ARCAS Environmental Internship Position: Environmental Intern Description of ARCAS:
ARCAS is a non-profit Guatemalan NGO formed in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan citizens who became concerned as they saw their precious natural heritage - especially their wildlife - rapidly disappearing before their eyes. ARCASs main project sites are: Guatemala City, Petén, and Hawaii on the Southern Pacific Coast. ARCAS Hawaii is a 3-hectare protected area located on the Southwest Pacific Coast of Guatemala. 2kms West of Hawaii and 7kms east of the Eco-resort town of Monterrico. The Park consists of a large, comfortable rancho as well as two volunteer houses, kitchen, library/office, bathrooms and access to internet. Overview of Internship: ARCAS is searching for interns with enthusiasm and dedication to sea turtle conservation and community development. This position offers a unique, hands-on experience in a beautiful remote area on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. This eight-month, non-paid internship allows for individuals to make an immediate impact on environmental conservation. Responsibilities: The three main sections each intern will be responsible for are as follows: 1. Environmental Education This position requires interns to work with the 6 different schools of the area, in facilitating classes of environmental education and English weekly. Developing and organizing education activities and events to raise awareness of environmental issues. Promote awareness and importance of trash management investigate strategies to mitigate the issue. 2. Volunteer Assistance This position requires the intern to train and work alongside new volunteers in guiding them through the practices here at ARCAS i.e. patrolling, hatchery baby checks, exhumations and reforestation. 3. Ecotourism and public relations Leading guided tours through ARCAS for visitors and tourists. Promoting and fundraising for ARCAS through forms of social media and website development. Requirements: Self-motivatedandproactive, Academic background in conservation,environmental studies or biology, Speak intermediate Spanish, Good communication skills, Must enjoy working with kids, Able to live in a remote village, Flexibility in working hours (hard and long hours especially during high season August-November) Ability to plan and manage time effectively, Driving license (Standard mechanic) Comfortable with rules of the park i.e. no drinking, drugs, no sentimental relationships with volunteers while they are in the program, unauthorized people allowed in park without confirmation by Director or Volunteer Coordinator. This internship is unpaid for a period of eight months (June-January). Required payments $120.00/week for the first month and then $90.00/week for the second (based off of work ethic and engagement, we will discuss further discounts). This includes housing, meals, phone bill, internet, and costs of materials needed for the programs. In addition, 8 free days/month depending upon necessities of the park.
