Osa Conservation’s Sea Turtle Program stands as a flagship initiative dedicated to the protection and preservation of sea turtles in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. Our comprehensive conservation efforts are centered around the following objectives:
- Long-Term Monitoring & Data Collection
- We conduct rigorous, year-round monitoring of sea turtle populations, nesting sites, and migratory patterns to track the health of local sea turtle species, providing crucial data that informs effective conservation strategies.
- Active Threat Mitigation
- In response to ongoing threats to sea turtles, including poaching, predation, and the impacts of climate change, we operate a dedicated sea turtle hatchery. This facility helps ensure the survival of hatchlings by providing a secure environment for incubation and release, alongside active interventions to protect vulnerable nests.
- Combatting Plastic Pollution
- We address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution through organized beach clean-ups, community education, and partnerships aimed at reducing marine debris. In addition, we promote and implement innovative recycling solutions, which contribute to local environmental sustainability and improve the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
- Educational Outreach & Advocacy
- We deliver a robust local, national, and international educational outreach program, engaging schools, communities, and tourists in sea turtle conservation. Through interactive workshops, public awareness campaigns, and volunteer programs, we foster a global movement to safeguard these marine creatures and their habitats.
- Scientific Research & Data-Driven Conservation
- Our program prioritizes scientific research to fill key knowledge gaps in sea turtle ecology. By advancing studies on nesting behaviors, species distributions, and the effects of climate change, we generate actionable data to refine and strengthen our conservation efforts.
- Community Involvement & Economic Benefits
- We actively involve local communities in sea turtle conservation efforts, offering education, employment, and alternative livelihoods through eco-tourism and conservation-related activities. This approach fosters long-term community support for sea turtle protection while promoting sustainable development.
Osa Conservation is seeking an energetic, motivated, and passionate Sea Turtle Program Coordinator to lead and enhance our mission of conserving sea turtles and their habitats in Costa Rica’s South Pacific. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a holistic conservation initiative that integrates scientific research, community engagement, education, conservation technologies, and hands-on conservation efforts. The position is based full-time at our remote Osa Conservation Campus, where you will work in a dynamic field environment with a team of interns, volunteers, and local communities.
Key Responsibilities:
Sea Turtle Monitoring & Conservation Tools
- Lead and conduct night (3-5 times a week) and day patrols (daily) on our beaches—Playa Pejeperro (4.5 km) and Piro (2 km)—to monitor nesting activity of four sea turtle species: Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Green, and Hawksbill.
- Design, build, and manage a sea turtle hatchery on Piro Beach, protecting 500+ nests each peak season and collecting vital temperature data.
- Manage, analyze, and report on long-term monitoring databases, ensuring data collection is standardized via survey phone apps.
- Develop and manage an interactive hatchery map to offer real-time experiences to campus visitors.
- Collaborate with the Ranger Team to monitor and report illegal nest poaching.
Plastic Pollution Reduction & Local Livelihoods
- Execute weekly beach clean-ups to meet annual trash removal goals.
- Partner with local recycling centers to turn collected waste into sellable products (plant pots, coasters, earrings, etc.), boosting local income and sustainability efforts.
Community Outreach & Educational Programs
- Design and lead workshops, festivals, and activities for local communities to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and offer hands-on conservation experience.
- Create and execute educational modules for visiting student groups and conservation tourists.
- Lead interactive activities with local youth groups, such as the Ridge to Reef Youth Club, fostering a new generation of conservation advocates.
- Develop and manage a volunteer and intern program, offering field training for future sea turtle biologists.
Scientific Research
- Conduct GPS tracking of sea turtles to fill gaps in migratory movement data.
- Utilize the hatchery as a research tool to gather critical data for sea turtle conservation.
- Contribute to international databases (SWOT) and national programs (PRONAMEC) with annual population assessments and research findings.
- Analyze data and collaborate with Osa Conservation’s Science Committee to publish and share results.
Program Development & Collaboration
- Foster relationships with local, national (Pacific Sea Turtle Network), and international (IUCN Sea Turtle Specialist Group) organizations to ensure effective, aligned conservation and scientific efforts.
- Take on administrative, financial, and organizational tasks to ensure smooth program execution and growth.
- Obtain necessary research permits and compile reports for ongoing projects.
- Promote fundraising opportunities through presentations to eco-lodges and other partners to support the Sea Turtle Program.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field (Essential).
- Fluent in Spanish (written and oral) with an advanced level of English (written and oral) (Essential).
- At least 2 years of experience in sea turtle research and fieldwork, including managing a hatchery, conducting patrols, and performing health assessments (Essential).
- Physical stamina to work in challenging field conditions, including remote beaches (6.5 km) and tropical environments (Essential).
- Proficient in IT skills for database management and data collection via phone apps (Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.) (Essential).
- Strong report-writing skills in both Spanish and English (Essential).
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (Essential).
- Proven experience leading and coordinating volunteers (Essential).
- Ability to communicate science effectively, particularly on social media platforms (Essential).
- Driver’s license (B1) and experience driving on dirt roads in remote locations (Desirable).
- Experience with GPS devices and handling marine mammals (Desirable).
- Basic knowledge of data analysis software (R) and mapping software (ArcGIS/QGIS) (Desirable).
- Background in environmental education and outreach for diverse audiences (Desirable).
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate, innovative, and results-driven, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude.
- Strong initiative, creative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to the long-term success of sea turtle conservation.
