Geotourism Lodge Operation in the Ecuadorian Amazon

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: The Yachana Foundation operates in the Amazon region of Ecuador. The foundation owns a world renowned geotourism lodge, Yachana Lodge, and started an innovative high school four years ago called Yachana Technical High School. The focus of the school is in ecotourism and sustainable development. All of the students spend time working at the lodge, but the idea of this proposal is to have the lodge become more of a training facility for those students who have graduated to give them the tools to get work in the region without having to immigrate to the cities or emigrate to other countries.

We are looking for someone to provide hands-on training involving working in all of the aspects of the lodge operation. We need a person with extensive experience in hotel management who would be willing to come, live in the jungle, and oversee the administration of the Lodge and the training of the students in all aspects of hotel operations: cooking, housekeeping, bookkeeping, maintenance, etc.

The income from the lodge goes to support the high school, so the success of the lodge is vital to the continuation of the education program.

Highlights:
Housing: The operation is in the tropics so houses are very open. The house is raised on posts, wood construction with basic facilities available, solar electricity and supplemental generator electricity until 10 at night. Running water, etc. There would be no cost for housing or meals.

Other Amenities: Access to internet (satellite, solar powered). To be in one of the most beautiful places in the world and working with wonderful young people.

Approximate Hours per Day or Week: We work on a schedule of 21 days on, 7 days off. On the 7 days off, a person can go wherever they want within the country. During their rotation, the hours will be relatively long, but there is down time too.

Qualifications:
- Hotel management
- Experience working with youth
- Bilingual English/Spanish

This is an opportunity for a very special person who has a strong social drive. The volunteer would have to feel comfortable in this remote, but interesting environment and understand that their participation is to help the people and protect the environment.

Cost in US$: 0

Experience Required: yes

Extensive experience in hospitality management; experience and strong desire to work with youth.

Typical Volunteer: Yachana Foundation's Volunteer Program is designed to provide people of all walks of life with unique experiences that cultivate personal growth and result in a meaningful contribution to the conservation of the Ecuadorian rainforest and the sustainable development of its indigenous and mestizo communities. Yachana volunteers embark on a journey of self-discovery that gives them an insider's view of the Amazon rainforest and makes the world a better place.

Age Range: 25-45

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Yachana Foundation's Mission Statement: To achieve sustainability through education. We believe that the future of the rainforest is inextricably linked to the well-being of its inhabitants. Only those who call the rainforest their home can ensure its survival; education is the best way to achieve this goal. Yachana currently offers volunteer opportunities in several areas including education, conservation, healthcare and community development.

Year Founded: 1991