Tropical Farm and Nature Reserve Manager

  Costa Rica

• Eastern Lowlands: 
Talamanca

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months

Description: Finca Lomas is a private nature reserve and a crop experimentation site, designed to benefit the Talamancan Region by providing seeds and planting material for the diversification of the local farmers' agro-forestry systems, by being a designated area of preserved forest within the Biological Corridor of Talamanca and by being an example of environmental friendly farming. In addition, Finca Lomas serves as an incredible opportunity for volunteers to learn about the diverse Talamancan agro-forestry systems and to experience the realities of nature conservation in the lowland humid tropics. The wide variety of fruit trees at Finca Lomas has been called the most interesting and diverse collection of perennial crops of the humid lowland tropics that exists anywhere in Central America.

Association ANAI is seeking a volunteer to manage Finca Lomas for a minimum of 8 months. In addition to working alongside other volunteers, the manager will represent the organization and be responsible for the management and care of the farm, nature reserve and its facilities. The farm manager will supervise and coordinate the work of other volunteers, who come for periods ranging from 1'6 months. He or she will also communicate and coordinate on a regular basis with designated ANAI staff. Working at Finca Lomas involves caring for the 150 species of lowland tropical fruit, nut, and spice trees that were planted in the 1980's as potential crops to be integrated into local agro-forestry systems; caring for the surrounding rainforest; helping to monitor the biodiversity in the nature reserve; seed collection; data recording; trail-blazing and maintenance; repair/construction of buildings; and whatever else may come up. Some have ** Minimum volunteer time commitment is 8 to 12 months.

Highlights: Finca Lomas is an exciting place to be. The farm offers a rare opportunity to learn about tropical agro-forestry, nature conservation, ecotourism and volunteer management while at the same time experiencing a simple, rugged lifestyle. It is also an opportunity to help the unique effort being facilitated by ANAI which links conservation and economic development for the benefit of the local people and the regionýs future.

Qualifications: * Ability to live in an isolated area, without electricity or running water, for an extended period
of time.
* Ability to manage and lead a team of volunteers
* Ability to get along well in a communal environment.
* Physically fit.
* Adaptable to new environments and cultures.
* Knowledge or skills in agriculture, horticulture, agro forestry, ecology and/or construction are helpful.
* Willingness to work without financial compensation.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 20-60

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

Asociacion ANAI's Mission Statement: Our mission is to help the people of Talamanca design and implement a strategy linking socio-economic development, cultural strengthening and biodiversity conservation. We seek the emergence of a truly grassroot process within the local community that achieves a healthy mix of protected rainforest, wetlands and marine areas, managed forests, diverse agro-ecosystems and human service like tourism; and, provide Talamanca's current and future inhabitants with economic stability and attractive quality of life.

Year Founded: 1983