Volunteering in Nature Reserve in the Andean Chocó Ecuador
Description
Un poco del Chocó is a privately protected nature reserve within the endangered tropical forest of the Andean Chocó, our biological station promotes conservation, education and research. The main focus of our research lies on the study and monitoring of the rich avifauna in and around our reserve. Trying to fill a gap in the research and understanding of the diverse bird life in and around Un poco del Chocó, in August 2014 we started our work as a bird observatory and implemented a long-term bird monitoring program in the reserve. We are currently seeking a research volunteer to support research and intern coordination from beginning of August to end of October, 2025. Yet, we are always looking for suitable volunteers.
At Un poco del Chocó there is always plenty to do. To coordinate our different activities in the reserve we rely on the support of skilled and experienced individuals who in turn will be able to experience the vast natural beauty of the Chocó rainforest. We welcome professional volunteers to join our team, and help us with our day-to-day activities to manage the nature reserve, conduct research, and support our conservation work. Volunteers will gain valuable insights into the management of our small research station and nature reserve, while expanding their knowledge and honing their skills in wildlife monitoring, tropical ecology research, environmental education and grassroots conservation work. The main role of a volunteer is to coordinate intern activities, accompany them in their daily tasks and liaise with the staff to help run the internship program smoothly and give us feedback. They will work alongside our dynamic team of undergraduates, graduate students, and permanent local staff to collect data for our different research projects. Suitable volunteers must be able to learn about the various projects quickly and have leadership qualities. The reserve is an incredible place to live, with good food and housing in the middle of the montane rainforest. There are plenty of opportunities for research, birdwatching and photography. Volunteers interested in developing their careers and know-how, will also have the opportunity (and are encouraged) to craft scientific publications on our long-term monitoring data and natural history observations.
Who can apply?
We are looking for mature and responsible applicants with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental studies, wildlife management, wildlife biology, or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with at least two years of experience in biological field studies or a Master’s degree. Ornithology, pollination ecology, tropical ecology and/or wildlife monitoring are the primary areas of technical expertise sought, but other areas of expertise will also be considered.
Please also check our website for more details.
Details
Organisation:
Un poco del Chocó
Location:
Las Tolas, Gualea
Qualifications/Skills:
Applicants must be in good physical shape (the reserve’s trails are steep and hiking up and down the hill can be strenuous), be comfortable with rustic living and working conditions in a tropical environment (meaning rainy or hot and sunny conditions, snakes, and biting insects), and speak both English and Spanish at an advanced level.
Dates of program:
Year round
Duration of program:
3 months minimum
Age requirement:
Adults of both sexes 22+
Cost:
This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation. For highly qualified individuals and skilled Ecuadorian biologists seeking field research experience, we might be able to provide food and housing for free. Yet, applicants are encouraged to apply knowing that they may have to pay a fee (max. US$125/week) to cover the costs associated with their stay.
Other information:
At our biological station we also offer internship programs and courses for (biology) students who are interested in tropical ecology and bird ringing/banding.
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