Overview

Join Chirripó  Oasis, a 100-acre private reserve in Costa Rica's Talamanca Mountains dedicated to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land stewardship. We're looking for interns and volunteers to help establish our research foundation by constructing facilities using eco-friendly practices, conducting bird and herpetofauna base-line surveys, and managing our camera trap monitoring project—work that will shape the reserve's conservation priorities for years to come.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Students or recent graduates in ecology, environmental science, wildlife biology,  architecture or related field
• 18+ years old; comfortable with moderate physical labor and field conditions
• Passion for conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable design
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment
• Prior construction or research experience preferred but not required - training provided
• Spanish competency preferred but not required 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Construction

• Design and build a traditional mud/earthen kitchen and future facilities using locally-sourced materials
• Collect material, and support construction efforts under supervision

Biodiversity Research  (training provided) 

• Conduct weekly bird diversity surveys using point counts and transect walks 
• Monitor herpetofauna (amphibians, reptiles) through standardized sampling methods
• Service and maintain camera trap stations across reserve 
• Enter, organize, and preliminary analyze field data
• Assist in species identification and ecological monitoring

General Reserve Work

• Trail maintenance and habitat management 
• Clean and provide upkeep on bird feeders
• Contribute to reserve operations and community engagement

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Vernacular architecture and sustainable earthen construction techniques
• Tropical field research methods (bird surveys, herpetofauna monitoring, camera traps)
• Species identification (birds, amphibians, reptiles of cloud forest)
• Ecological data collection, management, and basic analysis

LOGISTICS

• Duration: 12-16 weeks (flexible)
• Schedule: Full-time, ~40 hours/week
• Climate: Cool mountain environment; frequent rain; moderate to high elevation gradients
• Accommodations: Shared rooms; community kitchen; simple but comfortable
• Physical demands: Moderate (outdoor work, standing/hiking, material handling)