Role Summary:

Osa Conservation protects the unparalleled biodiversity of southern Costa Rica in the face of climate change by restoring forests, rewilding key species, and re-establishing habitat connectivity across private lands & protected areas. From the Talamanca Mountain Range to the Golfo Dulce and Pacific Ocean, we work with a network of community members and international leaders to protect this incredible landscape and safeguard its flora and fauna, to develop a working model of conservation action. 

Osa Conservation’s Sea Turtle Program stands as a flagship initiative dedicated to the protection and preservation of sea turtles in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. Our comprehensive conservation efforts are centered around the following objectives:

1. Long-Term Monitoring & Data Collection
   We conduct rigorous, year-round monitoring of sea turtle populations, nesting sites, and migratory patterns to track the health of local sea turtle species, providing crucial data that informs effective conservation strategies.
2. Active Threat Mitigation
   In response to ongoing threats to sea turtles, including poaching, predation, and the impacts of climate change, we operate a dedicated sea turtle hatchery. This facility helps ensure the survival of hatchlings by providing a secure environment for incubation and release, alongside active interventions to protect vulnerable nests.
3. Combatting Plastic Pollution
   We address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution through organized beach clean-ups, community education, and partnerships aimed at reducing marine debris. In addition, we promote and implement innovative recycling solutions, which contribute to local environmental sustainability and improve the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
4. Educational Outreach & Advocacy
   We deliver a robust local, national, and international educational outreach program, engaging schools, communities, and tourists in sea turtle conservation. Through interactive workshops, public awareness campaigns, and volunteer programs, we foster a global movement to safeguard these marine creatures and their habitats.
5. Scientific Research & Data-Driven Conservation
   Our program prioritizes scientific research to fill key knowledge gaps in sea turtle ecology. By advancing studies on nesting behaviors, species distributions, and the effects of climate change, we generate actionable data to refine and strengthen our conservation efforts.
6. Community Involvement & Economic Benefits
   We actively involve local communities in sea turtle conservation efforts, offering education, employment, and alternative livelihoods through eco-tourism and conservation-related activities. This approach fosters long-term community support for sea turtle protection while promoting sustainable development.

Osa Conservation is seeking an energetic, motivated, and passionate Sea Turtle Program Coordinator to lead and enhance our mission of conserving sea turtles and their habitats in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a holistic conservation initiative that integrates scientific research, community engagement, education, conservation technologies, and hands-on conservation efforts. The position is based full-time at our remote Osa Conservation Campus, where you will work in a dynamic field environment with a team of interns, volunteers, and local communities. 

Key Responsibilities:

Sea Turtle Monitoring & Conservation Tools

• Lead and conduct night (3-5 times a week) and day patrols (daily) on our beaches—Playa Pejeperro (4.5 km) and Piro (2 km)—to monitor nesting activity of four sea turtle species: Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill.
• Design, build, and manage a sea turtle hatchery on Piro Beach, protecting 500+ nests each peak season and collecting vital temperature data.
• Manage, analyze, and report on long-term monitoring databases, ensuring data collection is standardized via survey phone apps.
• Develop and manage an interactive hatchery map to offer real-time experiences to campus visitors.
• Collaborate with the Ranger Team to monitor and report illegal nest poaching.

Plastic Pollution Reduction & Local Livelihoods

• Execute weekly beach clean-ups to meet annual trash removal goals.
• Partner with local recycling centers to turn collected waste into sellable products (plant pots, coasters, earrings, etc.), boosting local income and sustainability efforts.

Community Outreach & Educational Programs

• Design and lead workshops, festivals, and activities for local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and offer hands-on conservation experience.
• Create and execute educational modules for visiting student groups and conservation tourists.
• Lead interactive activities with local youth groups, such as the Ridge to Reef Youth Club, fostering a new generation of conservation advocates.
• Develop and manage a volunteer and intern program, offering field training for future sea turtle biologists.

Scientific Research

• Conduct GPS tracking of sea turtles to fill gaps in migratory movement data.
• Utilize the hatchery as a research tool to gather critical data for sea turtle conservation.
• Contribute to international databases (SWOT) and national programs (PRONAMEC) with annual population assessments and research findings.
• Analyze data and collaborate with Osa Conservation’s Science Committee to publish and share results.

Program Development & Collaboration

• Foster relationships with local, national (Pacific Sea Turtle Network), and international (IUCN Sea Turtle Specialist Group) organizations to ensure effective, aligned conservation and scientific efforts.
• Take on administrative, financial, and organizational tasks to ensure smooth program execution and growth.
• Obtain necessary research permits and compile reports for ongoing projects.
• Promote fundraising opportunities through presentations to eco-lodges and other partners to support the Sea Turtle Program.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field (Essential).
• Fluent in Spanish (written and oral) with an advanced level of English (written and oral) (Essential).
• At least 2 years of experience in sea turtle research and fieldwork, including managing a hatchery, conducting patrols, and performing health assessments (Essential).
• Physical stamina to work in challenging field conditions, including remote beaches (6.5 km) and tropical environments (Essential).
• Proficient in IT skills for database management and data collection via phone apps (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.) (Essential).
• Strong report-writing skills in both Spanish and English (Essential).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (Essential).
• Proven experience leading and coordinating volunteers (Essential).
• Ability to communicate science effectively, particularly on social media platforms (Essential).
• Driver’s license (B1) and experience driving on dirt roads in remote locations (Desirable).
• Experience with GPS devices and handling marine mammals (Desirable).
• Basic knowledge of data analysis software (R) and mapping software (ArcGIS/QGIS) (Desirable).
• Background in environmental education and outreach for diverse audiences (Desirable).

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate, innovative, and results-driven, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude.
• Strong initiative, creative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to the long-term success of sea turtle conservation.

Why Osa Conservation? By joining our team, you’ll contribute to the protection of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world, participate in cutting-edge scientific research, and make a tangible impact on sea turtle conservation. Osa Conservation is committed to fostering a supportive, dynamic work environment, with opportunities for growth and professional development in the conservation field.

Resumen del Puesto

Osa Conservación protege la biodiversidad inigualable del sur de Costa Rica frente al cambio climático, restaurando bosques, reintroduciendo especies clave y restableciendo la conectividad de hábitats en tierras privadas y áreas protegidas. Desde la Cordillera de Talamanca hasta el Golfo Dulce y el Océano Pacífico, trabajamos con una red de comunidades locales y líderes internacionales para proteger este paisaje único y salvaguardar su flora y fauna, desarrollando un modelo de acción en conservación.

El Programa de Tortugas Marinas de Osa Conservación es una iniciativa emblemática dedicada a la protección y conservación de las tortugas marinas en el Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. Nuestras estrategias de conservación incluyen:

• Monitoreo a Largo Plazo y Recolección de Datos: Realizamos monitoreos rigurosos durante todo el año para evaluar poblaciones, sitios de anidación y patrones migratorios de las tortugas marinas, proporcionando datos clave para estrategias de conservación efectivas.
• Mitigación de Amenazas Activas: Operamos un vivero de tortugas marinas que protege nidos vulnerables contra la depredación, saqueo y efectos del cambio climático, asegurando la supervivencia de las crías.
• Reducción de la Contaminación por Plástico: Organizamos limpiezas de playas, promovemos la educación ambiental y establecemos alianzas para reducir los desechos marinos.
• Educación y Sensibilización: Implementamos programas de educación ambiental a nivel local, nacional e internacional, involucrando comunidades, escuelas y turistas.
• Investigación Científica: Llenamos vacíos de conocimiento en ecología de tortugas marinas, enfocándonos en anidación, distribución y efectos del cambio climático.
• Participación Comunitaria y Beneficios Económicos: Involucramos a las comunidades locales en la conservación, generando oportunidades de educación y empleo mediante el ecoturismo y actividades de conservación.

Buscamos un Coordinador del Programa de Tortugas Marinas enérgico, motivado y apasionado por la conservación, dispuesto a liderar y mejorar nuestra misión. El puesto es de tiempo completo en el Campus de Conservación Osa, en un ambiente de campo dinámico junto a pasantes, voluntarios y comunidades locales.

Responsabilidades Claves Monitoreo y Conservación de Tortugas Marinas
• Dirigir patrullajes nocturnos (3-5 veces por semana) y diurnos (diarios) en Playa Pejeperro (4.5 km) y Piro (2 km).
• Diseñar, construir y gestionar un vivero en Playa Piro para proteger más de 500 nidos por temporada.
• Administrar, analizar y reportar bases de datos de monitoreo a largo plazo.
• Colaborar con guardaparques en la prevención y reporte de saqueo de nidos.
Reducción de Contaminación por Plástico y Medios de Vida Locales
• Organizar limpiezas de playas semanales.
• Trabajar con centros de reciclaje locales para transformar residuos en productos vendibles.
Educación y Sensibilización Comunitaria
• Diseñar e implementar talleres, festivales y actividades educativas.
• Desarrollar módulos educativos para grupos de estudiantes y turistas.
• Gestionar programas de voluntariado y pasantías.
Investigación Científica
• Realizar rastreo GPS de tortugas marinas.
• Contribuir a bases de datos internacionales y nacionales.
• Analizar datos y publicar resultados en colaboración con el Comité Científico de Osa Conservación.
Desarrollo del Programa y Colaboración
• Construir relaciones con organizaciones locales, nacionales e internacionales.
• Gestionar permisos de investigación y elaborar informes.
• Promover oportunidades de financiamiento a través de presentaciones y alianzas.
Habilidades y Requisitos Esenciales:
• Licenciatura en Biología, Biología Marina, Ciencias Ambientales o campo relacionado.
• Dominio del español y nivel avanzado de inglés (oral y escrito).
• Mínimo 2 años de experiencia en investigación y trabajo de campo con tortugas marinas.
• Condición física para trabajar en ambientes remotos y exigentes.
• Habilidades en gestión de bases de datos y recopilación de datos mediante aplicaciones móviles.
• Excelentes habilidades organizativas, comunicativas e interpersonales.
• Experiencia en coordinación de voluntarios.
• Capacidad para comunicar ciencia de manera efectiva, incluyendo redes sociales.
Deseables:
• Licencia de conducir (B1) y experiencia en conducción en terrenos remotos.
• Manejo de dispositivos GPS y experiencia con mamíferos marinos.
• Conocimientos en análisis de datos (R) y software de cartografía (ArcGIS/QGIS).
• Experiencia en educación ambiental.
Por qué Osa Conservación?

Al unirte a nuestro equipo, contribuirás a la protección de uno de los ecosistemas más biodiversos del mundo, participarás en investigación científica de vanguardia y generarás un impacto tangible en la conservación de tortugas marinas. Ofrecemos un entorno de trabajo dinámico y oportunidades de crecimiento profesional.