About the Organization

The Jatun Sacha Foundation is a long established NGO working with environmental conservation, habitat management/reconstruction and scientific research/education throughout Ecuador.

The San Cristobal Biological Station and Reserve is located in the highlands of the island of San Cristobal (one of the Galapagos Islands), on a 236 hectare site where there is still some native vegetation (Micronias, ferns and herbaceous species).

One of the objectives of this station is to develop technologies to reconstruct native habitat and to serve as a center for similar upland areas on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native upland forests on the populated islands are quite limited due to farming and to the introduction of very invasive species from the mainland, such as tropical cedar and Cinchona. The Foundation has established a Plant Conservation Center for the production of native plant species for this work. In addition to reforestation, the station is developing a 16 hectare biological corridor in the reserve with native Galapagos plant and tree species found at the various altitudes. Also, the Foundation works with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants and hotels. The agricultural production program helps reduce the importation of products, along with invasive species, currently arriving daily from the mainland.

The reserve provides adequate but rustic housing on-site (see costs). Food provided on station (see costs). Interns need to bring a warm sleeping bag and outdoor clothing.

Job Description

Interns will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the station. In addition, Foundation staff will lead various destination hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches and to local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos.

Activities:

• Habitat restoration

• Reforestation with native species

• Seed collection and classification

• Nursery work

• Organic agriculture

• Agroforestry

• Station Maintenance

• Trail Maintenance

• Sign elaboration for trails

• Basic construction activities

• Help clean fresh water supply

• Help in the kitchen

• Petrel’s observation: nest finding, etc.

• Phenology studies and flora inventories

• Bird’s observation

• Germination project

• Coffee production

# of Positions per term

2-4

Start Dates

Beginning of any academic term

Duration of Internship

10-12 Weeks minimum; longer is possible

Academic Background

Biology, environmental studies, natural resources, ecology, botany, horticulture, agriculture/agroforestry, geography.

Skills/Experience

Strong interest in conservation

Language Ability

Minimum - completion of 1st year college-level Spanish (recently). The more Spanish, the better.

Other Requirements

Willingness to work outdoors and to reside in camp-like living conditions. Interns should be prepared for work and attendant difficulties inherent in establishing a new physical site and field program. Requires flexibility and willingness to help out as situations demand.

*Please send a check for $67 payable to Jatun Sacha for an administrative fee along with your IE3 Global Internships application.

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee for the first term of any internship is $2,750 - $2,950. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
Host Site Fees	$1880-2230*
International Travel	Approximately $1100-$1300 to Quito round-trip and about $400 to San Cristobal (includes $16 for taxi to station).
Visa Fees	$0-$180*
Recommended Immunizations	$500

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	included*
Food	included*
Local Transportation	$50
Recreation	$50
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

None.

Additional Expense Information

*Please send a check for $67 payable to Jatun Sacha for an administrative fee along with your IE3 Global Internships application.

2009 fees - for food and lodging at the San Cristobal Station, payable upon arrival in Quito (by check, cash or traveler's check):

$1880 for 10 weeks

$2060 for 11 weeks

$2230 for 12 weeks

Please budget an additional $100 for park entrance, and $100 per month for incidentals, local travel, recreation.

Transfer service (pick up service from the airport):

If you need a transfer service, there is a guy at the office who has been working with us since 11 years ago. He is a nice, reliable and responsible person. He tends to gather volunteers from the airport and take them to the hotel, to the office the orientation meeting day, to purchase materials needed for volunteers to carry the reserve and more. For this service the minimum amount of the charge is $30usd per person and for two people $40usd.

Ecuador Visa: all interns who will be in Ecuador for more than 90 days total are required to obtain a Visa from the Ecuadorian Consulate. The IE3 Latin America director will assist with this process. Visa fees are currently $180 and students must present in person at the Ecuadorian Consulate in San Francisco.

Jatun Sacha Map

SanCristobalInformation

Jatun Sacha

Galapagos Islands Information

More Galapagos Islands Information

Galapagos Islands Tourist Information

More Tourist Information

Conservation Projects in the Galapagos Islands:

Galapagos Conservancy

Charles Darwin Foundation