Overview

Are you passionate about conservation work? Do you love sloths and wildlife? Do you dream about working in a beautiful tropical country helping a growing, non-profit expand its operation and vision of making this world a better place? If so, we need you. The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is looking to fill several intern positions now! 

Qualifications/Experience: All applicants, regardless of position applying for, must be physically fit, healthy, have field and behavioral research experience (requires patience!), excellent communication skills, a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation and a great sense of humor. Must be non-smoker.

Coursework or experience in zoology, environmental education, wildlife ecology, or a related field is required. Experience traveling to a tropical country and living in rainforest conditions are a plus. Spanish language skills and experience working with VHF tracking technology are strongly considered.

Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance prior to arrival in Costa Rica.

To Apply: Please send your CV and letter of interest to volunteer@theslothinstitute.org with the subject line of your applied position. 

About The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI):

The Sloth Institute was founded in 2014 for the purpose of enhancing the welfare of captive and wild sloths through research and education. We also collaborate with Toucan Rescue Ranch on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sloths. TSI is active in hiring positions throughout the year with a rolling application process. TSI is a legal non-profit in Costa Rica and fiscally sponsored by a US 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit.

TSI headquarters and projects, are located in the Manuel Antonio rainforest maritime zone property at Tulemar Resort a short distance from Manuel Antonio National Park.

TSI has a three part mission.

1) RESEARCH of captive, wild and recently released sloths including collaborations with conservationists and scientists around the world

2) EDUCATION to generate and disseminate responsible information about sloths

3) CONSERVATION programs that negate human encroachment issues impacting sloths welfare and habitat.

Volunteer Internship Position 1: The Sloth Institute Technician 1

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) accepts multiple Sloth Technician I’s a year to support the Field Supervisor in daily fieldwork activities at the TSI field station in Manuel Antonio. We are looking for an active, passionate individual to help us elevate both our sloth release and research programs.

The Sloth Technician absolutely must have the ability to work long days (12+ hours) with very little time off. In addition, because most of this work will occur at night, this person will need to be able to work when tired and basically become nocturnal. This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth conservation and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animals. You will to be hot, sweaty, wet, cold, 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! This is rigorous fieldwork with very limited hands on interactions with sloths.

Research and fieldwork

• Conduct behavioral monitoring at night in the rainforest.
• Daily Data Entry
• Using VHF radio telemetry

Animal husbandry

• Preparing food/collecting wild food items for sloths
• Feeding, cleaning and enriching sloth cages
• Assist in opportunistic capture, sample collection and release of sloths

Salary/Funding: This is a voluntary self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Room in shared tent or shared apartment accommodations and basic meals will be provided. WIFI, electricity and running water will be included.

Term of Appointment: Must be willing to stay at least 3 months with an option for extension upon review. Position begins as early as possible in 2018.

To Apply: Please send your CV and letter of interest to volunteer@theslothinstitute.org with the subject line of your applied position. 

Volunteer Position 2: The Sloth Institute Sloth Assistant (1 month program)

Position Description:

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) accepts up to three Sloth Assistance Team members each month to support the sloth technicians and the wildlife director in daily fieldwork activities at the TSI field station. We are looking for active, passionate individuals to help us elevate both our sloth release and research programs. By volunteering for us you will be aiding in preserving sloths in Costa Rica.

The Sloth Assistance Team member must have the ability to work up to 7/8 hours a day in rigorous conditions and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animal. You will be hot, sweaty, wet, cold, eaten by mosquitoes, sleepy, sore, and tired but you’ll still feel that there is no other place in the world that you would rather be than assisting TSI in advancing its cause. The ideal person will eat, sleep, breathe and dream about sloths!  This is fieldwork with limited hands on interactions with sloths.

You will gain first-hand experience working side by side a scientific research team and seeing how one functions. You will gain skills in behavioural observations, husbandry, VHF technology, basic scientific methods and team working skills. By choosing to volunteer for TSI you will be involved in some leading sloth research that is not being done anywhere else.

Potential tasks:

• Husbandry work including cleaning, enrichment and food collection/preparation
• Taking behavioural data
• Collecting media content
• Assisting Sloth Technicians with their personal projects

Required Equipment list:

• Waterproof rucksack/pack or rucksack/pack with a waterproof cover
• Rain gear, including heavy duty rain poncho
• Pair of Khaki field short (for formal occasions)
• Water bottle
• Comfortable, quick-dry clothing
• Umbrella
• Binoculars
• Laptop
• Unlocked GSM smartphone
• Waterproof case for phone
• Bug spray
• Pepper spray
• Whistle
• Handy flashlight
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries and any medication you will need while here
• Light sleeping wear
• Sweatpants & Sweatshirt (during rainy season, it can get cold)
• Sandals and bathing suit for leisure time
• Camera
• Books or other items to use for leisure time
• Notebook and pens

Salary/Funding: This is a completely self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. The fee for the one month is $400, which includes housing cost and a small donation for coming to volunteer with us. Alternatively, you can stay at a hostel of your choosing. Food will also be self-funded. All volunteer fees are for the month stay are to be paid prior to arrival, then all food and transportation expense is to be paid by yourself.

Term of Appointment: Must be willing to stay for one month with an option for extension upon review.

To Apply: Please send your CV and letter of interest to volunteer@theslothinstitute.org with the subject line of your applied position. 

Volunteer Internship Position 3: Sloth Technician 1 Sarapiqui

The ideal Sloth Technician 1 Sarapiqui applicant would work with TSI and Toucan Rescue Ranch to grow the joint Saving Sloths Together (SST) program. Saving Sloths Together was founded in 2017 with the purpose of combining each organization’s skills and knowledge to improve the process of sloth rescue, rehabilitation and release in Costa Rica. Together, we are able to combine the best medical care, scientific expertise, dedication and passion to provide the very best experience for every sloth needing help for a second chance at a life in the wild.

LOCATION

The Sarapiqui Release Site is located in central Costa Rica, about 1 ó hours from the Toucan Rescue Ranch headquarters in a rural farming community called Nazareth. Basic living necessities are located close by and the Caribbean coast is about two hours away by car. TRR is also implementing a bird release program on the same property.

Position Description:

The Sloth Saving Sloths Together program (SST) accepts up to 12 Sloth Technician I’s a year to support the Field Supervisor in daily fieldwork activities at the Sarapiqui field station. We are looking for an active, passionate individual to help us elevate our sloth release program.

The Sloth Technician absolutely must have the ability to work long days (12+ hours) with very little time off. In addition, because most of this work will occur at night, this person will need to be able to work when tired and basically become nocturnal. This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth conservation and willing to forgo personal comfort for the benefit of the animals. You will to be hot, sweaty, wet, cold, 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! This is rigorous fieldwork with very limited hands on interactions with sloths.

Research and fieldwork

• Conduct behavioral monitoring at night in the rainforest.
• Daily Data Entry
• Using VHF radio telemetry

Animal husbandry

• Preparing food/collecting wild food items for sloths
• Feeding, cleaning and enriching sloth cages
• Assist in opportunistic capture, sample collection and release of sloths

Salary/Funding: This is a voluntary self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Room in shared house and basic meals will be provided. WIFI, electricity and running water will be included.

Term of Appointment: Must be willing to stay at least 3 months with an option for extension upon review. Position begins as early as possible in 2018.

To Apply: Please send your CV and letter of interest to volunteer@theslothinstitute.org with the subject line of your applied position. 

Position 4 – Marketing Intern at The Sloth Institute

Are you a talented individual with excellent marketing skills who wants to give back? Do you love animals, especially sloths? Do you love the idea of conservation work? Do you dream about working in a beautiful tropical country helping a growing, non-profit expand its operation and meet its vision of making this world a better place? If so, we need you! The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is seeking a Sloth Marketing Communications Intern.

TSI was founded in 2014 for the purpose of enhancing the welfare and conservation of sloths. TSI is a legal non-profit in Costa Rica and fiscally sponsored by a US 501(c)(3) tax deductible non-profit. Our headquarters and project are located in the Manuel Antonio rainforest maritime zone property at Tulemar Gardens.

TSI has a three part mission:

RESEARCH of captive, wild and recently released sloths including collaborations with conservationists and scientists around the world
EDUCATION to generate and disseminate responsible information about sloths
CONSERVATION programs that negate human encroachment issues impacting sloths welfare and habitat.
POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) is looking for a Marketing Communications Intern with 2-3 years of marketing experience to support and implement the marketing program goals as defined by the Executives and Marketing Director. This position, is a volunteer non-paid internship, includes room and board and is located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

We are looking for an active, driven, passionate, creative multi-talented individual who is a great team player to help us meet our marketing goals.

The TSI Marketing Intern would work 6 days a week, 8 hours a day both indoors and outdoors and be willing to commit to a minimum 6-month term. This person must be extremely dedicated to sloth/wildlife conservation.

The major responsibility of the position will be to implement and contribute to the advancement of the defined marketing plan.

Including:

Manage provided social media and marketing calendar
Metrics analysis and reporting on social media/donation activity
Create content for newsletters/blog posts, social media and marketing campaigns (includes graphics, photos, videos)
Monitor website for updating as needed
Improve presence on designated social media sites
Manage deadlines and campaign goals/progress
Collaborate with outside organizations on joint campaign ideas and programs
Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions and venues for marketing and communications.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Relevant degree in marketing/communications with 1-3 years prior marketing experience.

All applicants must be very organized, and demonstrate the following:

Ability to work independently
Proficiency of major social media platforms
Photography/video/some graphic arts skills.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
Strong use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office
Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
Pro-active, dedicated to reaching goals
Fluency in English
Excellent interpersonal skills
A love of nature and the outdoors; comfortable working day and night in the tropical rainforest is a must.

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

Spanish language skills are strongly considered. Must be non-smoker.

Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance while in Costa Rica.
SALARY/FUNDING

This is a voluntary self-funded position. You will be responsible for all travel expenses/flights and immigration expenses. Basic shared room in a shared apartment and food provided.
TERM OF APPOINTMENT

TSI is looking to bring on this position by JUNE 1, 2018. Must be willing to stay 6 months. Applicants able to stay for 1 year term will get preferential consideration.
TO APPLY

Send resume, letter of interest, and 2 references to deanna@theslothinstitute.org by MAY 15, 2018, as well as provide a sample of your portfolio and/or why you would be a great fit in a short video.

Items Required for All Positions:

• Snake proof boots
• Serious rain gear, including heavy duty rain poncho. You will be getting wet very often.
• Comfortable clothing, preferably quick-dry. Clothes get destroyed in the jungle, so bring plenty of shirts/tank tops and shorts.
• Large umbrella
• Water bottle
• Backpack (waterproof is ideal)
• Headlamps
• Binoculars
• Laptop
• Unlocked GSM smart phone (not Verizon)
• Waterproof case for phone