El Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Romelia was founded on the 24th of November, 1998. Its main objective is to preserve the biodiversity of Área de Conservación Tempisque (ACT). There are paths within the various habits found at Refugio Romelia. These terrains are the habitat of a wide variety of endangered flora and fauna species. Among which there are some of a very concentrated distribution in the northeastern part of the national territory. The Refugio consists of 295 hectares of land with forests in various stages of growth. Several creeks of crystal-clear water run throughout these land. Some 50 hectares of the Refugio are public property, as is all land within 50 meters of the Costa Rican coastline.
Romelia is located near the village of Montezuma, in the district of Cóbano, in the Central Canton of the Province of Puntarenas.
Romelia Sea Turtles Conservation Project has been conducted since 2009 and it has as main goal to conserve sea turtles populations which come to nest to the beaches of the Refuge. The project includes activities as monitoring of nesting sea turtles females and activities of protection and monitoring of the nests
Field Coordinator
Requirements:
- At least 24 years old.
- Professional or student of biology, social sciences, education, or a related field.
- Experience managing groups (volunteer coordination, students, etc).
- Bilingual (English-Spanish).
- Does not abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Enthusiastic, positive, dynamic, and self-motivated.
- In good physical condition.
- Able to live in and handle tropical climate conditions.
- Able to live in an isolated place, not in close proximity to the community.
- Must be able to stay the duration of the project (7 months).
Job Description and Responsibilities:
The principal function of this position is to ensure the success and completion of projects and activities in the refuge, principally the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and ensure that volunteers understand and participate in the projects.
Coordinate, direct, and participate in group work, always following the direction of supervisors.
Sea Turtle Conservation Project:
- Night Time and Early Morning Patrols (3-4 hours).
- Take biometric data of sea turtles.
- Collect and relocate nests to the hatchery and beach.
- Release baby turtles.
- Exhume nests that have hatched.
Work in the refuge on other activities: vineyard, environmental education, monitoring wildlife, maintenance of infrastructure, landscaping, and trails, beach cleans, and other projects.
Will be responsible for the collection of scientific data.
Make sure data books are accurate and updated.
Make sure all equipment is in good condition and clean.
In charge of coordinating group work for the different projects in the refuge.
Create and implement environmental education and community outreach.
Hours of work will vary, both during the day and at night.
Interns
Periods: -15th of June to October 1st -October 1st to 15th of february.
Requirements:
- At least 21 years old.
- Professional or student of biology or related field.
- Bilingual (English-Basic Spanish but advanced Spanish a plus)
- Enthusiastic, positive, dynamic, self-motivated.
- Able to work in a team.
- In good physical condition.
- Able to live in and handle tropical climate conditions.
- Able to live in an isolated place, not in close proximity to the community.
- Able to stay at the project for 3 ½ months.
Job Description and Responsibilities
Follow instructions from supervisors and help to coordinate work in the different activities and projects in the refuge.
Work in the Sea Turtle Conservation Project:
- Night Time and Early Morning Patrols (3-4 hours).
- Take biometric data of sea turtles.
- Collect and relocate nests to the hatchery and beach.
- Release baby turtles.
- Exhume nests that have hatched.
Work in the refuge on other activities: vineyard, environmental education, monitoring wildlife, maintaining infrastructure, landscaping, and trails, cleaning the beach, and other projects.
Hours of work will vary, both during the day and at night.
INTERNS INTERESTED IN WORKING ON RESEARCH OF OTHER SPECIES, CAN APPLY FROM JANUARY TO JULY