Volunteer Opportunities

“Volunteering with MRN was more than I could have imagined. It is one of the most gratifying things I have ever done, I loved the people, the country and of course the Macaws! I learnt a lot about macaw biology, and being there opened great doors for me professionally, for which I’m extremely grateful. Its kind people and their love for birds and nature made of it an awesome place to experience parrot conservation.”

Salome Lopez – Volunteer, 2020

Volunteering and Internship Opportunities

The Network's conservation programs wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated volunteers joining our teams year-round! Our various Volunteering and Internship positions provide you with hands-on experience in the conservation of threatened Macaw species. Volunteers have the opportunity to make an impact for these species, meet people from all over the world, and experience Costa Rican life & culture!

Volunteering at Punta Islita

Breeding Center

Punta Islita, Guanacaste is home to our Breeding Center and Wild Scarlet Macaw Reserve, where we offer different opportunities during the breeding (December-July) and non-breeding seasons (August-November). Whether you’re interested in giving educational tours, assisting with site maintenance, or a longer-term Conservation Internship that gives you hands-on experience in captive breeding and field research, there’s an opportunity for you to make a real difference in conservation here.

This site is in a remote, tropical dry forest, just a short walk from a beautiful beach. Nearby is the village of Punta Islita, where volunteers can join the locals to play fútbol, have a drink or share a meal. Our volunteer house has two bedrooms with two beds in each room, a shared bathroom, a kitchen, and a social outdoor area. There are also private, sheltered tents on site for our long-term volunteers.

Please note that MRN is a conservation organization, not a rescue center. At our Breeding Center, we try to simulate a natural living situation as closely as possible; Macaws at our center are breeding birds or future release birds, and for optimal success for both purposes, we do not allow any physical, verbal, or social contact when working with them.

Punta Islita volunteering opportunities:

  • Conservation Volunteer

  • Conservation Internship

  • Tour & Visitation Volunteer

  • Maintenance Volunteer

see full descriptions of volunteer positions

Here

Volunteering at Sarapiquí

Great green Macaw field station

Our Great Green Macaw field team sets up camp in Sarapiquí. During the breeding season (December-May), the team scouts the northern area of Costa Rica monitoring breeding activities at wild nesting sites. Volunteer at our Great Green Macaw field station as a Conservation Intern, Environmental Education Volunteer, or a Rainforest Restoration Volunteer and join the team in protecting the critically endangered Great Green Macaw and their habitat.

Our field station is in a remote area of the damp Caribbean rainforest, with no major tourism attractions nearby. The nearby town of Puerto Viejo is where volunteers do their shopping, get Wi-Fi, have a drink or share meals. The volunteer house has three bedrooms with two beds in each room, a shared bathroom, a kitchen and a social outdoor area.

Applicants joining the field team will need relevant background studies and to be able to live in basic conditions, whilst being in the field during long days.

Sarapiquí volunteering opportunities:

  • Conservation Intern

  • Rainforest Restoration Volunteer

  • Environmental Education Volunteer

see full descriptions of volunteer positions

Here

Volunteer schedule

We offer various positions throughout the year. Please check our calendar, read more about your position of interest, and apply below.

  • 1. Punta Islita
  • 2. Sarapiquí
  • 3. Other roles

Testimonials

"Volunteering with MRN was more than I could have imagined. It is one of the most gratifying things I have ever done, I loved the people, the country and of course the Macaws! I learnt a lot about macaw biology, and being there opened great doors for me professionally, for which I'm extremely grateful. Its kind people and their love for birds and nature made of it an awesome place to experience parrot conservation."

- Salome Lopez - Volunteer, 2020

"MRN has allowed me to further develop my experience in conservation. This non profit has been a source to put my degree into action and a window to how life is lived in Costa Rica. We can only do so much alone, but together we can save species from extinction. Great green macaws are indispensable and the time to take action is now."

- Nancy Alvarez - Volunteer, 2021

" Through my internship, I achieved my aim of understanding parrot behavior and care and witnessed numerous chicks mature until they were ready to fly. However, my experience at the MRN offered more than just parrot knowledge – I contributed to genuine conservation efforts and had a tangible impact. My experiences here will stay with me for a lifetime."

- Kira Cates - Breeding Center Intern, 2024

Other Volunteer Opportunities

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Please note: The following jobs are independent from us.
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