Turtle Program Coordinator – Kekoldi, Costa Rica

Location: Cahuita and Kekoldi, Costa Rica 

Reporting to: Program Manager 

Start Date: 15 February 2025 (latest 1 March 2025)

Duration of contract: 1 year contract (with the possibility of extension)

🌍About GVI

GVI Planet  | GVI People

At GVI, we’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. Our dedicated teams are actively working to address global challenges and together, we leverage a diverse set of specialised skills to pursue a shared vision: fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

We offer award-winning conservation and community development programs in 13 countries, all aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and led by our teams and experts from the communities we operate in.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and fun. We value passion, authenticity, and innovation, and we treat each other with respect. But we can do better than words to show you who we are! To see what it’s really like to work for GVI, click here.

🐢About the role

GVI is seeking a passionate and talented individual with a love for wildlife to lead sea turtle surveys and support the day-to-day operations of our conservation program. Your primary goal will be to ensure our participants have an exceptional experience by sharing your enthusiasm for conservation and delivering high-quality fieldwork.

Role and responsibilities:

• Strong leadership responsibilities. The Turtle PC needs to work independently to lead the turtle program in Cahuita town, apart from the rest of Kéköldi field team.
• Support volunteers and interns to deliver fieldwork and project activities safely and successfully.
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating strong work ethic and respect for different perspectives and cultures.
• Liaise & nurture relationships with project partners.
• Assist with all scientific research/output/projects.
• Deliver participant training workshops and oversee participants’ participation in project work and/or intern supervision.
• The Turtle PC needs a good knowledge of the required fieldwork and the science it is based on, and reports to the Senior Program Coordinator and Program Manager on project ideas, challenges, needs or tasks.
• Responsible for day-to-day of their assigned program.
• Responsible for conducting the surveys in a safe and consistent manner
• Responsible for maintenance of equipment and living facilities in Cahuita; including organising with participants the cleaning and cooking during the week.
• Responsible for informing the SPC on specific needs related to the Project
• Create content for GVI Kekoldi Instagram and provide with marketing material.

🌊About you

If you are passionate about wildlife, thrive in challenging environments, and have strong leadership skills, we want to meet you. At GVI, we believe that embracing diverse perspectives and unique experiences makes us stronger, and we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.

Personal attributes:

• Passion for Conservation: A deep commitment to environmental issues and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
• Problem-Solving: Fieldwork often presents unexpected challenges, such as environmental conditions or logistical issues. Strong leaders need to think critically and adapt to changing situations.
• Decision Making: Leaders must be able to make informed decisions quickly, especially when it comes to the welfare of the turtles and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
• Strong Communication Skills: Proficiency in conveying ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, often across language barriers.
• Team Management: The ability to lead and motivate a diverse group of individuals.
• Physical Stamina: Capability to handle the physical demands of fieldwork, including hiking on, lifting equipment, and working in various weather conditions.
• Resilience: Capacity to cope with setbacks and challenges in the field, maintaining a positive outlook.

Professional skills and experience:

• University education related to Marine or general Biology studies required
• Minimum 1 year of leadership experience with groups
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with sea turtles.
• Knowledge of Conservation Practices: A solid understanding of turtle biology, ecology, and conservation methods is essential. Leaders should also be aware of local laws and regulations regarding wildlife protection.
  

Advantageous

• Emergency First Response certified/trained
• Previous GVI experience
• Spanish speaking (not essential)

🎉Benefits

Here’s what our global team enjoys:

• Collaborative, flexible culture
• In-house counselling support
• Growth opportunities across our 17 locations!

Package includes:

• Monthly Salary 
• Accommodation
• Food
• Visa costs (if applicable) 
• Emergency medical and travel insurance

🎯To apply:

Please send your CV along with a cover letter stating why you feel you would be best suited to this position at GVI.

Not quite ticking all the boxes for our current vacancies just yet? Explore our internship openings here for the perfect stepping stone toward a career in sustainable development.

Please note: We will do our utmost to respond to all applicants, however, given the large volume of applications we receive, this isn’t always possible. If you do not hear back from us within three-four weeks, please take it that on this occasion your application was unsuccessful.