Home
Joshua Vela

Volunteers

Every year since 1971 we have welcomed and trained volunteers from all over the world who are committed to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. Volunteers are a vital part of what makes the Charles Darwin Foundation such a special place to be.

Home About us Careers Volunteers

Volunteers

Make a lasting impact with us

Volunteers may be local, national or international, students, professionals or retirees. The more diverse our volunteering team, the more we believe we can learn from one another.

Check out our application process and open opportunities below.

OPEN POSITIONS

Volunteership for marketing and communication (spanish only)

Deadline: may 31, 2025

We are looking for a passionate and creative volunteer with experience in graphic design, branding and corporate identity. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary, bilingual team, including marketing, communications, science, technology, education and fundraising professionals, supporting the Foundation's identity across a variety of platforms and materials.
Learn more
Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF

Volunteership for Philornis Downsi project (spanish only)

Deadline: may 28th, 2025

The main focus of this volunteer program is to collaborate in studies on the biology of the invasive parasitic fly, Philornis Downsi, by conducting laboratory experiments, which will aid in the development of strategies to reduce the fly's impact on primarily critically endangered birds in Galapagos.
Learn more

Volunteership in Terrestrial Invertebrates

Program: Scalesia forests restoration

The Charles Darwin Foundation carries out several ecological restoration and terrestrial invasive species projects that require the collection of entomological information for the conservation and restoration of Galapagos ecosystems. In this context, we are looking for an volunteer to assist with the collection.
Learn more

Volunteers for Natural History Collections

We invite you to apply to a volunteer position in our Natural History Collections. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the study of biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands and the preservation of our collections, working alongside a team committed to researching native and endemic species.
Learn more

Marine Research Volunteers

We offer the opportunity to collaborate with a project related to the sustainable use of Galapagos protected areas and in particular its Marine Reserve. The purpose of the study is to determine how tourists and visitors use the protected areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more

COMMUNITY LIBRARY VOLUNTEER

Join our Environmental Education & Community Outreach team as a volunteer. Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional time upon agreement, after a performance review, contributions and the needs of the program. This project does not cover any type of financial assistance.
Learn more

FAQ

1. What is the minimum age and minimum educational requirement for volunteers?

You must be 18 years or older and must have completed high school to volunteer.

2. What is the minimum time I can volunteer?

We generally recommend a minimum of 3 months.

3. How long can I volunteer for?

Ecuadorian nationals and local residents: maximum 6 months for professionals and students. If you are retired, there is no limit.

Internationals: one year, renewable.

4. Does CDF cover food, accommodation and other expenses?

The Charles Darwin Foundation covers food and accommodation expenses for national and local volunteers, depending on the budget of the project or department.

International volunteers must cover their own expenses.

5. Do I need to have health and life insurance?

Yes. We require all foreigners to have health and life insurance.

6. Can I apply to volunteer even if there is no position open at the moment?

Due to high demand, we prioritize volunteer applications that respond to an immediate open position advertised on the site. Only exceptionally do we accept people who write letters of interest.

7. How can I submit my application?

If you are interested in applying for one of the positions advertised on this page, please fill out the application form. We accept applications in English and Spanish.

If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to our Volunteer Program office at vol@fcdarwin.org.ec or call us at +593 (0)5526-146 or +593 (0)527-013/014, extension 338.

To apply, click the button and fill out the form

Apply now

Contact us!

If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to our Volunteer Program office at vol@fcdarwin.org.ec or call us at +593 (0)5526-146 or +593 (0)527-013/014, extension 338.