Conservation Campus Manager

Conservation Campus Manager (Español abajo)

Position: Conservation Campus Manager

Location: Osa Conservation Campus

Status: Full-time

Osa Conservation protects the unparalleled biodiversity of southern Costa Rica in the face of climate change by restoring forests, rewilding key species, and re-establishing habitat connectivity across private lands & protected areas. From the Talamanca Mountain Range to the Golfo Dulce and Pacific Ocean, we work with a network of community members and international leaders to protect this incredible landscape and safeguard its flora and fauna, to develop a working model of conservation action.

The Osa Conservation Campus seeks to promote unique educational experiences to foster the next generation of field biologists, facilitate scientific research to advance the field of tropical ecology, foster local conservation stewardship, implement sustainable practices, protect and restore rainforest habitat, connect conservation leaders and decision-makers, develop a regenerative farming model, and generate resources for conservation impact.

The Osa Conservation Campus operates with the following key goals:

Land Protection: Protect and restore lowland tropical rainforests through a comprehensive land management strategy that emphasizes conservation, protection, and sustainable land use practices.
Regenerative Farming: Pilot and scale a regenerative farming model that promotes sustainable, economically viable, and wildlife-friendly agricultural practices, contributing to both environmental health and local economies.
Sustainability: Commit to operating sustainably by promoting self-sufficiency, utilizing renewable energy, reducing single-use plastics, and experimenting with innovative, eco-friendly alternatives.
Operations: Establish and refine an efficient operational model for remote conservation campuses, optimizing logistics and processes that can be adapted and replicated across other conservation sites.
Health & Safety: Foster a strong culture of health and safety to ensure that all visitors, staff, and researchers experience a secure and well-managed environment throughout their time on campus.
Campus Facilities: Provide unique, state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance learning, training, and research opportunities, contributing to cutting-edge conservation efforts and educational outcomes.
Nature Experiences: Create a distinctive and inclusive campus that facilitates immersive nature experiences and drives impactful conservation work.
Training the Next Generation: Mentor and train the next generation of field biologists and conservationists, preparing them for leadership roles in conservation and environmental science.
Scientific Research: Support and advance scientific research in tropical ecology and climate resilience, contributing valuable knowledge to the broader conservation community.
Conservation Outreach: Offer exceptional nature-based learning opportunities for local, national, and international audiences, fostering awareness and support for conservation initiatives.
Donor Engagement: Cultivate and engage donors by providing exclusive in-the-field experiences, generating essential resources to support Osa Conservation’s ongoing efforts.
Research & Conservation Support: Act as a vital hub for research and conservation activities, providing infrastructure and support for field teams and collaborators working towards Osa Conservation’s mission.
Financial Stability: Achieve financial sustainability for the Osa Conservation Campuses by generating annual income to cover operational costs while producing a profit to reinvest in conservation initiatives.
Communications: Elevate the importance of biological field stations as critical tools for conservation and research, leveraging an innovative communications and marketing strategy to amplify Osa Conservation’s impact.

Role Summary: Osa Conservation Campus Manager

The Osa Conservation Campus Manager will be responsible for leading and overseeing the operations of a remote biological station located in the tropical rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. This role requires an experienced and dynamic individual who can manage diverse teams, coordinate daily operations, and maintain a high standard of safety, sustainability, and conservation while providing an exceptional experience for staff, visitors, and researchers. The Campus Manager will be instrumental in facilitating conservation efforts, leading land and facility management, ensuring visitor satisfaction, and promoting sustainable practices in all aspects of campus life.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Facility Maintenance
- Work hand-in-hand with the Facility Maintenance coordinator and their team to communicate and plan activities, inventories, processes, and purchases.
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of all campus infrastructure and furniture including accommodations, research facilities, utilities, and common areas.
- Oversee campus renovations and expansions.
- Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules and report processes to ensure facilities remain operational and safe in a remote environment.
- Coordinate with external contractors and vendors when specialized services or repairs are needed, ensuring the work is completed on time and within budget.
- Establish and enforce health and safety protocols for facility use, addressing any risks associated with the tropical environment.
Land Management
- Work hand-in-hand with the Land Management and Maintenance coordinator and their team to communicate and plan activities, inventories, processes, and purchases.
- Lead the management and conservation of the surrounding rainforest land, energy systems, and water systems, ensuring all projects align with the station’s conservation goals.
- Ensure land management tasks are executed to achieve payments for ecosystem services.
- Oversee garden maintenance and nature scaping of station open areas to attract wildlife and build diverse collections of native species.
- Collaborate with researchers and conservation teams to implement best practices in land stewardship and ensure sustainable land use.

Kitchen Operations
- Work hand-in-hand with the Head of the Kitchen and their team to communicate and plan to communicate and plan working schedules, repairs inventories, processes, and purchases.
- Manage the kitchen to provide nutritious, sustainable, and locally sourced meals for staff, visitors, and researchers.
- Ensure that the kitchen operates with a focus on food safety, cleanliness, and waste reduction, using eco-friendly practices.
- Supervise kitchen staff, providing guidance on food preparation and service, and ensuring high standards are consistently met.
- Collaborate with the Osa Conservation Regenerative Farm to source 80% of fresh produce from our farm [just 15 minutes down the road].

4. Housekeeping

Work hand-in-hand with the Head of Housekeeping and their team to communicate and plan to communicate and plan working schedules, repairs inventories, processes, and purchases.
Oversee housekeeping operations, ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of guest accommodations, common areas, soft furnishings, and workspaces.
Develop and implement procedures for utilizing sustainable products and procedures.
Manage housekeeping staff, ensuring they follow all safety guidelines and environmental practices while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
Oversee laundry operations, ensuring all laundry for housekeeping and visitors and staff is executed following protocol.

Campus Logistics and Operations
- Manage logistical operations related to transportation, purchases, processes, communications, supply runs, and resource distribution across the station’s remote location.
- Develop and maintain a system for tracking inventory, including supplies, research materials, and general operational goods.
- Ensure that campus operations run smoothly by anticipating and addressing any challenges that arise.
- Organize and execute an on-duty schedule to ensure a member of the team is at the office to support visitor inquiries and logistics daily from 7 am – 3 pm.
- Establish and improve operational processes to ensure the campus is tidy and safe for all visitors and staff.
- Work with the accountant to ensure payments, facturas, and sales are educated according to protocols and on time.
- Work with the Campus Director to develop and implement visitor strategy and the Osa conservation objectives for conservation impact.
- Work hand-in-hand with the Osa Conservation Campus Coordinator to ensure all departments run smoothly and to cover each other’s work activities on days off.
- Develop and oversee a Conservation Campus intern program.
Reservations, Client Management, and Visitor Experience
- Lead the reservation and guest experience processes, ensuring that all visitors have a seamless booking experience and that their stay meets high standards of hospitality and conservation education.
- Oversee visitor engagement, facilitating educational tours, conservation activities, and research programs that provide guests with a meaningful and informative experience.
- Collaborate with the Conservation Educator and the Conservation teams to ensure all types of visitors [including volunteers, interns, general visitors, researchers, and student groups] are exposed to and understand the importance of the organizations and the campus’s work, contributing to the broader conservation education mission.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with neighboring lodges, local tour guides, and tour companies.
- Develop, create, and coordinate visitor itineraries for campus visitors.
- Work hand-in-hand with the Conservation Educator to ensure the campus offers a unique and authentic educational conservation experience for all visitor types.
- Develop materials to communicate and market campus facilities and opportunities.
- Build a client database, establish a relationship and communications with current clients, and identify and recruit new clients.
- Develop unique conservation experiences to build a network of supporters for the conservation campus and the conservation programs.
Sustainability
Lead and implement sustainability initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of campus operations, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
- Integrate sustainability into all aspects of the station’s operations, from food sourcing and energy use to waste management and land conservation practices.
- Educate and engage staff, volunteers, and visitors in sustainability efforts, encouraging responsible behavior and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
- Monitor sustainability performance and create systems for tracking and reporting on progress toward long-term environmental goals.
General Management and Coordination
- Team Management: Oversee, guide, and support diverse teams, including administrative staff, kitchen staff, housekeepers, logistics personnel, conservationists, and volunteers. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where team members feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to the station’s goals.
- Health and Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff, visitors, and researchers by implementing and regularly updating health and safety protocols. Address any emergencies promptly and effectively, and ensure all staff are trained in safety procedures, including first aid and wilderness survival.
- Communication: Maintain clear and open lines of communication between all staff, visitors, external stakeholders, and the local community. Provide regular updates on campus operations, and relevant developments to Campus Director via daily communications and bi-weekly reports.

Skills Required for Osa Conservation Campus Manager:

Leadership and Team Management
- Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and external partners.
- Experience in team building, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with team members, visitors, and stakeholders.
Project Management
- Expertise in planning, executing, and managing complex projects, particularly in remote or field-based environments.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources, and meet deadlines within budget constraints.
- Experience in managing multi-disciplinary projects related to conservation, research, and facility management.
Hospitality and Visitor Experience Management
- Strong customer service and hospitality skills, ensuring a positive experience for visitors and guests.
- Ability to manage reservations, tours, and guest services efficiently.
- Experience in creating and promoting educational and conservation-focused activities for visitors.
Problem Solving and Adaptability
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in a remote, dynamic environment.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find creative solutions to operational challenges.
- Comfort with managing uncertainty and navigating complex situations.
- Ability to live in a remote location, living and working alongside the Osa Conservation Team.
Technology and Administrative Skills
- Proficiency with office software (e.g., MS Office, Google Suite) and project management tools.
- Ability to oversee client databases and reservation tools.
- Organizational skills for managing schedules, documentation, and communication flow.
Education, Qualifications, and General Skills
- A bachelor’s degree. A variety of backgrounds is welcome – such as hospitality and tourism, sustainability, biology and conservation or project management.
- A driving license with manual driving experience on dirt roads in remote locations.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English.

The Osa Conservation Campus Manager plays a vital role in the station’s success, ensuring it operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with its conservation mission. This individual must be adept at managing a wide range of responsibilities in a remote environment, balancing the needs of the team, visitors, and conservation goals, while fostering a culture of sustainability, safety, and collaboration.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to hr@osaconservation. org with the email title “Osa Conservation Campus Manager” by the 12th April, 2026. Please note you will only be contacted if you are selected for the interview phase of the selection process.

Gerente del Campus de Osa Conservation – Términos de Referencia

Osa Conservation protege la biodiversidad inigualable del sur de Costa Rica frente al cambio climático mediante la restauración de bosques, la reintroducción de especies clave y el restablecimiento de la conectividad del hábitat en tierras privadas y áreas protegidas. Desde la Cordillera de Talamanca hasta el Golfo Dulce y el Océano Pacífico, trabajamos con una red de miembros de la comunidad y líderes internacionales para proteger este increíble paisaje y salvaguardar su flora y fauna, desarrollando un modelo de acción para la conservación.

El Campus de Osa Conservation busca promover experiencias educativas únicas para fomentar la próxima generación de biólogos de campo, facilitar la investigación científica para avanzar en el campo de la ecología tropical, fomentar la conciencia ambiental local, implementar prácticas sostenibles, proteger y restaurar el hábitat del bosque lluvioso, conectar líderes y tomadores de decisiones en conservación, desarrollar un modelo de agricultura regenerativa y generar recursos para el impacto en conservación.

El Campus de Osa Conservation opera con los siguientes objetivos clave:

Protección de Tierras: Proteger y restaurar los bosques tropicales de tierras bajas a través de una estrategia integral de manejo de tierras que enfatice la conservación, protección y prácticas de uso sostenible.
Agricultura Regenerativa: Implementar y ampliar un modelo de agricultura regenerativa que promueva prácticas agrícolas sostenibles, económicamente viables y amigables con la vida silvestre, contribuyendo a la salud ambiental y a las economías locales.
Sostenibilidad: Comprometerse con una operación sostenible promoviendo la autosuficiencia, utilizando energías renovables, reduciendo los plásticos de un solo uso y experimentando con alternativas ecológicas innovadoras.
Operaciones: Establecer y mejorar un modelo operativo eficiente para campus de conservación remotos, optimizando la logística y los procesos que puedan adaptarse y replicarse en otros sitios de conservación.
Salud y Seguridad: Fomentar una cultura sólida de salud y seguridad para garantizar que todos los visitantes, el personal y los investigadores disfruten de un entorno seguro y bien gestionado durante su estancia en el campus.
Infraestructura del Campus: Proporcionar instalaciones únicas y de vanguardia diseñadas para mejorar las oportunidades de aprendizaje, formación e investigación, contribuyendo a los esfuerzos de conservación y resultados educativos.
Experiencias en la Naturaleza: Crear un campus distintivo e inclusivo que facilite experiencias inmersivas en la naturaleza y promueva un trabajo de conservación impactante.
Formación de la Próxima Generación: Guiar y capacitar a la próxima generación de biólogos de campo y conservacionistas, preparándolos para roles de liderazgo en la conservación y las ciencias ambientales.
Investigación Científica: Apoyar y promover la investigación científica en ecología tropical y resiliencia climática, contribuyendo con conocimientos valiosos a la comunidad global de conservación.
Divulgación en Conservación: Ofrecer oportunidades excepcionales de aprendizaje basado en la naturaleza para audiencias locales, nacionales e internacionales, fomentando la conciencia y el apoyo a iniciativas de conservación.
Compromiso con Donantes: Cultivar y comprometer a los donantes brindando experiencias exclusivas en el campo, generando recursos esenciales para respaldar los esfuerzos continuos de Osa Conservation.
Apoyo a la Investigación y Conservación: Servir como un centro vital para actividades de investigación y conservación, proporcionando infraestructura y apoyo para equipos de campo y colaboradores alineados con la misión de Osa Conservation.
Estabilidad Financiera: Alcanzar la sostenibilidad financiera del Campus de Osa Conservation mediante la generación de ingresos anuales suficientes para cubrir los costos operativos y generar un excedente para reinvertir en iniciativas de conservación.
Comunicación: Reforzar la importancia de las estaciones biológicas como herramientas fundamentales para la conservación y la investigación, aprovechando estrategias innovadoras de comunicación y mercadeo para amplificar el impacto de Osa Conservation.

Resumen del Puesto: Gerente del Campus de Osa Conservation

El Gerente del Campus de Osa Conservation será responsable de liderar y supervisar las operaciones de una estación biológica remota ubicada en el bosque tropical de la Península de Osa, Costa Rica. Este rol requiere una persona experimentada y dinámica que pueda gestionar equipos diversos, coordinar operaciones diarias y mantener altos estándares de seguridad, sostenibilidad y conservación, mientras ofrece una experiencia excepcional a personal, visitantes e investigadores. El Gerente del Campus será clave en la facilitación de esfuerzos de conservación, liderazgo en el manejo de tierras e infraestructura, satisfacción de visitantes y promoción de prácticas sostenibles en todos los aspectos de la vida en el campus.

Áreas Claves de Responsabilidad:

1. Mantenimiento de Infraestructura

Trabajar en estrecha colaboración con el Coordinador de Mantenimiento y su equipo para planificar actividades, inventarios, procesos y compras.
Supervisar el mantenimiento y reparación de toda la infraestructura del campus, incluyendo alojamientos, instalaciones de investigación, servicios públicos y áreas comunes.
Supervisar renovaciones y expansiones del campus.
Implementar programas de mantenimiento preventivo para garantizar la operatividad y seguridad en un entorno remoto.
Coordinar con contratistas y proveedores externos para trabajos especializados, asegurando cumplimiento de plazos y presupuestos.
Establecer protocolos de salud y seguridad para el uso de las instalaciones.

2. Manejo de Tierras

Liderar la gestión y conservación de la tierra circundante, sistemas energéticos y recursos hídricos, alineados con los objetivos de conservación del campus.
Supervisar la ejecución de tareas de manejo de tierras para garantizar pagos por servicios ambientales.
Gestionar los jardines y áreas naturales del campus para atraer vida silvestre y promover especies nativas.
Colaborar con investigadores y equipos de conservación para garantizar prácticas sostenibles en el uso de la tierra.

3. Operaciones de Cocina

Trabajar en estrecha colaboración con el Jefe de Cocina para planificar horarios, reparaciones, inventarios y procesos.
Asegurar que la cocina brinde comidas nutritivas, sostenibles y de origen local.
Garantizar estándares de higiene, seguridad alimentaria y reducción de residuos.
Supervisar al personal de cocina y fomentar el abastecimiento de al menos el 80% de los productos frescos desde la finca regenerativa de Osa Conservation.

4. Logística y Operaciones del Campus

Gestionar operaciones logísticas relacionadas con transporte, compras, suministros y procesos administrativos.
Mantener un sistema eficiente de seguimiento de inventario.
Implementar estrategias para garantizar operaciones fluidas en un entorno remoto.

5. Reservaciones y Experiencia del Visitante

Gestionar reservas y experiencia del visitante, asegurando altos estándares de hospitalidad.
Desarrollar y coordinar itinerarios personalizados.
Construir relaciones con operadores turísticos locales y otros actores clave.
Desarrollar materiales de comunicación y estrategias de mercadeo para promocionar el campus.

6. Sostenibilidad

Implementar iniciativas para reducir la huella ambiental del campus en energía, residuos y abastecimiento.
Promover una cultura de sostenibilidad entre el personal y visitantes.
Desarrollar sistemas de seguimiento y reporte de sostenibilidad.

Perfil y Requisitos del Cargo:

Liderazgo y gestión de equipos con experiencia en trabajo multidisciplinario.
Gestión de proyectos en entornos remotos.
Manejo de hospitalidad y experiencia del visitante.
Capacidad de resolución de problemas y adaptabilidad.
Habilidades tecnológicas y administrativas.
Licenciatura en áreas como turismo, sostenibilidad, biología, conservación o gestión de proyectos.
Licencia de conducir para vehículos manuales en caminos de tierra.
Fluidez en español e inglés.
Disponibilidad para vivir en una ubicación remota.

Para aplicar:

Envía tu CV y carta de presentación a hr@osaconservation.org con el asunto “Gerente del Campus de Osa Conservation” antes del 12 de abril de 2026

Solo se contactará a las personas seleccionadas para la fase de entrevistas.