from 633€

Outstanding 4.9rating (34)

Biological Research Assistant

location
1 - 19 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Get hands-on experience collecting information and data for biological research on different types of wildlife in Costa Rica.
  • This project has a real effect! In the past seasons, the center has successfully protected over 140 sea turtle nests and released more than 5000 hatchlings.
  • Help to educate local people about nature and conservation when they visit the research center.
  • Go on expeditions in the beautiful nature of Costa Rica with the friends you make during the project.
  • Find out if nature and conservation is the major for you for your studies or work.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Are you interested in biology, wildlife and nature? Do you want to learn more about research and get hands-on field experience? Then you should volunteer for this project

As a volunteer or intern on this project, you will help the biological research center to collect more information and data about sea turtles, mammals, crocodiles,  butterflies and other wildlife. The projects runs the whole year around, except for the sea turtle project which is seasonally ...

About the program

As a volunteer or intern on this project, you will help the biological research center to collect more information and data about sea turtles, mammals, crocodiles,  butterflies and other wildlife. The projects runs the whole year around, except for the sea turtle project which is seasonally restricted from June until December. The peak of turtle nesting season is in September, October and November. 

During your stay, you will help the staff members of the research center, together with the other volunteers and interns. Before you participate on the projects, you will receive training about the pieces of equipment you will use, duties during the project and proper behavior. The volunteers and interns will always work with an experienced staff member of the research center. They will show you the proper scientific work methods you need to use

Sea Turtles

The sea turtle project runs from July to January and you can help in the hatchery and patrolling the beach during that time. There are four potential species of sea turtles, which can be seen nesting at the South Pacific beaches: Olive Ridley, Black, Leatherback and Hawksbill. However, all these species are in danger of extinction. Playa Tortuga beach, the beach nearby the research center, is an Olive Ridley beach. Although, it is possible that other species can be seen on this beach. 

In the past seasons the research center has successfully protected over 140 sea turtle nests and released more than 5000 hatchlings (each nest has about 100 eggs). During turtle season, nests are moved to the hatchery where they are observed and constantly protected. The researchers and volunteers collect important data about the biology of the nests and make sure that the hatchlings arrive safely in the ocean.

Mammal Research

Another important aspect of the biological research center is the mammal research project, an important study because these species are important for the dynamic balance of the forest. The mammal research is conducted during the whole year. The reserve around the biological research center has over 11 species of mammals, such as raccoons, coatis, kinkajous, weasels, river otters, tayra and monkeys. The researchers and volunteers collect data on the mammals with camera traps and by studying their behavior, and they constantly collect information about their local distribution and movements.

Caimans and Crocodiles

Another great research project is the caiman and crocodile project, which aims at gathering information about their distribution, their relationship with the environment, and human impacts on the ecosystem.  This is also ongoing throughout the whole year. 

The research center wants an initial profile of the population of crocodiles. By adding new information about the crocodiles’ current status, the conservation and management of this species can be improved. Information about local movements of mammals can be used in reforestation plans for the coastal area.

Environmental Education and Butterflies

The butterfly garden of the Biological Research Center offers visitors to see butterflies and learn about their behavior. This, too, is ongoing during the whole year. The butterfly garden is an educational alternative for tourists, but also for the whole surrounding community. Often school kids come and visit the center, and you can help educating them about nature, butterflies, and conservation. Visitors of the garden can learn more about the butterfly cycle of life, metamorphosis, anatomy, physiology, senses, food, ecologic nice and many more.

Green Life Volunteers partners with the Biological Research Center to provide them with more researchers and volunteers to help with ongoing research projects and also establishing new research.

Volunteer’s responsibilities include: 

  • Help with ongoing research projects, such as the turtle, mammal, crocodile and butterfly research
  • Install cameras in the reserve, check the cameras for activities and replace the batteries of the cameras
  • (Nocturnal) monitoring of the animals
  • Counting of the animals
  • Marking of the animals and their locations
  • Capturing of the species
  • Help in the hatchery at night and during the day
  • Patrol beaches during sea turtle season to collect eggs and bring them to the hatchery
  • Release baby turtles into the ocean once hatched
  • Other research project help – whatever is ongoing at the biological research center
Green life volunteers' position
Green Life Volunteers expects volunteers and interns to respect the areas in which you are working as well as
your project leaders, members of the community and other volunteers/ interns. In case you are experiencing troubles or conflicts, we'd rather know sooner than later if there is anything that is not working for you and we want to make you as comfortable as possible. Having said that, we cannot stress enough that flexibility and being positive and open-minded will go a long way in ensuring an enjoyable volunteer or intern experience.

Green Life Volunteers is available if you have any issues or need any help during your project. We are located in Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. However, you can always call or email us. We take good customer service very seriously, and we want you to feel comfortable from the beginning till the end of your time in Costa Rica. We will provide you with a 24-hour emergency number that you can call from your project site in case you need to speak to a Green Life Volunteers staff. Our staff will check in on you throughout your stay. We will make sure no miscommunication errors are happening and we are there to explain and solve problems.

We will also help you during your sign-up process to arrange your transport and arrival in San Jose! We will help you book your hostel, arrange airport shuttle pick-ups to the hostel, and guide you on how to get to your project location.



Typical day

During your volunteer time or internship, you will work for 5 to 6 days a week for around 6-8 hours a day. The volunteers and interns can work more hours during their volunteer time/ internship if they desire. Also, volunteers and interns can choose the project they want to work on. However, there ...

Typical day

During your volunteer time or internship, you will work for 5 to 6 days a week for around 6-8 hours a day. The volunteers and interns can work more hours during their volunteer time/ internship if they desire. Also, volunteers and interns can choose the project they want to work on. However, there are only eight spots for the sea turtle project during the season. The different types of activities can be found in the detailed description.

You will need to prepare your own food throughout the day, together with the volunteer coordinator. Usually breakfast is early around 6.30 am, lunch between 12 and 1; and dinner between 6 and 7 p.m. You will have coffee and other snacks available at the project throughout the day as well – just talk to the research center about your needs.



Free-time activities

Ojochal is a very warm and welcoming village on the Puntarenas of Costa Rica. There is plenty to do around the Puntarenas, and the staff of the research center can help you organize activities around Ojochal during your project time. 

Activities may be surfing, paddle boarding, hikes, bird watching, ...

Free-time activities

Ojochal is a very warm and welcoming village on the Puntarenas of Costa Rica. There is plenty to do around the Puntarenas, and the staff of the research center can help you organize activities around Ojochal during your project time. 

Activities may be surfing, paddle boarding, hikes, bird watching, zip-lining, visiting Marino Ballena National Park, visiting Manual Antonio National Park and much more. You can also visit other cities nearby Ojochal. You may visit Dominical or Uvita, which are popular for their beaches. There will be several volunteers and interns at the research center at the same time, often they form groups to do some weekend activities together. Or you may decide that you would like to venture off on your own – either way, the staff members of the research center will be there to help you to get things set up! If you want to do any activities before or after your volunteer time / internship you can also contact Green Life Volunteers. Just ask Green Life Volunteers or the research center during or before your volunteer time / internship!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

An ideal volunteer/intern on the ‘Biological Research Center’ project wants to learn more about the exotic animals and nature of Costa Rica. Also, the volunteer has to enjoy physical labor and being outside. You do not need a degree for this project.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Green Life Volunteers

An organizational fee is included in the first week’s fee and covers the “behind the scenes costs”, such as staff salaries, office space rental, transaction and bank fees, and more. Our weekly fee for additional weeks covers the costs of your host family or project accommodation and food, the local staff on your project, and a donation to help with the daily running costs of the program you will help on.

Not included in our fee are:
  • Your first and last night in San Jose in a hostel
  • Travel to and from the international airport (airport shuttles are around 30$ each way to San Jose - We can set this up for you, just ask us during sign-up)
  • Travel to the project site (usually by public buses, which are from around 10-16$ one way)
  • National/ International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa costs
  • Any additional food or snacks beside the meals provided
  • Extra-curricular activities

Accommodation

The Biological Research Project offers shared (separated by gender) dormitory rooms with bunk beds.

You’ll share the accommodation with your fellow volunteers. The volunteer house offers accommodation for 15 volunteers and/or interns. Besides the “standard” rooms, there is also a room for a handicapped person and there are two rooms for couples. The rooms have a closet, mosquito nets in the window and a fan.

Food & Beverages

Food in Costa Rica is simple but delicious, and you will have access to a great variety of fruits, veggies, and dairy products in Costa Rica. Meals at your volunteer house often include rice and beans; other common items include tortillas, salads, chicken, fish, pork, beef, pasta, soups, cereals, sandwiches, cheese, fruits, veggies and fresh-squeezed juices. The research center provides you with food to make/ prepare your own meals, and also includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. You must prepare your own meals or do this together with other volunteers/interns. Vegetarians should have no problems with the diet in Costa Rica, since there are a lot of fruit and veggies available.

You’ll all eat together in a common space at certain hours. Breakfast is usually around 6-7am, lunch is around 12pm, and dinner is around 6 -7pm.

Nonetheless, it is important to let us know about any dietary needs in advance so the research center is notified and they can prepare accordingly. Those who follow a vegan diet should note that tofu is not readily available in Costa Rica.


Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This volunteering program is year-round! The ongoing research projects change throughout the year, so the experience of every volunteer is new and very versatile.
The working schedule is 5-6 days a week for 6-8 hours a day. There is a minimum stay of one week.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 633€
2 weeks 944€
3 weeks 1,255€
4 weeks 1,565€
6 weeks 2,187€
8 weeks 2,809€
19 weeks (max. stay) 6,230€
Average fees 480€/week

Program fees

480€ per week 1 - 19 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 19 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Green Life Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Green Life Volunteers

Outstanding 4.9 rating (34 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2012

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Janina

About the project

A small non-profit organization aims at providing affordable volunteering programs and improving the living standard of local peoples in Costa Rica

Meet your organization

Our goal is to provide power to small rural elementary schools around the Osa that are off-grid and without power. Furthermore we educate the local community about solar.

Who we are? 

Green Life Volunteers (GLV) is a small registered non-profit organization in Costa Rica, run by Janina Schan, the founder and manager, and dedicated Interns and volunteers. Janina founded GLV in 2012, after working already in the volunteer industry in Costa Rica for around a year. Our interns are students from Universities that need the internship to graduate, to conduct research, or they really just want to gain experience.

What we do?

Green Life Volunteers is a volunteer service organization placing volunteers in projects around Costa Rica. Some of the projects are created by GLV such as the Solar Power Project, and others are projects offered by other non-profit organisations, such as our Turtle Conservation. The projects we collaborate with are in need of help and have experience working with volunteers – which guarantees you to have a great time and an awesome experience. The projects are always run by local members of the community, non-profit, and with a benefit for people, nature, or animals.

Where we work?

We offer our volunteer placements in Costa Rica. Upon entering Costa Rica you will be granted a 90 day Tourist Visa* if you wish to stay longer  than the 90 days you will need to leave the country for 72 hours – offering a good excuse to  jump across the border and see neighbouring countries Panama or Nicaragua! This is an easy process and we will provide you with all the information you need on how to do this. Residents of USA, Canada, the EU, Australia and New Zealand are given 90 days Visa. For all other countries check with your embassy.

If you are travelling to Costa Rica from South America or Saharan Africa you will be required to have the Yellow Fever vaccination.  

Costa Rica is the most developed country in Central America and attracts over 2 million tourists each year! With tourism being its highest source of income Costa Rica has been sculpted to welcome and make life easier and safer for tourists. Families, youngsters and solo travellers are most welcome. As a country Costa Rica is a stable democracy. Medical care is modern and the tab-water is safe to drink.

Our mission/vision

We are a volunteer service organization placing volunteers in local non-profit organizations which are run by members of the local community and most importantly are in real need of help. GLV makes sure that every project has a positive impact on the local people, on the community, and the local animals and nature.

Our goals / Objective

Green Life Volunteers  provides non-profit organizations with volunteers who bring the man-power and know-how needed for their conservation or social development efforts. GLV makes sure that every project has a positive impact on the local people, on the community, and the local wildlife and nature.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for open minded individuals who love animals, conservation and social development. For us you’re not just a number - every volunteer has specific wishes, needs, and expectations, and we work hard to find the right volunteer work for you!

Why choose us?

We work with projects which are in need of actual help! Most organizations in Costa Rica make up “fake” projects which are entirely run by foreigners, make no actual difference and have no impact on the surrounding communities. You’ll spend large sums of money that go directly into foreigners pockets – no income and no benefit is made to any local community member.

We make sure and GUARANTEE that our projects are: local, grassroot, non-profit organizations, run by members of the local community, registered and licensed, and most importantly – IN ACTUAL NEED OF HELP!

34 reviews · rating4.9

Andrew & Ettore rating5

2021 at Biological Research Assistant

My son and husband participated in the Green Life’s biological research station volunteer program during the Christmas holidays. I cannot express our gratitude for the excellent experience they had. They are both naturalists and animal enthusiasts. They had a wonderful time and learned a lot from ...
Samantha rating5

2016 at Biological Research Assistant

It’s been about 2 and a half weeks since I got to Costa Rica, and I’m already dreading going home in just 11 days! I chose to take part in the projects at the Biological Research Center (Reserva Playa Tortuga) in Ojochal, Costa Rica. Ojochal is just a small town on the Pacific coast but me and ...
Paul rating5

2024 at National Park Ranger

I spent the first morning with a staff member building a steel bed frame so I would have a bed. They did outfit the bed very nicely for me with bed sheets and a proper mosquito netting. Most of the accommodation is under a roof in open air setting. My last three nights they moved me to a cabin ...
Rozelijn rating5

2024 at Work in Turtle Conservation

I volunteered for two weeks at the Mariposa camp in Carate for turtle conservation, and these were absolutely two of the most special weeks of my life. I would recommend the COPROT camps to anyone who wants to experience this beautiful life in one of the most rural and biologically diverse places on ...
Fred Baron rating4.6

2024 at Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Center

We sent our 18 year old son to the Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue center for a week stay. Once past the little home sickness, he had a blast taking care of the various animals, preparing the food and feeding them, cleaning, etc. The center is also organizing many activities to keep the teenagers ...
Adilene Armenta Tovar rating4.2

2024 at Veterinary Internship

I highly recommend this internship if you are looking for hands-on from the very first day, Doctor Ricardo is amazing and always willing to teach and explain things, but you will be spending most of your day helping his vet assistant Karla, she is very kind and also very knowledgeable, also a great ...

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