Overview

The Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon (ASA), a research-focused non-profit organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation in southeastern Peru, is pleased to announce the position of Volunteer Resident Naturalist, beginning June 19, 2023. The successful applicant will be based at Finca Las Piedras, the ASA’s research and education center in Peru’s Madre de Dios region.

POSITION: Volunteer Resident Naturalist

LOCATION: Finca Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru

POSITION DURATION: 6 months (June 19-December 15, 2023)

SCHEDULE: 5 days/week, flexibility in scheduling required

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2023

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Volunteer Resident Naturalist (VRN) position is intended for recent graduates and other early-career biologists and/or conservationists who seek hands-on experience in tropical field research. VRNs work under the direct supervision of the Lead Naturalist at Finca Las Piedras, and closely with other ASA staff and project leaders, to support the ASA’s research, reforestation, and education efforts in Peru. VRNs are part of the public face of ASA and are part of a dynamic team of researchers, conservation and development professionals, and students from Peru and around the world. For more information about the ASA, the region in which we work, and our projects in Peru visit www.sustainableamazon.org

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH

VRNs assist in several of the ASA’s long-term biological research projects, including plant phenology monitoring, weekly bird monitoring, and Lepidoptera diversity and biology. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, daily environmental data collection, project data collection and management, and general assistance to other ASA staff and visiting researchers.

REFORESTATION

VRNs support the ASA’s various reforestation and direct conservation initiatives through shade house maintenance, tree planting, and by supporting community-based projects, among others.

EDUCATION

VRNs play a supporting role in the ASA’s various education initiatives, including environmental education campaigns with local children, our internship and other professional development programs, and visiting school groups and field courses as needed.

OTHER DUTIES

VRNs, as well as all other ASA staff, contribute to day-to-day operations and basic facilities management at Finca Las Piedras. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: preparation and serving of meals, basic cleaning of station facilities, group check-in and orientation, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 6 month commitment
Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or equivalent experience
At least intermediate/conversational Spanish
Enthusiasm and strong work ethic
Flexibility in schedule and work/living environment
Maturity (must live and work well with others in a close setting)
Excellent physical condition
Traveler’s insurance (proof required upon acceptance)
Full vaccination against COVID-19
Upon arrival at Finca Las Piedras, VRNs undergo an intensive, two-week training period. Training includes an overview of the ASA’s research, reforestation, and education projects, as well as various professional development activities. Training continues informally throughout the duration of the VRNs’ time at Finca Las Piedras.

COMPENSATION

This is a volunteer (unpaid) position. However, all room and board is provided on-site at Finca Las Piedras, 7 days per week, for the duration of the appointment (although work is only required 5 days/week). Work-related local transportation, including pickup from the Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM) or bus terminal, is covered. Resident Naturalists are responsible for their international flight to Peru, including airfare, taxes, airport fees, flight insurance, etc.), and domestic air or land travel to Puerto Maldonado (bus or air).

HOW TO APPLY

The following are required to apply for this position:

1.     A cover letter of interest

2.     Current CV/resume with contact information for two references

3.     Most recent unofficial university transcript

Completed applications should include each of the three required items, and should be submitted as a single PDF document, in the order listed above, by the application deadline (March 31, 2023). Document title should read: LASTNAME_VRN_application.pdf

Send completed applications to: info@sustainableamazon.org with “Volunteer Resident Naturalist application” in the subject line.

About Alliance For A Sustainable Amazon

The Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon is a nonprofit working to conserve biodiversity and other natural resources in the Peruvian Amazon, for the benefit of all those who live in and depend on the rainforest.