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Interns & Volunteers

Every year since 1971 we have welcomed and trained interns and 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.

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Interns & 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. We also accept internships.

Check out our application process and open opportunities below.

OPEN POSITIONS

Volunteer in Botany or Ecology for the Galapagos Verde 2050

Galapagos Verde 2050 (GV2050) is a program run by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), which focuses on the terrestrial ecological restoration of the archipelago in urban, rural, and protected areas. The Galapagos Verde 2050 was established in 2014 and is a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary effort that is marking a milestone in the ecological restoration of the archipelago.
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Volunteer in Data Management and GIS for the Galapagos Verde

The GV2050 program is seeking proactive volunteers with a passion for conservation and sustainability. This is a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to know first-hand, the important scientific work we do here for the conservation of the Galapagos Archipelago.
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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.
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Oficinas y laboratorios del Complejo de Inspiracion. Fotos de: Juan Manuel García y Rashid Cruz, FCD.

Charles Darwin Research Station Laboratories- Only Spanish

El proyecto de enfermedades en aves terrestres de la Estación Científica Charles Darwin requiere urgentemente del apoyo de un voluntario/a con experiencia demostrable en técnicas de biología molecular y PCR. De preferencia una persona con experiencia previa en la Islas Galápagos, que pueda incorporarse de manera inmediata a las actividades que se realizan.
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Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF

Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection Volunteer

Join our Terrestrial Invertebrates Collection team as a volunteer. Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional time upon agreement.
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COMMUNITY LIBRARY VOLUNTEER- ECO PROGRAM

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.
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Jordi Chias

Shark Ecology Volunteer

Join our Shark Ecology team as a volunteer. Initially for a period of 3 months with the possibility of extending the placement for an additional time upon agreement.
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Camilo Cruz-CDF

Exhibition Hall Volunteers

Join our Exhibition Hall team at the Charles Darwin Research Center as a volunteer. Multiple positions are open for a period of 2-3 months.
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Herbarium Volunteer (CDS).

Join our Herbarium team at the Natural History Collections 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.
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Philornis downsi, an invasive fly.

Control of Philornis downsi Volunteer

Join our Control of the Invasive Parasitic Fly Philornis downsi team as a volunteer. [Position available only in Spanish.]
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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 to one of the positions advertised on this page, send a completed application form and relevant attachments by e-mail to vol@fcdarwin.org.ec. We accept applications in Spanish and English language.

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, fill out this form, attach the requested documents, and send it to the email address vol@fcdarwin.org.ec

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Contact us!

Email

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.