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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.

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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 in Natural History Collections

Deadline: Open throughout the year

Join our Natural History Collections as a volunteer and help preserve and study Galápagos biodiversity. Gain hands-on experience working with native and endemic species while contributing to research and conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Learn more

VolunteerSHIP in Terrestrial Invertebrate Monitoring

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Join our Terrestrial Invasive Species and Scalesia Forest Restoration Program as a volunteer and support insect monitoring and research that contribute to ecosystem restoration in Galápagos. Gain valuable field and laboratory experience while working alongside scientists and conservation practitioners to protect the islands’ unique biodiversity.
Learn more

VolunteerSHIP in Vegetation Mapping

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Join our Terrestrial Invasive Species and Scalesia Forest Restoration Program as a volunteer and support vegetation mapping and ecological monitoring in Galápagos. Gain hands-on field and technical experience collecting and analyzing data that help inform conservation and restoration efforts across the islands.
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?

International applicants, nationals, and local residents: one-year term, renewable.

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

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

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

Yes. We require all volunteers 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, extension 337.

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, extension 337.