Volunteer Application

The Conservation Volunteer will be a caretaker at our Macaw Breeding Center during the non-breeding season. After a training period, the applicant will be given responsibility to care for a group of Macaws. Depending on the successes of the previous breeding season this includes caring for offspring and preparing them for release into the wild.

Duties:

• Daily food preparation and feeding of captive breeding birds, pre-release birds and supplementary feeding of the released flock.
• Regular site maintenance including aviary cleaning, providing perches and enrichment for captive birds and various other husbandry tasks.
• Monitoring the health and behavior of captive birds
• Different general maintenance or development tasks may be assigned depending on our current needs and the skills and abilities of different volunteers.
• Keeping clean and organizing the common areas of the volunteer houses, follow the cleaning instructions.

Background:

No previous experience or academic background in Biology is needed. However, applicants with a background in animal care/veterinary or carpentry/construction are preferred.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work 6 days a week. From 5:30am until 5:00pm with a three-hour break.

Duration of Work:

The minimum duration is one month with a maximum of 6 months. General availability is from the beginning of August through the end of December (some flexibility possible).

Anticipated Costs:

All international and national travel costs to initially get to the site are the responsibility of the applicant. However, once on site, accommodation, daily transport, and utilities are provided at no cost. All team members buy and prepare their own food, for this we recommend you budget for at least $40 per week, or more if you like luxuries. Comprehensive insurance cover for the entire stay is a must, and it should be arranged and paid for by the applicant.

The MRN Conservation Internship offers young professionals an immersive four-month experience, designed under the principle of learning by doing. It is a 100% hands-on experience that combines field training with direct participation in the Bird Program, specifically at our Breeding Center.

Throughout the internship, participants not only gain technical knowledge but also develop real skills by actively engaging in conservation projects that generate a tangible impact on the protection and recovery of macaw populations. In particular, they contribute to the conservation efforts for the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus), a species listed as critically endangered.

Through this internship, participants will:

• Contribute to the conservation efforts for the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) through active participation in the activities carried out at the Breeding Center.
• Develop practical competencies in veterinary medicine, psittacine management, and animal welfare through direct participation in the procedures, protocols, and daily activities of the Breeding Center.
• Apply scientific monitoring methodologies to record, analyze, and interpret information related to the behavior, ecology, and reproductive biology of the Great Green Macaw, using tools and technologies employed in conservation programs.
• Gain hands-on experience in ex situ conservation processes and preparing individuals for reintroduction, including environmental enrichment activities, pre-release training, translocation, and the technical-administrative management associated with the movement of psittacines.
• Strengthen professional skills through an interdisciplinary experience that encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Internship Structure:

Duration: 4 months

Participants: Maximum of 6 interns per program period.

The Conservation Internship is designed under the principle of learning by doing, so learning takes place primarily through active participation in the daily activities of the Bird Program, specifically at MRN’s Breeding Center.

During the four months of the internship, participants will gain hands-on experience by integrating into the technical team’s daily work, developing competencies in the following areas:

1. Veterinary medicine and psittacine management: participation in veterinary procedures, management protocols, animal welfare, biosecurity, and daily care of macaws under human care.
2. Translocation and movement processes: learning the technical, legal, and administrative procedures related to the transfer of psittacines, as well as the biological criteria that support these processes.
3. Ecology and reproductive biology: participation in activities related to monitoring the reproductive cycle, reproductive behavior, and ecological aspects of the Great Green Macaw.
4. Behavioral monitoring and data management: standardized recording and analysis of bird behavior using technological tools such as ZooMonitor and other platforms used to support conservation decision-making.
5. Pre-release training: participation in the design and implementation of environmental enrichment activities and preparation exercises that foster the natural behaviors needed for the future reintroduction of individuals into the

As a complement to the hands-on experience, the program may include technical talks, specialized demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions led by MRN professionals or external guests, subject to availability.

The learning experiences include:

• Direct participation in operational activities
• Mentoring and learning alongside the technical staff
• Hands-on demonstrations and explanations in the field or aviaries
• Occasional discussion and learning sessions with specialists

Examples of hands-on activities:

• Preparing diets for the birds
• Daily feeding and assistance with aviary cleaning
• Setting up enrichment (perches, foliage, toys)
• Assisting with pre-release training processes
• Handling and transferring birds between aviaries
• Recording and managing program data

This opportunity may be right for you if:

• You’re a student or recent graduate in biology, veterinary medicine, natural resource management, environmental education, or related fields.
• Have a demonstrated interest in biodiversity conservation, ideally with prior (though not required) experience in wildlife handling, volunteering, or similar internships.
• Can commit to four months of participation and willing to work in rustic conditions.
• Are physically capable to perform field work, bird handling, and transfers within the Breeding Center.
• Have the ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively, and adapt to demanding, changing work.
• Have attention to detail and discipline in rigorously following technical protocols, biosecurity measures, and data.

Logistics:

MRN ensures basic, safe, and adequate living conditions for all interns. Housing at both sites include basic services (electricity, potable water, Wi-Fi) and technical guidance.

• Punta Islita (Breeding Center): shared dorms for interns, kitchen facilities, and common areas.
• Sarapiquí: housing provided through local partners, with access to kitchen facilities and transportation to work sites.

Anticipated Costs: Interns cover international trasnporation, health insurance, personal expenses and food.

A Volunteer Coordinator supports each participant as their point of contact.

To download the information packet for this position, click here. 

To be able to achieve its mission, Macaw Recovery Network is completely dependent on donations, gifts and grants. Daily tours at the Wild Macaw Reserve in Punta Islita is a key income source for making this work possible. The Tour & Visitation Volunteer will be leading and managing bookings of the daily tours at the reserve for an international audience, as well as maintain the upkeep of the visitor center’s facilities and tour trails. Additional projects may be given to improve the quality of the visitor’s experience. Depending on the needs of the site, this person may also be involved in some of the day-to-day husbandry of the captive Macaws at the breeding center.

Duties:

• Be the formal face and representative of the Punta Islita Wild Macaw reserve, answering visitation related email and phone inquiries, reply to online reviews (Tripadvisor, Google and elsewhere) and ensuring visitors overall satisfaction.
• Leading the Macaw Reserve daily tours when needed.
• Helping with different tasks at the souvenir store.
• Helping to maintain the cleanliness and organization of the common areas of volunteer accommodations.

Background:

Although not essential, this applicant preferably has:

• An educational background with or is currently studying in a relevant field;
• Experience with and is comfortable presenting in front of an audience
• Exquisite communication skills and correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Comfortable leading groups and talking in front of an audience
• Able to adhere to deadlines.
• Able to understand and effectively communicate MRN’s purpose and programs.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work on a flexible schedule as tours can be on a daily basis at 7:30 am and/or 4:00pm. General work hours are from 7am until 5.30pm with a three hour break.

Duration of Work:

The minimum duration is one month with a maximum of 6 months, all year around.

Anticipated Costs:

All international and national travel costs to initially get to the site are the responsibility of the applicant. However, once on site, accommodation, daily transport, and utilities are provided at no cost. All team members buy and prepare their own food, for this we recommend you budget for at least $40 per week, or more if you like luxuries. Comprehensive insurance cover for the entire stay is a must, and it should be arranged and paid for by the applicant.

Throughout the year, MRN’s facilities are facing heavy rains, scorching heat, and humidity. Combined with intensive usage by over one-hundred parrots and their caretakers, this means a lot of wear and tear. Since we are a nonprofit organization, we work with very limited funds, so by hosting a handy volunteer, we hope to cut our annual operation costs and so increase our impact for the conservation of parrots. The Handy Volunteer will be given responsibility for the annual repairs and improvement of the buildings and aviaries on site. Depending on the needs of the site, this person may also be involved in some of the day-to-day husbandry of the captive Macaws during the non-breeding season.

Duties:

• Maintenance of current facilities on site, including plumbing, electrics, or other construction related needs.
• Building and fixing artificial nest boxes for captive and wild Macaws.
• Maintenance of aviaries to ensure smooth and safe use by birds and volunteers.
• Development of new facilities on site, including plumbing, electrics, or other construction related needs.
• Different general site maintenance or development tasks may be assigned depending on our current needs and the skills and abilities of volunteers.

Background:

• Has experience working as a carpenter and/or in construction.
• Beneficial if they know how to use a welder and have experience working with metal.
• Beneficial if experience climbing trees using rope access techniques.
• Has experience with plumbing or electrics.
• Comfortable being away from family and friends for long periods of time.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work 5 days a week, from 5:30am until 5:00pm with a three-hour break.

Duration of Work:

The minimum duration is one month, but can be up to 6 months. Longer stays are preferred.

Desirable Personal Qualities:

• Great experience both in terms of travel and supporting a non-profit.
• Understanding and appreciation of different values and lifestyles.
• Skilled in creative problem-solving.
• Skilled in team work.

Anticipated Costs:

All international and national travel costs to initially get to the site are the responsibility of the applicant. However, once on site, accommodation, daily transport, and utilities are provided at no cost. All team members buy and prepare their own food, for this we recommend you budget for at least $40 per week, or more if you like luxuries. Comprehensive insurance cover for the entire stay is a must, and it should be arranged and paid for by the applicant.

The Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) works to protect and restore endangered parrot populations in the Americas. Our mission is to secure a future with thriving macaw and parrot populations in healthy and protected ecosystems. Our work is built on three pillars: Birds, Habitat, and People.

As an Environmental Education Volunteer, you will support MRN’s People Program in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. This program promotes community leadership for conservation through educational projects and environmental awareness activities.

You will collaborate with local children and adults to foster knowledge, critical thinking, and a strong connection to nature. Volunteers contribute to workshops, activities, and forest restoration while also gaining practical experience in conservation education.

Main Activities

• Create environmental education materials for children and adults.
• Support and lead educational workshops.
• Guide groups on nature walks and forest trails.
• Help organize and strengthen community environmental groups (children and adults).
• Assist with forest restoration activities at the Sarapiquí Rainforest Reserve.
• Participate in field trips and provide logistical support.
• Support project management and basic administrative tasks.

Location:

Pangola, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica – a small rural community surrounded by tropical forest. Volunteers stay at MRN’s field station with shared facilities (kitchen, laundry, internet).

Availability:

Year-round. Minimum stay: 1 month.

This opportunity might be right for you if:

• You have an interest in environmental education and socio-environmental projects.
• Are willing to live in a rural community and work with both local and international volunteers.
• You have a respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented attitude.

Spanish and/or English language skills are helpful (basic Spanish is useful for community engagement but not required).

What MRN Provides:

• Shared accommodation at the field station.
• Training and support from MRN staff.
• The chance to develop skills in environmental education, community engagement, and conservation practices.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered species while inspiring future generations to care for their environment.

The primary objective of the volunteer position in the Habitat Program of the Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) is to assist in various maintenance tasks carried out in the Sarapiquí Rainforest Reserve. Additionally, the volunteer will contribute to the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems that are essential for the survival of the critically endangered Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus).

The volunteer at Macaw Recovery Network requires a deep interest in biodiversity conservation, teamwork skills, and willingness to participate in a variety of tasks as requested.

Activities

Maintenance activities:

• Assist in the maintenance and improvement of infrastructure, access points, or equipment in the Reserve.
• Support in the maintenance of gardens and nurseries within the Reserve.
• Collaborate in maintaining trails within the Reserve.
• Support in control and protection activities within the Reserve

Restoration and monitoring activities:

• Collaborate in forest restoration processes, including area preparation, plant transfer, planting, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Control of exotic plant species.
• Biodiversity monitoring activities.
• Monitor Great Green Macaws and improve nesting sites.
• Digitize monitoring data, inventories, or analysis of data.
• Possible support in environmental education tasks, training, or visitor reception.

Hours:

The volunteer is expected to work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, Monday-Friday.

Benefits:

• Accommodation with basic amenities, including a kitchen for preparing their meals.
• Transport from Pangola town to the Reserve.
• Transport once a week for grocery shopping
• Necessary equipment and tools to properly carry out activities.
• Support from a highly skilled/professional and human work team
• Hands-on learning in ecological restoration, nursery management, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Experience with a strong connection to nature while contributing to the creation of native forests.

Requirements:

No previous experience or academic background in Biology needed. However, applicants with a background in Botany, Nursery and Plant management are preferred.

Desired Skills:

• Previous knowledge in Biology, Tourism, Ecotourism, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife, Ecology, or Environmental Sciences.
• Basic knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Driving license (car or motorcycle).

Essential Requirements:

• No prior experience required.
• Must be of legal age.
• Must have student or risk insurance.

Personal Skills:

• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Good physical condition for fieldwork.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to unforeseen situations, such as changes in weather or itinerary.
• Should be friendly, charismatic, and able to interact positively with people from different cultures.
• A genuine love for the natural environment.
• Must be respectful, honest, humble, and have a strong sense of empathy.

Work environment:

MRN has a team of (mostly) high-performing young professionals. We expect honest and direct communication. We support learning and growth, which requires humility and mutual respect. We are aligned and highly dedicated to our mission.

We offer several online volunteer opportunities for people who are passionate about conservation and cannot travel to Costa Rica to volunteer. You can support us from home, from your laptop and create a positive impact on parrot conservation.

Some online volunteer opportunities are:

• Translator Volunteer (English/Spanish)
• Grant Writer Volunteer
• Network Program Volunteer

You can write to volunteer@macawrecoverynetwork.org for more information.