Forest Conservation Technician

Project Description

Fundación Pachamama in Ecuador has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Forest Conservation Technician. In the last decade, the Achuar territory has undergone internal changes and increased pressure on their natural resources, with limited government support. With the arrival of the “Balsa Fever” during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many merchants arrived in search of this wood, which led to a series of environmental, cultural and social impacts on the Achuar communities. Over the coming months and years, the Sharamentsa community wants to expand their efforts to more communities, to take on-site carbon measurements to strengthen the processes, as well as forest inventories and process analysis and implementation. They also need to develop a greater capacity to tell the stories of all the actions that both the communities and the Foundation generates.

The PCRV will work alongside Fundación Pachamama team members and community members to collect and analyze data related to indigenous productive units, biodiversity, forestry, botany and other environmental indicators, including geographical visualization products. The PCRV will also collect and analyze data related to carbon markets, biodiversity and other environmental indicators to support the management of sustainable projects with a rights-based approach.

Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Ecuador together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Partner Information

Fundación Pachamama

Required Skills

• Master’s degree in environmental science, forestry, botany, finance, economics, biodiversity, or a related field.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing (QGIS, ARCGIS)
• Experience in ArcGIS
• Experience in forestry inventory
• Experience with field carbon calculations
• Knowledge of the concepts and challenges of climate change and biodiversity.
• Analytical and intercultural communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and participate
• Spanish level: Intermediate

The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America’s diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Serving in Ecuador

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Ecuador: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, health, and safety – including health and crime statistics — in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical Considerations

Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.