TSI has a three part mission.
1) RESEARCH of reintroduced sloths, captive rescued sloths and of wild sloths in the Manuel Antonio area.
2) COLLABORATION with other institutions around the world that work with sloths.
3) EDUCATION promoting responsible and balanced information about sloths to the public.
Position Description:
The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) accepts up to 6-8 Sloth Technician I’s a year to support the Wildlife Director in daily fieldwork activities at the TSI field station, located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. We are looking for an active, passionate individual to help us elevate both our sloth release and research programs.
The Sloth Technician absolutely must have the ability to work long days (12+ hours) with very little time off. In addition, because most of this work will occur at night, this person will need to be able to work when tired and basically become nocturnal.
This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth conservation and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animals. You will to be hot, sweaty, eaten by mosquitos, sleepy, sore, and tired but you’ll still feel that there is no other place in the world that you would rather be than watching sloths in the jungle. The ideal person will eat, sleep, breathe and dream about sloths!
Research and fieldwork
- Assist in fieldwork/post-release monitoring at night
- Assist in maintaining records
- Assist in analyzing data
Animal husbandry
- Assist in preparing food/collecting wild food items for sloths
- Assist in feeding, cleaning and enriching sloth cages
- Assist in rescue and release of sloths
- Assist in medical treatments when needed
- Assist in communicating with community about sloth release project
Qualifications/Experience:
All applicants must be physically fit, have field research experience, behavioral research experience (requires patience!), excellent communication skills, a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation and a great sense of humor. Must be non-smoker.
Coursework or experience in zoology, environmental education, wildlife ecology, GIS or a related field is required. Experience traveling to a tropical country and living in remote conditions are a plus.
Spanish language skills and experience working with VHF tracking technology are strongly considered.
Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance while in Costa Rica.
Additional Items to Bring:
- Snake proof boots
- Serious raingear, including heavy duty rain poncho
- Comfortable clothing, preferably quick-dry. Clothes get destroyed in the jungle, so bring plenty of shirts/tank tops and shorts
- Khaki field shorts (3-4 pairs)
- Large umbrella
- Water bottle
- Backpack (waterproof)
- Headlamps
- Binoculars
- Laptop
- Unlocked smart phone
- Waterproof case for phone
Salary/Funding:
This is a voluntary self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Room in shared tent accommodations and basic meals will be provided. WIFI, electricity and running water will be included.
Term of Appointment:
Must be willing to stay at least six months, although there is a 30 day trial period. Position begins as early as possible in 2017.
To Apply:
Please send a 1 page letter of interest, CV, earliest possible start date, and names/contact information for 3 references to laura@theslothinstitutecostarica.org
More info: http://www.theslothinstitutecostarica.org