Overview

“Our vision is to enhance and expand scientific knowledge about sloths to assure their conservation and preservation globally.”

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI), a newly formed branch of the non-profit organization Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR), is looking for a Sloth Research Assistant.

TSI has a four part mission.

1) RESCUE and RELEASE of sloths including funding special husbandry, equipment, and enclosure requirements for the sloths housed at KSTR.

2) RESEARCH of reintroduced sloths (GPS collar program), captive rescued sloths and of wild sloths in the Manuel Antonio area.

3) COLLABORATION with other institutions around the world that work with sloths.

4) EDUCATION: promote responsible and balanced information about sloths to the public.

Position Description:

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is looking for a Research Assistant to support the Wildlife Director in daily research activities at the Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) wildlife rescue center, located just outside of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. We are looking for an active, passionate individual to help us elevate both our research and rehabilitation of sloths. The Research Assistant must have the ability to work long days (12+ hours) with very little time off.  This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth conservation and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animals.  You’re going to be hot, sweaty, eaten by mosquitos, sleepy, sore, and tired but you’ll still feel that there is no other place in the world that you would rather be than watching sloths in the jungle.  The ideal person will eat, sleep, breathe and dream about sloths!  

Reporting to and in partnership with the Wildlife Director of TSI, the Research Assistant will have an opportunity to participate in the following activities:

  • Research and fieldwork
    • Assist in fieldwork/pre and post-release monitoring at NIGHT
    • Assist in maintaining records
    • Assist in analyzing data
    • Assist in research of baby and adults sloths in rescue center
  • Resource coordination
    • Help Supervise seasonal volunteers
    • Assist in grant writing
  • Animal husbandry
    • Assist in preparing food/collecting wild food items for sloths.
    • Assist in feeding, cleaning and enriching sloth cages
    • Assist in rescue and release of sloths
    • Assist in medical treatments when needed
    • Assist in care of other animals in sanctuary as requested (ie: non-sloths)

Qualifications/Experience:

All applicants must be physically fit, have excellent communication skills, a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation and have a sense of humor.  Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance while in Costa Rica.  

Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions and coursework in primatology, zoology, environmental education, and wildlife ecology is a plus.  

Spanish language skills are a plus.

Field research experience is a plus.

Ability to drive manual transmission vehicle is a plus.

To Apply:  Please send a 1 page letter of interest, CV, and names/contact information for 3 references to volunteer@theslothinstitutecostarica.org

Salary/Funding:  This is a voluntary self-funded position.  You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses.  Room and Board will be $800, on site in shared bunk/dorm accommodations. After 30 days, the individual will be evaluated for possible room/board discount, as well as again after 4 total months. The KSTR volunteer facility is comfortable, with electricity and internet provided. We are located roughly 20 minutes from Quepos/Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Term of Appointment:  Begins October 1st, 2014 (or earliest available date). 8 months, with opportunity for extension and initial 30 day trial period.