Ecotourism Coordinator

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months

Description: Located on the beautiful Sarapiqui River, the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is looking for a dynamic volunteer to run the tourism program starting in January 2010. This volunteer organizes tourist groups to work with and learn from local community members through ecological and life history presentations and discussions, cultural learning classes and community/conservation service projects. The tourism coordinator is in charge of scheduling, coordination and facilitation of group activities. We are embarking upon a new effort to develop community-led ecotourism projects and micro enterprises, and the tourism and operations coordinator will have a large role in planning these efforts with local community leaders.

This volunteer job is an ideal mix of office work and time spent in the field making contacts with potential local ecotourism partners and leading tour group activities to local farms, homes, and reserves. Improve your professional skills and Spanish and get to know the natural and cultural beauty of Sarapiqui!

Highlights: With several tourist attractions in Heredia, probably the most famous is the Volcan Barva, inside the Braulio Carrillo National Park. One of the few volcanoes that tourists can climb, the Volcan Barva has wonderful green pastures at its base and majestic cloud forests near its summit. For those who want to enjoy a more relaxing trip head north, where you can stay in fire-warmed cottages near quaint restaurants that serve simple fare cooked over coffee-wood fires. This is idyllic for those who wish to spend a quiet vacation amidst nature.

The Braulio Carrillo and Tapantí National Parks sit in the north of Heredia and are packed with a plethora of wildlife. Lush and thick due to constant rainfall, these parks offer bird lovers a rare glimpse of the quetzal, one of the most culturally significant birds in Central America. Among the other animals that one can catch sight of are pumas and tapirs that tend to live in denser forestation. Other attractions in Heredia include the Butterfly Farm, El Mundo de las Serpientes and Zoo Ave, which offer a less dangerous view, but equally fantastic view of Costa Ricas wildlife.

Qualifications:
Qualified volunteer will have the following qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in tourism, business, international studies, or related studies
* Interest in and/or knowledge of eco-tourism
* Intermediate to advanced English and Spanish (spoken and written)
* Impeccable organizational skills
* Social skills in interacting with local residents and foreign tourists of all ages
* Familiarity with basic computing (Microsoft Office, Outlook)

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Salary / Pay: Volunteer lives with a local family and receives a monthly stipend to cover related expenses that includes room, food, and laundry. Volunteer will also receive daily lunch at the Center, daily Internet access, and opportunities for travel and professional development via site visits to local areas of interest.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center's Mission Statement: The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center works to foster education, environmental conservation, artistic expression and responsible tourism in the rural communities of Sarapiqui, Costa Rica. Our goal is to be a resource for the Sarapiqui community by providing and coordinating activities that will both enhance their education and support sustainable development in the area.

Year Founded: 1993