Research Assistant Position

We are a not-for-profit organization that has been studying and protecting marine turtles and their habitats for more than 60 years.

We are looking for Research Assistants (RAs) for our sea turtle program in Bocas del Toro Province; Panama. RAs will be trained in sea turtle monitoring techniques by; and work under the supervision of; the STC’s coordinators. The season is divided into two time periods; March – June and June – September; with six RAs in each time period. The Leatherback season goes from March – August; and the hawksbill season May – October. The primary responsibilities of the RAs will include tagging nesting turtles; collecting biometric data from females during nightly patrols; recording nesting activity during morning track surveys; nest monitoring and excavation; and other pertinent data collection.

RAs can expect to work very long hours; throughout the day and night; often with little sleep. Beach patrols require walking between 6 to 12 kilometres in soft sand and in extreme weather conditions. The patrols take from 4 to 6 hours; therefore an excellent physical condition is a requirement for the RA positions.

The work will be developed in three different beaches in Bocas del Toro Province: Soropta; Long Beach and Chiriquí Beach. RAs will rotate among the three beaches while participating in the sea turtle program.

Applications for RA positions must include the following materials: application Form (download on our website); a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the RA position; details of any relevant experiences and a statement of your level of proficiency in English and Spanish (either a formal qualification or an indication of your written/oral comprehension); a CV or resume with pertinent information; and name and email contact of three professional references. Completed materials should be emailed to Raúl Garcí a Varela at raul@conserveturtles.org. 

None