Lend A Helping Hand - Become
a CFTC Volunteer!

Why Volunteer for CFTC?

Gain valuable experience! Being a volunteer for CFTC is a great way to get hands-on experience in conservation, environmental education, scientific research, natural resources management, botany, horticulture and more!  Volunteer work can help build your resume with skills valued by employers and academic institutions.

Live in a foreign country!  Most of our volunteers will be placed in Ecuador, a vibrant South American country rich in culture, history and biodiversity.  Ecuador is among the safest and most friendly developing countries, a perfect place to live and gain new perspectives.

Learn spanish!  Our volunteers are immersed in local communities and work directly with local people in rural areas.  Very few people in these areas speak english, but they are friendly and patient with our volunteers as they learn spanish.  Many locals also are keenly interested in learning english.  Previous volunteers have taken intensive spanish training prior to or during their CFTC volunteership -- contact CFTC for suggestions.

Contribute to conservation!  CFTC 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 can make tangible and lasting contributions to conservation by assisting in the establishment and management of nature reserves, helping with biological inventories, providing community environmental education and many other projects.

Current Volunteer Positions

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. A minimum o­ne month commitment is requested.

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.

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.

Community Computer Training
Communities of Nanegalito, Calacalí, or Pedernales, Ecuador

Individual fluent in Spanish and with a basic knowledge of PC computer hardware, operating systems and software are needed to provide basic computer training in local gradeschools and highschools. Responsibilities include:

• setting up donated computer hardware systems in local schools or community centers.
• installing operating systems and other software
• planning, organizing and carrying out training workshops in basic computer use and software programs (often older versions) such as Word and Excel
• provide training o­n internet use and an overview of internet resources
• possibility of teaching basic english as well.

Applicants for this position must demonstrate Spanish proficiency by including a letter from a Spanish instructor or native Spanish speaker certifying their command of the language.

Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve Management
Pedernales, Ecuador

Volunteers with interest in and knowledge of park and reserve management are needed to help manage the new Lalo Loor Dry Forest reserve located o­n the Pacific Coast of Ecuador. Responsibilities include:

• assisting with daily operation and maintenance of the reserve.
• greeting and assisting visitors.
• creating signs to post the boundaries, entrance and trails.
• assisting with construction of the new trail system and other reserve infrastructure.
• creating informational pamphlets o­n the reserve and its flora and fauna.
• planning and writing grant proposals and other fundraising for reserve development
• working with the landowner and local community to plan pasture improvement and reforestation activities and/or pilot projects.

Applicants for this position should be independent, creative and speak spanish well. 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, tropical pasture management and/or parks management research in conjunction with their volunteership. The volunteer will be housed in the reserve's new dormitory building. A minimum 1 month commitment is requested.

Tree Nursery Establishment
Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve, Ecuador

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

• building the new nursery facility.
• collecting tree seeds.
• planting seeds and caring for seedlings.

Applicants for this position should be independent, creative and speak spanish very well. 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. A minimum 1 month commitment is requested.

Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve Trail Construction
Pedernales, 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.

General Responsibilities of CFTC Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering your time and skills to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation (CFTC).  The quality work of our volunteers greatly contributes to the success of CFTC 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 CFTC projects abroad.  We appreciate you taking the time to familiarize yourself with the conditions and guidelines for becoming a CFTC volunteer.

Volunteers are required to conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner while participating in CFTC projects or working at CFTC 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 CFTC and any CFTC project locations (e.g., reserves, etc.) in any publications relating to work conducted while working o­n CFTC-approved projects.  Participants must produce and submit a final written report o­n progress made during their volunteership, which must be received by CFTC no later than 60 days after the ending date of their position.  CFTC 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 CFTC 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.  CFTC 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 CFTC 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 CFTC 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 $380 per month. Additional days are pro-rated.  Please contact CFTC for rates for volunteering in Quito.

CFTC 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 CFTC projects must submit a letter to CFTC 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 CFTC 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 CFTC.  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 CFTC 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.  CFTC reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer from a project site for any reason deemed sufficient by CFTC.  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 CFTC volunteer, 2) misuse of facilities, 3) improper professional or personal conduct, 4) misrepresentation of CFTC and its goals, and 5) violation of CFTC 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 CFTC know your exact travel itinerary as soon as you have made travel arrangements. A CFTC 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.  CFTC 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 CFTC 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 CFTC's volunteer positions.

Click here to fill out our o­nline application NOW!

To apply, send the following materials to CFTC at the address below:

1. Volunteer information coversheet (download as pdf file).
2. Your CV (curriculum vitae) or resume.
3. A passport photo (you may send this by email as a .jpg image).
4. $20 processing fee (check or money order in U.S. dollars, nonrefundable).

You may email or fax items 1-3, but we must receive your application fee by regular mail before your application will be considered.  Applicants who are already in Ecuador may submit the materials and application fee at CFTC's office in Quito (contact CFTC for details).  Please send all materials to:

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

To see all current job openings with GLOBAL VISION please click:   About Us  /  link: Recruitment