Research Assistants for our Sea Turtle program internship

Position Summary:

Centro de Rescate de Especies Marinas Amenazadas (CREMA) is seeking Research Assistants for its Sea Turtle Program Internship (2025), operating during the Olive Ridley nesting season (June–January) in Costa Rica’s Southern Nicoya Peninsula.

This program focuses on marine conservation through scientific research, hatchery management, environmental education, and local community engagement. Interns will assist with beach patrols, nest relocations, climate impact studies, and public outreach to protect Olive Ridley, Green, Leatherback, and Hawksbill sea turtles.

Internship Periods & Locations:

• San Miguel & Costa de Oro: July 7 – September 17 (Apply by May 5, 2025)
• Corozalito (Term 1): July 7 – September 21 (Apply by May 5, 2025)
• Corozalito (Term 2): September 20 – December 1 (Apply by August 1, 2025)

Interns must commit to at least 8 weeks per term.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct nightly 3–4-hour beach patrols, collecting biometric data, tagging sea turtles, and relocating nests.
• Train and lead new volunteers and tourist groups on patrols.
• Conduct morning censuses to monitor nest conditions.
• Gather environmental data on precipitation levels, temperatures, and climate impact on sea turtles.
• Maintain and monitor hatcheries for emerging hatchlings and nest predators.
• Organize community environmental education activities.
• Assist with social media content for outreach.
• Station house upkeep (cleaning, organizing resources).

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced university standing in Biology, Marine Science, Conservation, or related fields.
• Conversational Spanish and English proficiency preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather and adapt to unexpected situations.
• Strong teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
• Respect for local culture and conservation ethics.
• Previous experience with sea turtle research or fieldwork is a plus.

Interns must comply with Turtle Trax/CREMA Program Rules for the entire duration of placement.

Benefits & Costs:

• Research Assistants contribute $180 (San Miguel & Costa de Oro) or $120 (Corozalito) per week for housing & three meals per day.
• CREMA provides training workshops on sea turtle research, conservation, safety, and team-building.
• Participation in Independent Research Projects guided by CREMA biologists.

Application Instructions:
Submit the following documents via email:

• Cover Letter, specifying term & location preferences (labeled Full Name-Letter).
• Resume/CV (labeled Full Name-CV).
• List of three references (email addresses).

Email applications to: sgutierrez@cremacr.org, ninive.espinoza@cremacr.org, nestingresearch@gmail.com
Use the subject: “RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION_ (Your Last Name)”.

Candidates not meeting stated qualifications will not be considered.

Contact Information:
Name: Sonia Gutierrez
Email: sgutierrez@cremacr.org (preferred contact method)