Green Turtle Program Research Assistant At Tortuguero, Costa Rica Job Details

Research and monitoring of sea turtles in Tortuguero, Costa Rica was initiated in the 1950´s by legendary sea turtle researcher Dr Archie Carr.  Dr Carr continued his work in Tortuguero until his passing away in 1987 and each year from June - November CCC conducts the Green Turtle Program, continuing the work started by Dr Carr.  CCC works closely with Costa Rican authorities, the Tortuguero community and other sea turtle conservation organizations in the country.  Information collected during the annual Green Turtle Program plays a key role in developing effective management strategies for sea turtles in the area.

A total of 16 research assistants (RAs) will be trained in sea turtle monitoring techniques by, and work under the supervision of, the CCC Field Coordinators.  The season is divided into two time periods, June - August and August - November, with eight RAs in each time period.  The RA team will be made up of individuals from several countries from around the world, with an emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean.  The primary responsibilities of the RAs will include nightly tagging patrols, morning track surveys, nest monitoring and excavation.  RAs are responsible for tagging nesting turtles, collecting biometric data from females, recording nesting activity during track surveys, and other pertinent data collection.

Monitoring activities during the Green Turtle Program are carried out along 8 km (=5 miles) of nesting beach.  RAs can expect to work very long hours, throughout the day and night, often with little sleep.  Beach patrols require walking many kilometers in extremely soft sand and in very extreme weather conditions; therefore an excellent physical condition is a requirement for the RA positions. 

RAs are also involved in training short-term paying volunteers in all aspects of the monitoring protocol and supervising volunteer groups during beach patrols.  The RAs will also be required to develop and participate in various environmental awareness and educational activities with members of the Tortuguero community, and assist in the CCC Visitor Center to provide information about the work of CCC to members of the public.