Join The Leatherback Trust as a Field Biologist

Each year, The Leatherback Trust selects a team of highly motivated, early-career biologists to assist our researchers at the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Field biologists participate in The Leatherback Trust’s long-term sea turtle monitoring program at Las Baulas National Marine Park by conducting nightly and morning patrols in search of nesting turtles. Field biologists assist with tagging and measuring nesting turtles. When turtles nest below the high-tide line, field biologists relocate eggs from nests at risk of inundation to a beach hatchery. Other responsibilities include monitoring nests in the hatchery, excavating hatched nests, and recording temperature data from incubating nests.

Field biologists also engage with visitors to the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station, leading volunteer activities, educating school groups and conducting community outreach. There is also the potential for field biologists to assist with other ongoing scientific research projects.

Conditions: Applicants must be in good physical shape and comfortable with working long hours at night. Night patrols generally last up to 6 hours, over which time field biologists walk distances between 10km and 20km in soft sand. Applicants must also be comfortable working in tropical conditions, with extreme heat, humidity and mosquitoes.

Duration: The position is from October 15, 2023, until March 15, 2024. Final project dates are subject to change depending on the status of the Covid – 19 pandemic and the leatherback nesting activity. Priority will be given to applicants who are able to stay for the entire project duration, although in rare cases special circumstances may be accommodated.

Benefits: Although the position is unpaid in cash, The Leatherback Trust covers airfare and transportation costs to and from the project site and provides food and dorm-style accommodation (bunk beds) at the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station for the duration of the position. In addition, field biologists who excel in their positions are eligible for one of three fellowships ($1000 each) named in honor of members of The Leatherback Trust Board who have made important contributions to sea turtle conservation. Please note that The Leatherback Trust maintains strict protection protocols against Covid – 19.

Qualifications: Applicants should be at least 21 years of age and hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology (science background is a plus) or equivalent. Fluency in Spanish is considered a plus. Applicants must be able to work under demanding conditions, work as part of a group and have strong inter-personal skills related to living in close proximity with their team mates. An active driver’s license is encouraged, but not compulsory. Further, successful applicants must be fully vaccinated against the SARS-COV-2 virus at least three weeks before the start of the project.  

Application Details: If you are interested in applying for a Field Biologist position with The Leatherback Trust, please send a statement of interest, a confirmation of your availability for the October-March duration, a copy of your resume or CV and contact details for two references. All application materials should be sent to apply@leatherback.orgwith the indication “Field Biologist Position” on the subject line no later than June 20th, 2023. All applicants will have been notified of decisions by September 1st, 2023. 

Photo credit: Kortney Stevens, Frank Paladino