Current Opportunities
We welcome visitors regardless of their background — all we ask for is a positive attitude, desire to learn, and a strong work ethos
Available positions
Internships
Interns join us for a minimum of 6 weeks, often specialising in one research area, but always supporting across all research programmes.
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Interns typically have a bachelor degree in a related subject (biology, ecology etc) or are working towards one. They often join us as part of their Masters programmes — we facilitate and support their research projects with access to study sites and long-term datasets, and they contribute to the running of existing monitoring programmes.
To cover room and board, interns contribute US$255 per week.
For 2025, we are currently recruiting for marine turtle, ornithology, mammal, and mixed taxa interns (who work across all programmes).
Volunteers
Volunteers join us for a minimum of two weeks and support across our research programmes, depending on needs at the time of visiting.
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Volunteers are not required to have a science background, but most be committed to work long and intense hours to contribute to our research programmes.
To cover room and board, volunteers contribute $310 per week (if staying <4 weeks), or $255 (if staying 4 weeks or longer).
We have a limited amount of space at the station, so if you want to join us in 2025, get in touch as soon as possible.
What to expect
Whether you are considering applying to be an intern or a volunteer, we ask that potential visitors understand the physical requirements of the type of work we require.
Both living and working in the rainforest will expose visitors to extreme weather (including thunderstorms, heat, and humidity) and inevitable interactions with wildlife (including spiders, snakes, and biting insects). Many of our projects are physically demanding, and require visitors to walk for hours at a time in extreme heat and humidity, often during heavy rain.
Overnight turtle work in particular requires 6+ hours of walking in the dark on the beach, and processing turtles requires the ability to physically engage with a large, wild animal. Working in these conditions requires a level of physical fitness, and should be considered by individuals looking to apply.
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Fees can be paid in advance of your trip or upon arrival at CPBS.
Fees must be paid in USD or CRC. If you are paying in person, please note there are no banks in the town of Tortuguero. As such, we are unable to accept travelers cheques or credit cards.
Costa Rica is very particular about the state of currency - when arranging U.S. cash for your trip, be sure to ask your bank for clean bills, absolutely free of tiny tears, nicks, or writing. Currency seen as damaged will likely be refused in-country.
