BIOLOGICAL STATION MANAGER

The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) seeks a full-time Manager to administer and operate the Caño Palma Biological Station. Our mission is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics.The Biological Station is located next to the Caribbean Ocean within the Barra Colorado Wildlife Refuge and north of the Tortuguero National Park; a region renowned for its sea turtles and rainforest. The position is full time with a commitment of at least one year.

Preference will be given to candidates with enthusiasm, an excellent work ethic and experience in construction, grounds maintenance, small engine repair and boating experience. A record of excellence in dealing with volunteers, student groups, researchers, difficult work situations and conflict resolution are crucial. Candidates should have at least a basic level in speaking/writing Spanish. A BSc. or college Diploma in biology or ecology with experience working in tropical ecosystems, conservation, research/monitoring and sustainable development is preferred.

Caño Palma Biological Station has variable levels of activity, and can host up to 20 individuals at one time, including researchers, volunteers, interns and University groups all working on various monitoring and community conservation programs. The successful candidate is foremost expected to conduct daily Station maintenance, repair and improve the Station's infrastructure and trail network, ensure the overall quality of experience of users groups and visitors and ensure compliance with Health and Safety standards. Collaboration and development of wildlife monitoring programs will be an important secondary activity and will include marine sea turtles, migratory and resident birds, primates and other mammals and herpetological studies. Special attention is to be given to issues of education, community conservation, sustainability and working with a local village. The Manager reports directly to COTERC, and completes assigned tasks as requested by the Board.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Station Maintenance

1. Ensure responsible management and daily/weekly maintenance of the Station infrastructure, including the maintenance of:
   - Kitchen, appliances and dining room are kept clean and free of health and safety hazards;
   - Office, library, books, computers and research equipment are safe and in good working order;
   - Water pump and water treatment systems are in excellent working order;
   - Dormitories are clean and bedding is washed and laundry facility kept clean,
   - Showers and washrooms are clean and septic system is in working order;
   - Composting toilets are constantly kept clean, functional and proper composting materials are made available daily;
   - Ensure that garbage is regularly and properly disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner;
   - Ensure that stations dogs fed and cared for.
   
2. Ensure that routine maintenance is carried out on boats, motors, electric pumps and other tools and equipment.
3. Ensure that grounds and signage are well maintained, and dock and exterior of buildings are free of termites, exterior wood is cleaned and stained and screens washed or replaced on an annual basis. Climbing vines and branches are to be trimmed back at least four feet from each building to encourage air circulation.
4. Ensure that trails are in good condition, free of obstructions and the appropriate markers, handrails and other guides to assist people using the trails are well maintained.
5. Responsible for further developing and improving trails.
6. Responsible for logistical arrangements and support to construction contractors in reparing, renovating and new construction of buildings in order to maintain and improve Station infrastructure.

Visitor and Group Facilitation and Outreach

1. Coordinate the purchase food and other supplies as needed.
2. Prepare meals or arrange to have meals prepared for visitors.
3. Ensure that coverage is available to give talks to daily visiting tourist groups.
4. Liaise with local schools to have visiting researchers visit schools, and to have students visit station for workshops.
5. Maintain and develop new contacts within the Costa Rican community, both locally and in the Capital, and in particular the government bodies such as MINAE and other resource management agencies nationally and internationally.
6. Maintain contacts with various institutions in Costa Rica, e.g. Universidad Nacional, Universidad de Costa Rica, Museo Nacional, Zoologico Simon Bolivar, and to expand these contacts to other institutions to develop working agreements. The intent is to attract Costa Rican researchers to conduct work at Cano Palma Biological Station and, in the case of the universities to assist in the choosing of students to offer scholarships to carry on their research at the station.
7. Maintain good relationships with the people from local villages and work with them to continue to accept the Station as part of the community.
8. Special attention is to be given to issues of education and sustainability and working with the local villages.

Record Keeping

1. Ensure that weather monitoring data is collected and recorded twice daily in the appropriate log.
2. Maintain an up-to-date inventory list of equipment and make recommendations for future needs.
3. Maintain daily log of wildlife observations, etc.
4. Maintain an appropriate set of bookkeeping records and prepare weekly and monthly plans of activities to be carried out. Pay salaries and other expenses.
5. Together with the Assistant Manager, prepare articles of interest and short notes for the organization & articles for the newsletter Raphia regarding activities and events at the Station.
6. Prepare articles of interest and short notes for the organization's newsletter Raphia regarding activities and events at the Station.
7. Archive all receipts for purchases, contractors, materials etc. Prepare a full accounting of expenses and monthly financial statements and report to COTERC Directors.
8. Arrange for year-end taxes with COTERC's accountant.

Logistical Support, Research and Monitoring

1. Assist with the formalities in obtaining appropriate permits for visiting researchers from MINAE.
2. Assist visiting researchers and students in any way possible to make their stay productive and enjoyable.
3. Ensure that data collected by visiting researchers, students and volunteers is made available to the appropriate Costa Rican institutions and/or individuals. Ensure that copies are provided to COTERC.
4. Facilitating wildlife monitoring programs will be an important secondary activity and will include organizing field studies of marine sea turtles, migratory and resident birds, primates, other mammals and herpetological monitoring and research. Report writing or assisting with writing up results from monitoring studies will be part of this work.
5. Liaise with lead international project coordinators and COTERC to further develop/improve research and monitoring programs.

Reporting and Correspondence

1. The Manager reports directly to the COTERC Director of Site Services on a weekly basis, completes assigned tasks and provides requested information in a timely fashion.
2. Provide monthly updates, support development and reporting on budgets and administrative issues and responsible for tracking and reporting on expenses.
3. Maintain regular communication via telephone, fax and e-mail, if possible, with the Director of Site Services and/or the Executive Director of COTERC in Canada.
4. Maintain contact with COTERC's lawyer and accountant to follow up on any outstanding items.

APPLICANTS

To apply, please send a letter of application along with a CV and three references (electronic submission preferred). Review of applications will begin immediately with a start date of June 2010. Salary is equivalent to typical Costa Rican wage rates.

Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation
P.O. Box 335
Pickering, Ontario
L1V 2R6
Canada
Fax: (905) 831-4203
info@coterc.org