Turtle Program Coordinator - Costa Rica

Lead Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

Location: Cahuita & Kekoldi, Costa Rica | Start Date: 1 March 2026 | Duration: March – August 2026 (with the possibility of extension)

🌊 TURN YOUR PASSION FOR WILDLIFE INTO IMPACT

You’re passionate about wildlife, thrive in challenging field environments, and want to take on a leadership role with real purpose. You’re confident guiding others, managing logistics, and living close to nature.

At GVI Costa Rica, we’re looking for a dedicated Turtle Program Coordinator to lead our sea turtle conservation program. You’ll oversee daily fieldwork, support a small team of participants, and ensure our conservation and community objectives are met safely, effectively, and with heart.

This is a hands-on leadership role in one of the most beautiful coastal areas of Costa Rica - ideal for someone who loves the ocean, wildlife, and empowering others to make a difference.

✨ WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The Turtle Program is one of GVI’s most impactful and independent initiatives in Costa Rica. As Coordinator, you’ll lead sea turtle patrols, manage data collection, and mentor volunteers and interns who’ve travelled from across the world to take part in conservation.

You’ll also work closely with our local conservation partners and help strengthen GVI’s contribution to protecting endangered species and coastal ecosystems.

Your leadership directly determines the success of the program - making this one of our most rewarding and influential field positions.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Leading sea turtle surveys and monitoring in Cahuita and the surrounding beaches
• Overseeing daily fieldwork operations and ensuring data quality and safety
• Training, guiding, and mentoring volunteers and interns in turtle and wildlife research
• Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with conservation partners
• Managing program logistics, accommodation, and equipment maintenance
• Overseeing participant wellbeing and supporting a positive group dynamic
• Coordinating cooking and daily duties alongside participants
• Contributing marketing content and updates from the field (photos, reports, posts)
• Assisting with biodiversity surveys (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) during and after turtle season

🚀 WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or related field
• 1+ year of experience working with sea turtles
• 1+ year of leadership experience managing groups in field environments
• Strong knowledge of conservation principles and turtle monitoring methods
• Physically fit and resilient — able to work long hours outdoors in heat and humidity
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
• Passion for conservation, teamwork, and cultural exchange

Bonus if you also have:

• Previous GVI experience or similar conservation program experience
• Emergency First Response or First Aid certification
• Conversational Spanish

🌴 LIVING & WORKING CONDITIONS

You’ll be primarily based in Cahuita, near the beach, about a 50-minute walk from town, living alongside your turtle team and participants. You’ll also collaborate regularly with the Kekoldi base, located in the rainforest.

🏠 Accommodation & Meals:

• Private room in shared field housing
• Wi-Fi available (signal strength varies)
• Meals provided or prepared with participants (shared cooking rotation)

💼 Schedule:

• Monday to Friday, with weekend rotations for patrols or participant support
• Field-based work throughout the turtle nesting season (March–August)

🎉 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Monthly salary
• Accommodation and food provided
• Visa renewal and emergency medical insurance covered
• Training and leadership development opportunities
• Access to in-house wellbeing support
• Growth opportunities across GVI’s global network of field hubs

🌱 WORKING AT GVI

At GVI, we’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. We operate award-winning conservation and community programs across 13 countries - all aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Working at GVI means joining a community that values passion, authenticity, and innovation, where every role contributes to a sustainable future for all.

Click here to see what the team is up to!

🎥 Watch what life at GVI looks like
👥 Meet our team
🌍 Explore GVI

✅ YOUR NEXT STEP

If you’re ready to lead meaningful fieldwork, grow your conservation career, and make a tangible impact for sea turtles and coastal ecosystems, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining why this role is the perfect fit for you.

Kindly note: While we do our best to respond to all applicants, if you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. We’d still love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!

SDG Impact