Movement Ecology Field Biologist

Position: Movement Ecology Field Biologist

Location: Costa Rica

Status:

  • Full-time
  • 100% of the time in Costa Rica.
  • 2 weeks annual leave
  • 1 remote week every 8-12 weeks to focus on computer administrative tasks

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

  • Visa and work insurance.
  • Field site Accommodation. Field site food will be provided – to be cooked by field teams.

Project Summary

This role will be employed under Osa Conservations Movement Ecology Program. Broadly, the project aims to develop and use novel animal tracking technology to increase our understanding of the movement ecology of scavenger networks, and the predators which drive them, in south and central America. It involves the capture and deployment of tracking equipment on cathartidae vultures and large cat species, taking biological samples and implementing a variety of different surveys to estimate the density and determine the ecological roles of scavenging communities.

Job Summary 

Osa Conservation’s Movement Ecology Field Biologist will play a key role in executing field work activities to achieve project objectives. Applicants should be comfortable living and working in remote tropical environments (field stations and forest camps in Costa Rica), and be comfortable implementing  monitoring technologies (GPS collars, e-obs trackers, camera traps etc.). There will be opportunities to co-author scientific research papers associated with this position. This position will support work as part of a biologist team alongside a veterinary team and report to field project manager and coordinator. This role requires a passionate and motivated individual to work in remote tropical field locations for long periods of time to push scientific and technological boundaries of movement ecology for conservation implications.

Roles and responsibilities

Movement Ecology Program Activities:

  • Execute all field work activities required for successful animal captures (species include Tapir, Vultures, Cats and White-lipped peccary) including animal monitoring via camera traps, animal tracking via patrols, capture structure building deployment and maintaining (including snares, platforms and traps of different types), and  animal captures via multiple methods. These activities can run throughout the day and night during peak capture periods.
  • Assist with biological sample and measurement collection, during animal captures.
  • Radio tracking of GPS tagged wildlife to obtain additional behavioral, ecological and health information.
  • Execute data entry and organizing for all field projects under the movement ecology program.
  • Execute carrion removal experiments across trophic levels to understand how dead things are removed in a tropical rainforest ecosystem. This involves carrion deployment and monitoring over time via multiple methods.
  • Lead camera trap monitoring (deployment, maintenance, collection and data organizing using Wildlife Insights) as part of carrion removal experiments and animal captures.
  • Participate in bi-weekly team meetings incorporating both the Peru and CR team to ensure everyone is updated on work plans and problems can be solved quickly.
  • Execute general movement program activities logistics across both field sites (Peru & CR) as requested.
  • This position will allow for the opportunity to participate in scientific writing for publication.

General Organization Activities:

  • Ensure the creation of good media for the movement ecology program for Osa Conservation’s social media accounts on a monthly basis.
  • Post 3 times a month on a personal social media account showcasing the field of movement ecology and life as a wildlife biologist in remote tropical rainforest stations.
  • Participate in bi-weekly science, and media meetings to discuss and understand scientific and conservation vision.
  • Execute activities for visitors, volunteers, collaborators and researchers at the Osa Conservation Campus.
  • Write weekly reports and share with the Field Operations Manager.
  • Collaborate with OC programs and projects when necessary.

Requirements:

  • BS level degree in an ecology/conservation (or another relevant topic)
  • Field work experience (tropical experience preferred)
  • Knowledge and experience in handling and capturing wild animals in remote locations (tropical experience preferred)
  • Ability to work as part of a diverse field team in remote locations for long-periods of time
  • A manual driving license – B1 to be able to travel when needed across the South Pacific of Costa Rica on a variety of roads in 4×4 trucks and quad bikes
  • Fluent in English (written and oral); basic conversational Spanish
  • Good physical condition and experience working long hours in the field in difficult environments
  • Confident in use of google applications, gmail, google drive and google calendar
  • Hard working, interpersonal skills,  team player,, problem solver, positive attitude  and passionate individual.

How to Apply: To apply please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected] with subject line

“Movement Ecology Field Biologist” by March 24th. All applicants who do not follow this guide will not be considered. Only successful applicants continuing to the interview stage will be contacted. Please state in the cover letter why you want this job specifically and what skills you can bring to tackle the outlined duties and responsibilities. We encourage applicants from Latin America to apply.