At each of PRETOMA’s projects, committed Research Coordinator and Research Assistant field staff are critical to the season’s success.  Timeframes range from 2 ½ to 6 months (depending on site), with each project having its own special points and challenges.  Below you will find information pertaining to these Research Coordinator (RC) and Research Assistant (RA) positions.  Please read ALL of the information closely before applying.

Research Coordinators (RCs):

Two RCs are assigned to work cooperatively at each project site. The responsibilities of RCs vary from site to site, but generally entail coordinating the work of project members, the proper and professional recording of all technical data, communicating with project directors and ensuring the overall success of the project. All project sites are very remote, thus a high degree of independence, responsibility and commitment is expected from RCs.

Sea turtle work includes conducting night patrols to identify, measure and tag all adult turtles, relocate nests into hatcheries or mark them in situ, daily early morning walks to count turtle tracks and check status of in situ nests, monitor hatcheries around the clock, release hatchlings and conduct post hatching nest excavations.

Beside sea turtle duties, other responsibilities (depending on site) may include administrating food supplies and organizing cooking duties, as well as camp/hatchery upkeep and construction, which can include carrying heavy logs, shoveling sand,  plant control and other strenuous physical activities. RCs must also maintain a friendly relationship with members from local communities as positive social relationships are crucial to project success.

All project activities are conducted using the help of volunteer program participants and/or Research Assistants, depending on the project. RCs are expected to orientate and direct project workers upon their arrival and motivate them for the duration of their stay with the project.

It is important for RCs to be aware that the extended period of isolation and time in the field required by these projects can have adverse affects on personal moods and behaviors. Attitudes are very contagious in the project settings, thus it is crucial for RCs to set an example by staying motivated and maintaining a positive attitude at all times, thus helping other team members do the same.

Research Assistant (RAs):

RAs are being selected for Playa Corozalito and our extremely remote project at Playa Caletas.

RA work includes conducting night patrols to identify, measure and tag all adult sea turtles, relocate nests into hatcheries (Caletas) or mark them in situ (Corozalito), daily early morning walks to count turtle tracks and check status of in situ nests, monitor hatcheries around the clock (Caletas), release hatchlings and conduct post hatching nest excavations.

Beside sea turtle duties, RAs will need to partake in food administration and cooking duties, as well as station upkeep, which can include cleaning, shoveling sand, carrying heavy objects, plant control and other strenuous physical activities.  It is crucial that selected RAs bring a positive attitude to the project, be adaptable to a variety of situations, and be prepared to partake in ALL aspects of the project.

PLAYA  CALETAS:

Project personnel are usually the only people on the 5km beach and program activities are based out of an encampment which consists of large communal tents, beds, a cooking area, solar panel, an outhouse, a well, and a project hatchery. The camp is rustic and not for the faint of heart and RCs/RAs should be prepared to live a “Robinson Crusoe” lifestyle.

Having said all that, researchers can expect to have a bed to sleep in, work with a group of 5-7 diverse individuals from around the world, live in an amazing beach camp surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, participate in the conservation of endangered species, gain biological research and leadership experience, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

PLAYA  COROZALITO:

Project personnel conduct research activities on an 800 meter beach, with operations based out of a small field station near the beach.  Although the station has running water, the nearest electricity is over 1 km away in the nearby village.  PRETOMA is currently working towards the acquisition of a solar panel for the station house.  Researchers can expect to live with 2-3 other project workers, as well as interact with the local community and VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS staying in village cabinas.

Requirements

RCs and RAs are expected to stay at the project site for the entire period for which they are selected.
Preference will be given to potential applicants that meet the following requirements:

• Strong grasp of both Spanish and English (Coordinators only)
• Independent, reliable and responsible.
• Motivated, positive and adaptable to unexpected situations.
• Ability to undertake physical labor during night and day in heat and  rain.
• Comfortable in an isolated setting and working in a team setting.
• Previous experience working in the outdoors (especially with sea turtles).
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced student or recent graduate in biological sciences or related fields.
• Available for the duration of the position for which applying.

Benefits/Costs

Research Coordinators (RCs) have their food and lodging expenses covered while with the project, but are expected to plan and finance all travel to and from the project sites.

Research Assistants (RAs) have their housing provided by PRETOMA at Playa Caletas (beach camp) and Playa Corozalito (beach field station), however a financial contribution is collected to offset the cost of food and project supplies.  RAs are expected to plan and finance all travel to and from the project site.

• Playa Caletas – US $150 / month

• Playa Corozalito – US $200 / month

Timeframe

For the 2009-2010 nesting season, PRETOMA will be accepting Research Coordinator / Researcher Assistant applications for the following time periods:

Research Coordinators (RCs): (5-6 month commitment)
• June 25 – Nov 31, 2009 (Playa Caletas)
• Dec 1  – Feb 28, 2010 (Playa Caletas)
• June 25 – Dec 20, 2009 (Playa San Miguel)
• June 25 – Dec 15, 2009 (Playa Punta Banco)
• June 25 – Dec 20, 2009 (Playa Corozalito)
Research Assistants (RAs): (minimum 2½ month commitment)
• July 1, 2009 - February 28, 2010 (Playa Caletas)
• July 1 – January 31, 2010 (Playa Corozalito)

What to Bring

• Good-quality poncho or Waterproof rain jacket
• Alarm clock (battery powered)
• Waterproof watch
• LED head lamp (ie Petzl) w/ red filter (we can provide red filter paper if you have difficulty locating) and two sets of rechargeable batteries (we have chargers)
• Quick drying clothing for a warm tropical climate that you are not worried about ruining (cotton takes a long time to dry)
• Sturdy shoes for walking the beach at night (Crocs/booties work great for beach work) and hiking in the area (bulky hiking boots are not necessary)
• Sandals
• Swimsuit
• First-aid kit
• Insect repellant (products w/ DEET are not permitted while working on the beach)
• Mosquito net
• Bath towel
• Lightweight hammock
• Daypack
• Waterproof sunscreen (the rays are powerful)
• Sunglasses
• Camera (and charger)
• International calling card (SKYPE is available in town, however internet connections can be tempermental)
• Photo copy of passport
• Items for entertainment: books, games, mp3 players, musical instruments, paints, surf boards, etc..

Wish List

Many items utilized within our projects, both for work and play, are expensive and hard to get in Costa Rica. Participants that are willing to bring and donate any of the below items would be assisting our efforts significantly:

• Latex Gloves
• First-aid Kits / Items
• Waterproof Headlamps and Flashlights
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Waterproof (write in the rain) Notebooks
• Rain Gear
• Mosquito Nets
• Backpacks (small with lots of pockets)
• Insect Repellant
• Hammocks
• GPS
• Cameras

Application Application process

To apply, send an email which includes:
• Cover letter indicating:
o Time frame(s) you are applying for.
o Why you are interested in the position(s).
o Your personal strong points.
• CV/Resume
• Two professional or academic letters of recommendation

To:       Miguel Gómez

Sea Turtle Nesting Beach Projects
PRETOMA
Email: miguel@pretoma.org