Sea Turtle Conservation Project Coordinators

We co-run four sea turtle nesting beach projects and the focus of these projects is to protect sea turtle nests from poaching and depredation by conducting night patrols and relocating nests to the project hatcheries.

Olive Ridleys are the principal species that nest on these beaches; but there is also sporadic nesting of Green; Leatherback; and Hawksbill sea turtles. In the beaches CREMA operates we use a multifaceted approach for the conservation of sea turtles; including; beach patrols; relocating nests into project hatcheries; environmental education and awareness with the local community; generating job opportunities for the locals and promoting sustainable tourism development. The Project Coordinator is in charge of supervising Local Monitors International Research Assistants and short-term Volunteers. Coordinators will also be in charge of leading night patrols and morning censuses; data entry; hatchery supervision; organizing environmental and English classes with the community among other duties.

There are five main activities in the nesting areas:

• Beach monitoring
• Nest management
• Maintenance and day-to-day duties
• Lead volunteers and visitors
• Public awareness.

During a typical workweek; you will be expected to work 6 days a week. Working hours are usually during the night time; and the remaining time is spent maintaining equipment and processing data.

Project Coordinators must:

• Bring a positive attitude and be communicative about all issues regarding the team and the research; which are essential for the position
• Work with a small team
• Coordinate and supervise the activities of Research Assistants; Volunteers; and Local monitors
• Lead 3-4-hour night patrols and morning censuses
• Collect biometric data and tagging nesting turtles
• Photo ID and Tissue sample collection
• Build and maintain project hatcheries
• Monitor hatchery; conduct nest excavations; and release hatchlings
• Work together with local monitors
• Update collected data (data entry) and prepare weekly schedules
• Visit other projects when necessary
• Plan and implement environmental and English classes with the community
• Upkeep and station-house maintenance
• Train volunteers
• Assist in gathering content for digital publications (social media platforms)
• Maintain professional; open communication with staff and volunteers
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings with the Research and Field Supervisors
• Conduct ongoing supply and equipment inventory.

Although there is an important research aspect integrated into the position; most of these projects are financed via a volunteer program held by Turtle Trax S.A. It is essential that both coordinators and research assistants make a conscious effort to make the volunteers feel included and part of the research team as well as provide them with a positive experience during their stay.

Please submit a resume; cover letter; and three references to gracielapp@cremacr.org;  ninive.espinoza@cremacr.org; and nestingresearch@gmail.com.  Please make the subject line “beach project coordinator position (your last name)” it does not get lost. Candidates who do not meet the skills and qualifications laid out in this document will not be considered.

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