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Lend A Helping Hand - Become a Ceiba Volunteer!

Broaden your horizons and gain valuable experience as you lend a hand to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation.  By becoming a volunteer with Ceiba you will be given the opportunity to participate in tropical conservation, community education, nature reserve management and scientific research.  Our recent volunteers have contributed to biological inventories, botanical garden development, rural environmental education, and a host of other projects.

Why Volunteer for Ceiba?

Gain valuable experience! Being a volunteer for Ceiba is a great way to get hands-on experience in conservation, environmental education, scientific research, natural resources management, botany, horticulture and more!

Live in a foreign country!  Our volunteers live and work in Ecuador, a vibrant South American country rich in culture, history and biodiversity.

Learn spanish!  You will be immersed in local communities and work directly with local people in rural areas, where few people speak English but all are friendly and patient with volunteers as they improve their Spanish.

Contribute to conservation!  Ceiba is dedicated to conservation of tropical ecosystems, and working with local people to give them the tools needed to protect threatened flora and fauna on their lands.  Volunteers make tangible and lasting contributions to our projects, and are long remembered by local communities.

Current Volunteer Positions

Environmental Education Coordinator
Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve, Ecuador

Volunteers with an interest in outdoor and classroom environmental education are needed to continue community outreach efforts at the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve. Responsibilities include:

• continue to implement ongoing environmental education programs in nearby communities.
• organize educational visits to the Lalo Loor reserve.
• work with local communities to develop education and training programs..
• develop educational mini-programs for tourists and school groups visiting the reserve..
• creating informational pamphlets on the reserve and its flora and fauna.

Applicants for this position should be independent, creative and speak spanish well. Prior experience in environmental education programs valuable. The volunteer will be housed in the reserve's new dormitory building.

Reforestation Program
Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve, Ecuador

Volunteers with a basic knowledge of trees and an interest in conservation or reforestation are needed to expand the existing reforestation program at the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve located on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. Responsibilities include:

• maintain new nursery facility.
• collecting tree seeds within and around the reserve.
• planting seeds and caring for seedlings (irrigation, liberation, etc.).
• install cattle fences to close access to reforestation and regeneration sites

Applicants for this position should be able to take direction and fit into an ongoing project. Spanish fluency is not required. This position involves physically strenuous work in a hot tropical climate while living in rustic conditions. This position is well suited to someone interested in conducting independent agroforestry, reforestation and/or parks management research in conjunction with their volunteership. The volunteer will be housed in the reserve's new dormitory building.

Trail Construction
Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve, Ecuador

Individuals are needed to plan and construct trails in a new tropical dry forest reserve on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. Responsibilities include:

• planning and flagging trail routes to access features and vegetation of interest
• clearing minimal vegetation necessary for trail construction using machete and/or chainsaw
• using proper trail construction techniques to avoid erosion and destruction of flora
• installing signs to guide visitors on trails
• constructing and installing handrails and benches where necessary
• measuring and mapping completed trails using compass, tape and measuring wheel

Applicants should be physically fit and able to conduct strenuous outdoor work in a hot tropical climate. Knowledge of using tools such as machetes and chainsaws and experience in construction helpful. Must be willing to learn sound trail construction practices and be practiced at using a compass to orient in remote areas. Spanish helpful but not required.

Nature Center Staff
El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Ecuador

A friendly, independent and outgoing individual with good organizational skills is needed to greet visitors and help out in the beautiful Nature Center at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, a protected montane forest in Ecuador.  Responsibilities include:

• greeting visitors and selling tickets
• orienting visitors
• organizing and maintaining records
• staffing the reception area
• creating and maintaining educational displays and materials
• assisting with daily operations of the nature center

Preference will given to those with previous nature reserve, managerial or tourism experience.  Spanish language ability a plus. 

Botanical Garden Staff
El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Ecuador

Individuals with horticultural experience, preferably with a knowledge of orchids and other tropical plants, are needed to assist in the care of plants and maintenance of the Botanical Garden at the El Pahuma reserve. Responsibilities include:

• general care and maintenance of the garden
• installation and care of plants
• transplanting or repotting plants
• tagging of displayed specimens
• guiding visitors when needed

Prior experience in botanical gardens, greenhouses, nurseries or the like would be extremely useful.  Previous experience working in forest parks and reserves or in environmental education centers also would be helpful, but is not necessary.  Knowledge of spanish beneficial, but not required.

Environmental Education Coordinator
El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Ecuador

A resourceful, personable and creative individual with artistic skills and a knowledge of biology is needed to work in El Pahuma's new Information Center. Responsibilities include:

• helping to carry out environmental education programs at El Pahuma
• planning, creating and installing educational displays on tropical montane forest ecosystems and orchids, in english and spanish
• organizing and maintaining educational resource materials in the Center
• planning, organizing and overseeing a program of guest speakers
• notifying local communities and schools of guest speakers and other educational events
• greeting visitors and assisting them with the use of educational resources in the center
• guiding school groups or other visitors when needed

Applicants must be able to speak Spanish fluently. Prior experience in environmental education valuable.

Trail Construction & Maintenance
El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Ecuador 

Individuals are needed to assist with the construction and maintenance of trails and other visitor facilities at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve. Help complete construction of a new trail and overlook at the Shunguyacu Waterfall. Responsibilities include:

• maintaining existing trails (repairing stairs, benches and handrails, maintaining drainage channels, removing litter, replacing gravel, etc.)
• clearing downed and encroaching vegetation
• creating wooden signs and installing them
• helping to building blinds and/or benches for wildlife viewing
• constructing a new trail in a steep area for access to the Shunguyacu waterfall
• installing new handrails, stairs and benches where needed
• assisting in other routine maintenance or construction tasks when needed

Applicants should be strong and physically fit, willing to do heavy work on steep slopes in a variety of weather conditions. Applicants should possess an interest in conservation of tropical montane forests, have knowledge of or willingness to learn sound trail construction practices, and be at ease living in simple conditions in rural areas.  Previous experience working in parks and reserves, or in forestry or construction a plus. Knowledge of spanish helpful, but not required.

Guidelines for Ceiba Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering your time and skills to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation.  The quality work of our volunteers greatly contributes to the success of Ceiba projects.  Like ourselves, our volunteers are committed to conservation and helping others, and recognize that each one of us must do our part to protect the environment.  This document details the general guidelines and policies for volunteers participating in Ceiba projects abroad.  We appreciate you taking the time to familiarize yourself with the conditions and guidelines for becoming a Ceiba volunteer.

Volunteers are required to conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner while participating in Ceiba projects or working at Ceiba sites.  Participants are expected to work responsibly to complete the tasks outlined in their position description to the best of their abilities.  Volunteers are requested to cite Ceiba and any Ceiba project locations (e.g., reserves, etc.) in any publications relating to work conducted while working on Ceiba-approved projects.  Participants must produce and submit a final written report on progress made during their volunteership, which must be received by Ceiba no later than 60 days after the ending date of their position.  Ceiba may request that volunteers submit intermediate progress reports from the field (most often by email) in the case of extended projects.  All participants are expected to provide Ceiba with copies of data, notes, maps, photos, recordings, theses or publications that result from your volunteership.  Participants are expected and encouraged to pass on their knowledge, and the information they have collected, to local people whenever possible, and to listen carefully to and incorporate the ideas and knowledge of local people.  If appropriate, you may organize workshops, seminars and other presentations, and should at all times strive to involve those with whom you routinely interact (landowners, local students, field assistants, et al.).  Finally, participants are encouraged to be prepared to be flexible, when situations arise that require adapting the initial description of your expected duties (after all, this is field work).

Volunteer Fees

Volunteers are responsible for their own housing and living expenses in Ecuador.  Ceiba will arrange low-cost housing and meals for you at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and other project sites.  Our newest project is in the coastal dry forest, at Hacienda Loor.  Fees for these expenses will be paid directly to Ceiba on or before the first of each month of your volunteership.  Latin American citizens (Central and South America), may be eligible for subsidized housing at Ceiba sites.

Basic rates for lodging with three meals a day at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve or the Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve are $100 per week or $400 per month. Additional days are pro-rated.  Payment for the application fee and volunteer costs may be made upon your arrival in Ecuador.

Ceiba will supply necessary equipment for completion of posted volunteer positions.  The exact materials to be supplied, and their use, will be elaborated upon once a volunteer has been approved and arrives on site.  In special cases, volunteers may be asked to provide necessary equipment; this may occur when volunteers are selected on the basis of a particular skill that relates to specific equipment, such as photographic equipment.  In special situations, food, local travel and other costs may be provided . If this is the case, it will be indicated in the specific position description.  Volunteers are responsible for supplying all unrelated and/or personal equipment (hiking boots, flashlight, etc.).

Liability and Insurance

Volunteers that work on Ceiba projects must submit a letter to Ceiba from their doctor certifying that they are in good health and can travel to a foreign country, prior to their arrival in Ecuador.  All volunteers should carry their own health insurance and sign a waiver to release Ceiba from responsibility for any illness, accident, or injury incurred during their stay in Ecuador.  Many of our positions involve field work that will require you to be in good physical condition.  Consult the specific position description to assess the physical demands of your position.  Volunteers should consult their local physician or travel health agency to obtain necessary or recommended vaccinations for travel and work abroad.

Duration and Work Schedules

A one week minimum commitment is required, but volunteers can extend their stay for up to 3 months or more with prior approval from Ceiba.  Please note that an extended visa is required to remain in Ecuador for more than 90 days.

Volunteers are expected to work 5 days per week, though not necessarily Monday through Friday.  Specific work schedules will depend on the position for which the volunteer is applying, for example many positions at El Pahuma require volunteers to work on Saturday and Sunday when visitation is highest.  Volunteers are expected to work an average of 8 hours per day, depending on the position and activities assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants for a volunteership with Ceiba should have a strong interest in conservation and related human issues, and be willing to undertake difficult and sometimes tedious outdoor work in a tropical climate under sometimes rustic living conditions.  While university study is not required, certain positions will require certain knowledge or specific skills.  Spanish language ability may be required for some but not all positions. See current volunteerships for specific requirements for each position.

Termination

Volunteerships will automatically terminate on the ending date specified in your application.  Occasionally, volunteerships may be extended or renewed.  Please arrange for extensions in writing at least 2 weeks prior to your ending date.  Ceiba reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer from a project site for any reason deemed sufficient by Ceiba.  Persons subject to dismissal will be notified in writing of the termination of their volunteership or the reasons for expulsion.  Expulsion of participants may result from cases such as:  1) abuse of position as a Ceiba volunteer, 2) misuse of facilities, 3) improper professional or personal conduct, 4) misrepresentation of Ceiba and its goals, and 5) violation of Ceiba policies such as reserve management guidelines.  To date, we have never had cause to dismiss a volunteer  We are confident in the qualifications and professionalism of all our volunteers and provide these guidelines so that volunteers are aware of our policy.

Arrival

Please let Ceiba know your exact travel itinerary as soon as you have made travel arrangements. A Ceiba representative may be able to meet you at the airport, although project-related travel may necessitate you providing your own transportation to the site of your volunteership. On your first day on site you will be oriented to the project, introduced to people you will be working with, and assisted in any preparations. Travel within project site countries is normally arranged by bus. Upon your acceptance to the volunteer program, you will receive more detailed travel and arrival information.  If you have additional questions regarding travel to and within your project site country, please contact us.

A Message to Volunteers

Volunteering your services on an international conservation project can be an experience you will never forget.  While it is the opportunity to contribute to a worthwhile cause or to get to know a foreign country in greater depth that initially attracts potential volunteers, the challenges and rewards gained from working with local people to find creative solutions to complex problems are remembered most by volunteers after completing their assignments.  The experience of working in a foreign country, and making a meaningful contribution to issues important to you, can invigorate your confidence in your own abilities; likewise, participating in an ongoing conservation program can renew your faith in the capacity of people to work together to make a difference in their lives and their environment.  Ceiba deeply appreciates the value of the work contributed by our volunteers.  Many of our most important discoveries and project advancements have been made by our volunteers!  We hope that your position will challenge and stimulate you, and that you will count your own self-development among the benefits of your volunteership.  It is our sincere wish that your participation with Ceiba will have a meaningful and lasting effect not only on the project with which you will work, but also on yourself and the choices you will make in your future.

Volunteer Application Instructions

Our volunteer program operates under a set of guidelines to ensure that both the volunteer and the recipient project enjoy the maximum gain from the interchange.  Volunteers provide assistance to ongoing projects, and also serve as representatives of international culture and their home country in particular.  Please read the above conditions and guidelines carefully before applying to one of Ceiba's volunteer positions.

To apply, send the following materials to Ceiba by fax or email:

1. Volunteer application form (PDF form and save onto your hard disk; fill out all fields and save before sending by email, fax or standard mail).
2. Your CV (curriculum vitae) or resume.
3. A passport photo (if you wish to be met at the airport).

Application Form (PDF - 135 Kb)

Applicants also must pay a $40 fee for processing the application, this fee and the cost of your volunteership may be paid at Ceiba's office in Quito (contact Ceiba for details).  Please send all other materials to:

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
Volunteer Coordinator
2319 North Cleveland
Chicago, IL 60614
Fax: (773) 871-3798
Email Ceiba

You will be notified within one month of receipt of all your application materials if your application has been approved.  We may request to interview you, particularly for positions that require specific skills.  Due to the volume of applicants, negative replies will not be mailed, however you may contact Ceiba at your convenience to check on the status of your application.

Ceiba's Mission and Goals

The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of tropical habitats, and the conservation of their plants and animals.  Our mission is to sponsor scientific research, provide public education and support community-based actions that promote the conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.  Ceiba's specific objectives are:  1) support community-based wildlife and habitat conservation efforts in tropical South and Central America, 2) implement resource management practices that maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, 3) teach applied ecology and management principles in field courses, seminars and technical training workshops, 4) monitor the impacts of human land uses on ecosystems, habitats and species diversity, and 5) facilitate communication between conservation organizations, farmers, scientists, and resource managers.