Protect Galapagos landbirds — field Research Assistant
Support field research and conservation measures for threatened Galapagos landbirds, particularly work evaluating control of Philornis downsi. The full-time, one-year role is based on Santa Cruz Island and offers USD 1,300 monthly, with renewal possible.
- Deadline
- 30 Oct 2026Time not specifiedCheck the official portal for the closing time.
- Organisation
- Charles Darwin Foundation
- Country
- Ecuador
- Value
- Not disclosed in the notice
Opportunity Overview
The Charles Darwin Foundation is hiring a full-time Research Assistant for its Conservation of Threatened Populations of Small Landbirds project, based at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. The work focuses on searching for and monitoring bird nests, assessing control measures for the invasive avian vampire fly Philornis downsi, and helping coordinate conservation activity elsewhere in the archipelago. The role combines practical bird fieldwork, consistent data collection and analysis, technical reporting, and coordination with local conservation partners. The contract is for one year, with possible annual renewal subject to performance and funding. Monthly salary is USD 1,300, plus applicable statutory and internal benefits.
Why It Matters
- Connect field monitoring to practical protection of threatened island birds, combining nest surveys with invasive-fly control evaluation.
- Full-time technical research post; Santa Cruz base with inter-island fieldwork; one-year renewable contract.
Who Can Apply
Qualifications
- Minimum profile includes a degree in Biology or related field; previous avian ecology/bird project participation and fieldwork; information management and data analysis/synthesis; technical report writing; advanced Spanish and intermediate English; teamwork and readiness for fieldwork outside normal hours. Bird handling skills such as mist-netting, vocalizations and blood sampling, and R/statistical software, are desirable. Permanent Galapagos residents are encouraged to apply; the CDF careers page notes Ecuadorian/Galapagos employment-law priority, but does not state this particular vacancy is restricted by nationality or residency. The employer encourages motivated applicants who meet most rather than all profile criteria; lawful employment eligibility must still be satisfied.
Key Details
Monthly salary USD 1,300.00; statutory benefits and benefits under CDF internal policies. Currency: USD. No other financial terms stated. USD
Key dates
- Application deadline
How to Apply
- Submit an application using the official form 1 efDjbkN 7 Mvyw 5. Include a cover letter of no more than two pages detailing relevant experience, an updated CV, and contact details (names, email addresses and phone numbers) for three professional references. The Google Forms route requires Google sign-in. Use the employer-linked form; Another Meridian does not collect applications.
Important Considerations
- Applications close 30 October 2026; closing time/timezone not published. Expected start 16 November 2026.
- The official deadline is 30 October 2026, with no time or timezone stated; do not infer a cutoff time. Fieldwork may require work outside regular hours and travel within Galapagos or occasionally elsewhere. Employment is governed by Ecuadorian regulations; the careers page notes priority for permanent Galapagos residents and qualified Ecuadorians for some opportunities. Renewal depends on performance and project funding. Domestic pets cannot be introduced to Galapagos. Full form contents require the applicant’s Google sign-in; application acceptance has not been tested by submission.
Confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.
Source & verification
- Source
- www.darwinfoundation.org
- Last checked
- 18 Oct 2026
- Recorded check
- Official source record checked.
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