Science Program Coordinator - Kekoldi, Costa Rica

Lead High-Impact Scientific Research in the Costa Rican Rainforest

Location: Kekoldi, Costa Rica | Start Date: January 2026 or earlier | Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)

🌎 BRING YOUR FIELD SKILLS TO LIFE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST

You're a meticulous scientist with a deep passion for conservation and a drive to create genuine, measurable impact. You thrive when training and mentoring others, transforming volunteers into skilled field technicians. You're ready to step into a leadership role where your data management expertise, high safety standards, and mentoring mindset can ensure the integrity of critical biodiversity outcomes.

At GVI Kekoldi, we are looking for you to run the scientific core of our conservation programs, ensuring data is collected, managed, and reported to a high standard, directly contributing to the protection of one of Costa Rica's most ecologically important regions.

At GVI location, we’re looking for someone like you to help …

✨ WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

As our Science Program Coordinator, you will be the custodian of our scientific data and the champion of high-quality training. You will be instrumental in:

• Ensuring the accuracy, storage, and reporting of all scientific data collected.
• Upholding the highest standards of safety in the field.
• Training participants in identification and survey techniques to a professional standard.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Your primary function is to maintain the scientific quality and logistical flow of the program. Your daily impact will include:

• Managing and updating the program's database and securely backing up all scientific data.
• Delivering high-standard scientific training, workshops, and presentations to participants.
• Mentoring interns. Weekly 1:1 meetings.
• Leading and organising fieldwork activities, including scientific surveys and field trips, 4-5 days a week.
• Organising and creating data sheets for surveys.
• Taking a leadership role in specific research projects, including data analysis and visualisation.
• Creating content for GVI Kekoldi Instagram and providing marketing material.
• Assisting with the training and mentoring of new staff and volunteers, including their daily needs and assignments.

🚀 WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

We are seeking a proactive, organised, and resilient individual who can maintain high standards in a remote, challenging environment.

• Proven experience in field-based conservation work and data management/reporting.
• Confidence in mentoring others and delivering group training.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (essential for working across language barriers and in communal living).
• Physical stamina and resilience to handle long hikes, heat, humidity, mud, and heavy lifting in a tropical environment.
• A Bachelor's or Post Graduate degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with data analysis.
• Capability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, fostering cooperation and mutual respect.

Bonus if you also have:

• Emergency First Response or First Aid certification

• Previous GVI experience

🎉 WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Monthly salary
• A unique and immersive conservation experience
• All meals provided 
• Visa support (where applicable)
• Growth opportunities across our 17 locations
• A collaborative, purpose-driven culture
• In-house training and mentoring
• Emergency medical and travel insurance

🌴 LIVING & WORKING CONDITIONS AT KEKOLDI

Click here to see what the team is up to!

Our home is a wooden treehouse-style station, deep in the jungle, powered by solar energy. You’ll hike 20 minutes on a rainforest trail to reach us, so pack light - but come prepared.

🏠 Living Conditions:

Basic but cosy private or shared rooms

Wi-Fi available (signal strength varies)

Staff are on duty 1 in every 2–3 weekends

🚗 Getting Around:

Base is a 20-minute hike from the main road

Nearby towns are 5–15 minutes away by taxi or bus

Weekends off unless on rotation - plenty of time to explore the area

🧗 Fitness & Conditions:

You must be physically fit - work includes long hikes, heat, humidity, mud, and heavy lifting

You’ll work outdoors in the elements 5 days a week

Adaptability and resilience are a must

🧳 Packing & Gear:

Tall wellies, long socks, strong headtorch, binoculars

Waterproof clothing and layers for cooler evenings

Laptops and basic field kit are required (full packing list provided on acceptance)

🌱WORKING AT GVI

At GVI, we're driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. Our dedicated teams are actively working to address global challenges and together, we leverage a diverse set of specialised skills to pursue a shared vision: cultivating a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and fun. You will join a community that values passion, authenticity and innovation, and where we treat each other with respect. But we can do better than words to show you who we are! To see what it's really like to work for GVI: 

🎥 Watch Here

📰 Read Here

👥 Meet the Team

✅ YOUR NEXT STEP

If you’re ready to live your values, lead with purpose, and contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation, we want to hear from you.

Please send us your CV and a short Cover Letter sharing why this role is the right fit for you.

Kindly note: We genuinely appreciate every application we receive. If you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. That said, we’d love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!