Volunteers

Since 1971 the Charles Darwin Foundation has maintained a Volunteer and Scholarship Program. Our main objective is to support local and national education and to provide opportunities for students and professionals to collaborate through research and conservation in the exceptional environment that is the Galapagos.

The principal goals of the program are:

  1. to generate educational opportunities; 
  2. to remove economic barriers that may block access to a better science education; 
  3. to mentor students in biology, conservation, and environmental education.

Our program includes projects with activities such as: monitoring the reproductive behavior of the Philornis downsi fly, participating in bird surveys, maintaining and managing laboratories, developing educational activities, and communicating science.

The majority of placements are based at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz island.
Volunteers may be local, national or international; students or professionals.

Vacancies

Be a volunteer at CDF. We have the following vacancies:

Volunteer

Announcement Volunteer position for the Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection (ICCDRS)

Application deadline: Until filling the vacancy
Starting time: immediately

Duration: Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an
additional 3 months upon review.

Volunteer position for the Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection (ICCDRS)

Volunteer

Shark Ecology Volunteering

Application deadline: Immediately.
Expected start date: Immediately.
Duration: Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional time upon agreement.

Shark Ecology Volunteering

Volunteer

Two volunteer positions as “website content developers”

Application deadline: Until the vacancy are filled.
Expected start date: From 15 July 2023 onwards.
Duration: Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional 3 months upon review.

Website Content Developers

Volunteer

Volunteer for the Environmental Education and Community Outreach Program

Application deadline: Until the vacancy is filled.
Expected start date: Immediate availability.
Duration: Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending it for an additional 3 months, after a performance review, contributions and the needs of the program.

Volunteer for the Environmental Education and Community Outreach Program

How To Apply

When positions are advertised, please complete the forms below:

Please send the application electronically to vol@fcdarwin.org.ec.

The selection process may take several months, depending on the projects, availability of funds and the departmental needs of the foundation.

FAQ

1. What is the minimum age and minimum educational requirement for volunteers?
You should be 18 or older and must have completed high school to volunteer.

2. What is the minimum time I can volunteer?
The minimum stay is 3 months.

3. Do you cover food, accommodation and other costs for international volunteers?
The Charles Darwin Research Station is responsible for covering food and accommodation costs for national and local volunteers, depending on the project budget. However, international volunteers must cover their own expenses.

4. Do I need health and life insurance?
Yes. We require all foreigners to have health and life insurance.

5. Should I only apply to positions with TOR?
Yes. Please respond to the Terms of Reference advertised on this site. Only exceptionally do we accept people who write letters of interest.

For more information, please contact: vol@fcdarwin.org.ec or call the CDF Volunteer Program office at (593) 5526-146 or (593) 527-013/014 ext. 338.

PROTECT GALAPAGOS,
IMPACT THE WORLD

The mission of the Charles Darwin Foundation and its Research Station is to tackle the greatest threats and challenges to Galapagos through scientific research and conservation action, in order to safeguard one of the world’s most important natural treasures.

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Contact

Av. Charles Darwin s/n, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos, Ecuador
(593) 5 2526-146 / 2527-013 Ext 101
Quito Office
Francisco Andrade Marín
E6-122 y Av. Eloy Alfaro
+593 (2) 2 231 174

The ‘Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands’, in French ‘Fondation Charles Darwin pour les îles Galapagos”, Association internationale sans but lucratif (AISBL), has its registered office at 54 Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Trade Registry # 0409.359.103

© 2023 Charles Darwin Foundation. All rights reserved.