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:
- to generate educational opportunities;
- to remove economic barriers that may block access to a better science education;
- 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:
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)
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.
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?
No. Unfortunately, the Charles Darwin Research Station only offers scholarships and funding to Ecuadorian citizens. Nevertheless, we still encourage you to apply and potentially seek alternative funding.
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.