The research assistant (RA) is a long-term volunteer job whom supports the work and data collection of the different investigations of Pacuare Reserve: sea turtles, Agami heron, jaguars and monkeys, among others.
 

Research Assistants (RA) will be trained in sea turtle monitoring techniques and the primary responsibilities will include leading night beach censuses, conducting morning beach surveys, tagging sea turtles and collecting data, relocating and excavating nests, train new volunteers, manage the database, building and being in charge of the sea turtle hatcheries.

Monitoring activities are carried out along 6 km (3.7 miles) of nesting beach. RAs will be in charge of leading visitors and/or groups of students while on the beach, explaining the beach protocol and supervising them on the process of data collection. RAs are expected to participate in other activities carried out by the Reserve like personal research projects, environmental education activities, talks and workshops with students and visitors, beach cleaning, recycling projects, or other needs of the station. RAs are expected to work 8-10 hours throughout day and/or night, often with little sleep. Beach censuses require walking on soft sand and under the rain, therefore, a good physical condition is a requirement for the RA position.

The position has duration of three or four months with the possibility of extending the period based on the execution of activities and performance. The volunteer must choose one of three teams of assistants to participate during the season.