site managers, Ezra and Carmen (ezra@wildsunrescue.org, carmen@wildsunrescue.org).

To apply online, visit https://www.wildsunrescue.org/volunteer-application.

Contact Information:
Ezra Mendales
Del Super Chicho, 100m al sur, 700m al oeste
Cabuya 60111
Costa Rica

Telephone Number:
+506 8658-2292

Website:
http://www.wildsunrescue.com

E-mail Address:
ezra@wildsunrescue.org