Research Supervisor Fellowship – Costa Rica -Apply at station@cotec.org by November 1st
The Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation (COTERC) will support a one year fellowship for a biologist (minimum M.Sc) to administer and oversee research projects at Caño Palma Biological Station (CPBS). Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. 

A great stepping-stone for the right individual

General Description:

• Coordinate long-term monitoring projects at CBPS (for list of projects and relevant publications, see coterc.org)
• Develop student supervision skills working with undergraduate students conducting independent research projects
• Train and supervise volunteers on data collection for multiple projects
• Contribute to species conservation and area management in both academic and applied settings
• Work with local communities and governmental agencies to promote conservation practices
• Publish from/leverage station’s long-term data sets
• Consolidate data management and report writing skills
• Opportunities to develop other projects within the mission of COTERC
• Food, accommodation, and a small stipend are provided

The Biological Station is located on the Northeastern coast of Costa Rica within the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge and north of Tortuguero National Park. The lowland rainforest floodplain is a region renowned for its high species diversity. The position is a year long experience at Cano Palma station with an anticipated start date of December 2021. We are recruiting for this start date with the understanding that there are dynamic travel restrictions due to COVID-19.  At present, Costa Rica is accepting visitors from Europe, Canada, and several parts of the United States.
Skills/Qualifications:

• Masters of Science in biology, ecology, or other related field.
• Knowledge/familiarity with Neotropical biology/ecology
• Experience in field biology under challenging conditions
• Record of experience coordinating volunteers, student groups, independent researchers
• Interest in mentoring long-term students in individual research projects
• Experience with living in close quarters with others, conflict resolution skills
• Fluency in English
• Proficiency (at minimum) in spoken and written Spanish (all official documents and meetings are in Spanish).

The fellow is encouraged to use the time and resources as an opportunity to produce academic publications, utilizing data from our long-term projects. During the employment period we will be continuing long-term monitoring projects, as well as assisting independent researchers with projects on understudied species.
We are looking for someone who is adaptable and with a recognizable level of maturity and professionalism when presented with cultural differences, and an ability to relate conservation/scientific concepts to lay people. Applicants must be willing and able to work under challenging conditions in a remote area.
The successful fellowship recipient is foremost expected to work in the development of wildlife monitoring programs, but will also work in concert with the station manager to ensure the overall quality of experience of user groups and visitors and to ensure compliance with Health and Safety standards. Special attention is to be given to issues of education, community conservation, sustainability, and working with a local village. The recipient will work closely with the station manager, under the oversight of the Director of Research of COTERC.

​Salary: $600/month stipend
Deadline: Nov 01, 2021
Required Experience: 2 - 6 years


For further details:

Email station@coterc.org

Facebook Station Caño Palma