Field Scientist, Costa Rica

The Tarrazu field scientist will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Earthwatch field research program at Cooperative Tarrazu in Costa Rica. The field scientist will also develop partnerships with the Cooperative and key stakeholders, as well as support the educational programs associated with the program at Cooperative Tarrazu. The Tarrazu field scientist will work closely with the Field Management and Conservation Department teams in Maynard, Massachusetts who will oversee the science and field implementation of the field projects and activities. 

The Tarrazu Field Scientist will be located in Costa Rica, spending time in both San Marcos de Tarrazu and San Jose region. They will be expected to spend 8-12 weeks in the field a year. The appointment will initially be for one-year, with renewal pending a mutually satisfactory review of progress. The Tarrazu field scientist will be the principal liaison between Earthwatch offices, both in USA and our international offices, our partners in Costa Rica, and the field project at Tarrazu. 

Frequent communication with the US Earthwatch offices will be essential to update staff on field conditions, progress of the research and monitoring activities and to provide feedback on, and to, volunteers. The Field Scientist will also be required to attend selected conferences and/or meetings, go on specific site-visits and facilitate new project development, as well as help identify with Earthwatch offices potential local and national partner organizations to support the fellowship programs. The Field Scientist will work out of office mutually agreed upon by Earthwatch and our partner organizations. 

Principal responsibilities include: 

* Lead scientist in field research and GIS program; 
* With direction, develop and implement the Tarrazu research program;
* Team leader for groups of volunteers on field research expedition; 
* Primary contact in Costa Rica for Starbucks, Coope Tarrazu, scientists and other stakeholders regarding the Tarrazu research program;
 * Administrative, fiscal and scientific reporting duties for the field program;
* Identify and recruit community fellows and interns and implement education program.

Specific responsibilities to include: 

1. Design and implement a field research program to assess coffee farming practices in Coope Tarrazu region:

* Under direction, will design a field research program to assess sustainable coffee farming practices, including soil analyses, coffee productivity, vegetation sampling, erosion, among other parameters;
* Will support the digitization of key features in Coope Tarrazu from aerial photography;
* Will lead field research teams using volunteers to collect data;
* Responsible for post-fielding data analyses and reports. 

2. Under direction, will create, evaluate, integrate, produce, update and maintain the spatial data and digital maps that are geographically referenced with data converted from a variety of sources, such as maps, remote sensing devices, global positioning systems, surveys, historical records and databases. 

3. Liaise with local partners, stakeholders and other scientists. Develop and implement a reporting program with partner organizations to effect a timely sharing of research results and project evaluation. 

4. Support the Maynard-based Field Management, Communications, and Development teams in the development and implementation of all aspects of the research and education programs, including the promotion and implementation of Initiative needs. 

5. Responsible for identifying and recruiting fellows from the community to participate on the field project. Support reporting on outcomes from local fellows, including organizing of workshops, etc. 

6. Represent Earthwatch and the program in Tarrazu:

* Arrange public speaking and other outreach activities; 
* Support outreach, site-visits, and project or program development tasks; 
* Visit local communities, institutions and attend conferences where needed; 
* Participate on EW project site-visits as needed. 

7. Report and provide support on financial and technical aspects of expeditions, including monthly summaries of progress and activities for internal distribution in Earthwatch and preparation of an annual report summarizing research activities and progress at Initiative. 

8. Responsible for development and implementation of a strategy to distribute information and the GIS data layers from the field and from Earthwatch activities back to Cooperative Tarrazu and other local and regional partners and communities. 

9. Develop and implement a community and farmer-based activities that increases awareness and creates behavioral change around identified scientific and sustainability needs. 

10. Support any fundraising efforts as necessary.

Requirements: 

* Ph.D. degree or equivalent experience. Prefer Geography/Ecology/GIS/Agronomy. 
* Five + years experience in GIS related to natural resource management.
* Four + years leading field research programs. 
* Proficient with ArcGIS or ArcView. 
* Working knowledge of relational database required.
* Proven leadership skills, and an ability to work independently in the field.
* Demonstrated written and oral communication skills. 
* Experience with field safety, first aid, driving 4 wheel drive vehicles, and organizing field logistics.
* Proficient in English and Spanish 
* Experience in community outreach and/or consensus-building 
* Experience with aerial imagery processing important. 
* Significant experience working with communities and as an educator important.
* Knowledge of internet mapping technology helpful.
* Persistence, drive, and the desire to work in a fast paced environment and work well under pressure. 
* Flexibility and an ability to perform a variety of related task outside of specific job description an asset.

To Apply: 

Please indicate job title in subject line of email. Email, fax or mail cover letter and resume. No phone calls please.

HR Earthwatch Institute,
P.O. Box 75,
Maynard, MA 01754-0075