Conservation and Environmental Education Volunteering in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Nanegalito,  Pichincha,  Bahia de Caraquez,  Canoa,  Mindo,  Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description:
1. Environmental Educators

Resourceful, personable and creative individuals with a knowledge of ecology, an interest in informal outdoor and nature education for children and/or adults, and preferably artistic skills are needed to work in Ceiba Foundation nature centers in the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve (Andes) and the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve (coast).

Responsibilities include:

* Helping to carry out environmental education programs in the nature center and in cooperation with local schools
* Planning, creating and installing educational displays on tropical forest ecosystems
* Organizing and maintaining educational resource materials
* Planning, organizing and overseeing a program of guest speakers and workshops
* Notifying local communities and schools of guest speakers and other educational events
* Greeting visitors and assisting them with the use of educational resources in the center
* Guiding school groups or other visitors when needed

Applicants must be able to speak Spanish. A minimum one month commitment is requested.

2. Nature Center Staff

A friendly, independent and outgoing individual with good organizational skills is needed to greet visitors and help out in the beautiful nature centers at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, a protected montane forest in Ecuador, and at the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve, a seasonal forest on Ecuador's tranquil coast.

Responsibilities include:

* Greeting visitors and selling tickets
* Orienting visitors
* Organizing and maintaining records
* Staffing the reception area
* Creating and maintaining educational displays and materials
* Assisting with daily operations of the nature center and adjoining native plants gardens

Preference will given to those with previous nature reserve, managerial or tourism experience. Spanish language ability a plus.

3. Native Plant Garden Staff

Individuals with a passion for gardening and/or horticultural experience, preferably with a knowledge of tropical plants, are needed to assist in the installation, care and maintenance of the native plant gardens at the El Pahuma reserve and the Lalo Loor reserve.

Responsibilities include:

* General care and maintenance of the garden
* Installation and care of plants
* Transplanting or repotting plants
* Tagging of displayed specimens
* Guiding visitors when needed

Prior experience in botanical gardens, greenhouses, nurseries or the like would be extremely useful, but a passion for plants and gardening is sufficient. Previous experience working in forest parks and reserves or in environmental education centers also would be helpful, but is not necessary. Knowledge of Spanish beneficial, but not required.

4. Trail Construction & Reforestation

Individuals are needed to assist with the construction and maintenance of trails and other visitor facilities (at El Pahuma) and with reforestation (Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve).

Responsibilities include:

* Maintaining existing trails (repairing stairs, benches and handrails, maintaining drainage channels, removing litter, replacing gravel, etc.)
* Clearing downed and encroaching vegetation
* Creating wooden signs and installing them
* Helping to building blinds and/or benches for wildlife viewing
* Constructing new trails
* Installing new handrails, bridges, stairs and benches where needed
* Assisting in other routine maintenance or construction tasks when needed

Applicants should be strong and physically fit, willing to do heavy work on steep slopes in a variety of weather conditions. Applicants should possess an interest in conservation and have knowledge of or willingness to learn sound trail construction practices, and be at ease living in simple conditions in rural areas. Previous experience working in parks and reserves, or in forestry or construction a plus. Knowledge of Spanish helpful, but not required.

5. Community Computer Training

Individual fluent in Spanish and with a basic knowledge of PC computer hardware, operating systems and software are needed to provide basic computer training in local grade schools and high schools. Responsibilities include:

* Setting up donated computer hardware systems in local schools or community centers.
* Installing operating systems and other software
* Planning, organizing and carrying out training workshops in basic computer use and software programs (often older versions) such as Word and Excel
* Provide training on internet use and an overview of internet resources
* Possibility of teaching basic English as well.
Applicants for this position must demonstrate Spanish proficiency by including a letter from a Spanish instructor or native Spanish speaker certifying their command of the language.

Highlights:
* Lend a helping hand to real grass-roots conservation and environmental education efforts!
* Live and work with local Ecuadorians and other volunteers in diverse tropical forest environments with daily opportunities to see wildlife.
* Enjoy the rugged beauty of the cloud forest at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, or the warm and tranquil beaches and forests at the Lalo Loor Reserve!

Qualifications: Volunteers with Ceiba Foundation should have a strong interest in conservation and related human issues, and be willing to undertake difficult and sometimes tedious outdoor work in a tropical climate under sometimes rustic living conditions. While university study is not required, certain positions will require certain knowledge or specific skills. Spanish language ability may be required for some but not all positions.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 120/week or USD 450/month

Ceiba will supply necessary equipment for completion of posted volunteer positions. The exact materials to be supplied, and their use, will be elaborated upon once a volunteer has been approved and arrives on site. In special cases, volunteers may be asked to bring equipment; this may occur when volunteers are selected on the basis of a particular skill that relates to specific equipment, such as photographic equipment. In special situations, food, local travel and other costs may be provided . If this is the case, it will be indicated in the specific position description. Volunteers are responsible for supplying all unrelated and/or personal equipment (hiking boots, flashlight, etc.).

Volunteers are required to submit an application form and $25 application fee. All volunteers should carry their own health insurance and sign a waiver to release Ceiba from responsibility for any illness, accident, or injury incurred during their stay in Ecuador. Many of our positions involve field work that will require you to be in good physical condition. Consult the specific position description to assess the physical demands of your position. Volunteers should consult their local physician or travel health agency to obtain necessary or recommended vaccinations for travel and work abroad.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Our volunteers come from a variety of age groups and educational backgrounds.

Age Range: 18 - 65

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation's Mission Statement: The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation (CFTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research, conservation and education organization dedicated to conserving the ecosystems of the tropics. The purposes and goals of CFTC are to: 1) provide educational opportunities to teach people about the diversity and importance of tropical ecosystems 2) support community-based conservation efforts in the tropics, 3) identify and support resource management practices that maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, 4) monitor human impacts on tropical ecosystems, and 5) facilitate communication among conservation organizations, farmers, scientists and resource managers.

Year Founded: 1997