*Note* – Due to political unrest in Nicaragua, we cannot host volunteers for the foreseeable future. If you would like to be on a mailing list so we can let you know when we are accepting applications, please contact us.

 

Volunteer position with housing provided on a tropical island: Seeking individual or couple to manage a conservation and education project on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.

The Position:
Volunteer manager(s) will operate the Resource Center’s library and help with project needs while caretaking for the house and yard. There are opportunities to work on conservation and education projects with our local group of tour guides, including the possibility of developing your own project. We are looking for someone who is reliable and can work independently. Two people may share the work, but must cover the organization’s cost of insuring and administering an additional person ($160/month/person). You must cover your own travel and personal expenses.

• Desired time frame is May-September of 2018 with flexibility depending on availability, but you should be able to stay at least 2.5 months. The standard, 3-month tourist visa can be renewed for a longer stay.
• Housing at the resource center includes an office area with WIFI, bathroom, kitchen with gas stove and refrigerator, a separately-keyed bedroom, and bountiful garden for you to care for and use.
• Food is very affordable. Staples such as tomatoes, onions, and dry rice and beans all cost around $0.50 per pound. The garden supplies specialty foods (herbs, fruits, and healthy greens) with room to grow your own crops. Restaurants and markets are located just blocks away from the resource center. A full meal with drink is typically $2-$3 at a local eatery, and $4-$7 at a restaurant.
• We provide international health and evacuation insurance that will augment your existing health insurance policy (You must have your own primary health insurance coverage).
• It’s a great way to get experience in ecotourism, to improve your Spanish fluency, to connect with people around the world, and to develop your own project management experience.

Project responsibilities:

• Keeping the Resource Center staffed on a set schedule, 3 days per week
• Providing accurate and courteous information to local and international visitors
• Performing maintenance around the Center and garden
• Managing finances
• Communicating with partner organizations
• Organizing work parties and educational programs
• Independently responding to needs and emergencies as they arise
• Communicating via phone and internet with project directors

 

Requirements

• Conversational fluency in Spanish and English
• Reliable, self-directed worker(s)
• Basic computer and office software experience

Desired skills/experience – any of these would be a plus!

• International living experience or cultural understanding
• Student, or holding a degree in relevant field
• Solid knowledge of natural sciences, such as birding/botany/zoology/geology/vulcanology
• Outdoor/environmental education experience
• GIS/mapping experience
• Nonprofit management/Grant writing/fundraising experience
• First responder certification (certified to train others is a plus)
• Trail crew/trail maintenance experience
• Experience in interpretation/guiding
• Gardening/permaculture/agriculture experience
• Construction or “handyman” skills

Send cover letter, resume, and references to Kate Zylland at guiasunidosnicaragua at gmail dot com. Please put “Nicaragua volunteer project manager application” in the subject line. Please include the dates you are available.