Director of Science Education and Research, Cloudbridge Nature Reserve

WHO WE ARE: The Cloudbridge Nature Reserve occupies around 700 acres within the cloud forest on the Pacific slope of the Talamanca Mountains near San Gerardo de Rivas, Costa Rica, and adjacent to Cerro Chirripó National Park. 

Its operating entity is the Cloud Forest Conservation Alliance (CFCA), a recognized non-profit in Costa Rica and 501c3 in the United States. For more than two decades, the CFCA and its staff have built a reputation of excellence in international scientific internships as well as opportunities for advanced research and publication at Cloudbridge. 

The mission of the CFCA is to support and guide the operations of Cloudbridge and to expand the knowledge, skills, tools, programs, and physical facilities available there. The CFCA collaborates with individuals, educational institutions, non-governmental and governmental organizations that hold similar values toward education, conservation, and sustainability of the unique cloud forest environment. 

WHAT WE DO:  Cloudbridge welcomes scientists, students, and volunteers from around the globe to reside on its campus and participate in its educational and science-based opportunities. These opportunities, plus the rich mix of languages, cultures, ages, and life experiences brought by our participants, create an immersive, enriching, and unique ‘Cloudbridge experience’. 

Cloudbridge offers flexible research internships, accommodations and support for advanced independent researchers and a volunteer program. 

Many of our interns work to fulfill requirements for their undergraduate degree programs while others are graduates who desire practical, science-based experiences and field work. Individual programs may span a few weeks simply engaging with and learning the methods of science, or can last months for more detailed investigationsor publishable research. Participants can join an existing, long-term monitoring and inventory project or design and implement their own study. Each prepares and presents a final scientific report at the end of their stay. 

Research projects in the cloud forest are wide-ranging in aspects of ecosystem science – its flora and fauna, interactions among living and non-living components, succession, reforestation, human impacts, climate change and conservation challenges. The overall goals are to improve scientific knowledge of the cloud forest biome, and develop enthusiastic young scientists who are eager to apply their new knowledge and skills. 

THE OPPORTUNITY:  The CFCA Board of Directors is seeking an energetic and purpose-driven Science Education and Research Director to lead and develop Cloudbridge programs and facilities in its next phase of growth and transformation. We seek an accomplished, goal-oriented leader who demonstrates a keen understanding of, and passion for, the organization’s mission. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Candidates should have a strong background in Environmental Studies, Research, Biological Sciences or Professional Geosciences. A Master’s degree is preferred. Spanish and English language skills are preferred. International travel experience is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in an administrative or research setting in positions of increasing responsibility.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to effectively interact with students and professionals, and the ability to collaborate successfully as part of a leadership team
• A proven record designing and delivering successful education programs as documented by academic excellence, student success and satisfaction, enrollment, and revenue growth.
• Ability to teach a college-level field-based course or research work experience using experiential education methodologies, hands-on activities, field research, labs, surveys and demonstrations.
• Experience facilitating groups of young adults and creating positive group dynamics.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs, develops and implements research-based, educational programs to meet the needs of our students and professional participants.
• Provides hands-on instruction, mentoring and engagement with researchers and interns, and supervises other instructional staff.
• Oversees day-to-day maintenance and operations of the educational and research programs including use and maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Serves as point of contact for questions and concerns from prospective students and independent researchers.
• Oversees preparation and execution of program events including: participant orientation, training sessions, tracking student progress, student final reports and exit surveys.
• Reviews, edits, and approves final drafts of scientific reports.
• Creates protocols for long-term research and is responsible for acquiring and fulfilling the requirements of scientific permits.
• Cultivates external partnerships that support student recruitment, program development, revenue enhancement and career outcomes.
• Develops and works with an external Science Advisory Board to assist in program development, assessment and relevance.
• Organizes and maintains scientific databases, species lists and archives.
• Creates written research updates for the website Science Blog and email distribution.
• Promotes a fun and enthusiastic environment on campus through vibrant scientific, social, cultural and nature experiences.
• Assists the Reserve Director as required.

COMPENSATION: The target compensation package for this position is $18,000 – $24,000 USD and includes housing, utilities, internet and a compensation for health insurance.