The World Parrot Trust (WPT) is seeking a motivated individual to join our growing team in Puerto Rico as a parrot and forest restoration specialist. The role will focus on supporting ongoing parrot conservation work, while placing particular emphasis on planning and executing large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration projects. The successful candidate will work closely with WPT contractors, local communities, government partners, and other NGOs to deliver meaningful conservation outcomes.

The work will include everything from climbing trees to assess nest boxes, to developing nursery systems, conducting outreach, and engaging with research and reporting processes.

This is a hands-on role, ideally suited to a motivated conservationist or restoration specialist with strong fieldwork experience, a deep understanding of tropical forest systems, and a passion for working outdoors in challenging but rewarding environments.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration projects, including site preparation, species selection, planting, and follow-up maintenance.
• Plan tree nursery development and operations, ensuring the production and supply of appropriate native species.
• Develop and implement invasive species removal and habitat management strategies.
• Provide technical expertise and project oversight for tropical reforestation projects from design through to delivery.
• Manage resources, budgets, timelines, and reporting requirements for assigned projects.
• Lead or support grant writing, reporting, and fundraising efforts for restoration projects.
• Work collaboratively with WPT colleagues to integrate habitat restoration with parrot recovery efforts.
• Engage and train local communities and partners in restoration techniques, ensuring capacity building and knowledge transfer.
• Apply GIS and other mapping/monitoring tools to support planning, implementation, and evaluation of restoration activities.
• Contribute to broader team efforts including parrot monitoring, nest box programmes, and community outreach, as needed.

Required skills and experience

• Strong background in tropical reforestation and habitat restoration, with hands-on experience both planning and delivering large-scale projects.
• Academic background in ecology, forestry, conservation biology, or related field
• Demonstrated project focused skills, including planning, resource management, and delivery at scale.
• Experience with tree nursery management, species propagation, and restoration planting.
• Familiarity with invasive species control in tropical ecosystems.
• Excellent field-based skills and self-reliance
• Familiarity and comfort with working at heights; canopy access/rope climbing (such as SRT); and working with power tools to install nestboxes and other monitoring infrastructure in all forest strata
• Experience working with NGOs, community-based organisations, or government agencies on conservation initiatives.
• Strong self-management and team coordination skills; proven ability to act as a self-starter and push projects forward.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.

Desirable experience

• Practical knowledge of parrot ecology and conservation.
• Fieldwork experience in remote or challenging environments.
• Familiarity with Caribbean or Neotropical ecosystems.
• Proficiency with GIS, mapping, and spatial analysis tools.
• Grant writing experience.

What we offer

• Opportunity to play a key role in internationally recognised parrot conservation and forest restoration efforts.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with an experienced global team.
• Professional development opportunities within a growing international NGO.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.