Position Description
The Sloth Institute Costa Rica (TSI) accepts up to two Sloth Husbandry & Field Technician Interns per year to support the Veterinary Technician in daily clinical and fieldwork activities at the TSI field station in Manuel Antonio.
This internship is designed for active, passionate individuals committed to elevating our sloth rehabilitation, release, and research programs. Interns play an essential support role in daily husbandry operations, field-related tasks, and structured wildlife care protocols that directly impact sloths preparing for release back into the wild.
Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Minimum Stay: 3-6 months
Start Date: ASAP – Immediate need
This is a rigorous, hands-on position that requires professionalism, stamina, and a deep respect for wildlife boundaries.
INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum 3-6-month commitment
- Ability to work 9-hour days
- Schedule of 5 days on, 2 days off per week
- Willingness to support on-call and overnight baby feeding shifts
- Coursework and/or experience in zoology, animal husbandry, or wildlife rehabilitation is required.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission vehicles required.
- Must be willing to work outside of normal hours when rescue calls occur, including middle-of-the-night responses
- Comfortable working in a hot, humid rainforest environment
- Physically capable of lifting, bending, walking on uneven terrain, and staying active throughout the day
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to follow established animal care protocols
- Must complete required vaccinations and purchase current international health insurance prior to arrival in Costa Rica.
- Applicants who speak both Spanish and English will be given priority, but must be fluent in either language.
Because TSI occasionally receives rescue calls at night, this intern must be flexible and prepared to assist outside standard daytime hours when needed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Animal Husbandry & Daily Operations
- Assist with preparing diets and feeding sloths according to protocol
- Clean and maintain enclosures, workspaces, and equipment
- Support habitat setup and enrichment within rehabilitation guidelines
- Follow strict hygiene and biosecurity procedures
Clinical & Veterinary Support
- Support the Veterinary Technician in daily clinical activities
- Assist with monitoring sloth health and behavior
- Report observations and changes promptly
- Maintain organized records and follow documentation procedures
Field & Program Support
- Assist with field-related tasks connected to rehabilitation and release
- Support research-related data collection as directed
- Help prepare for rescue responses and transport when needed
This role directly supports the operational success of TSI’s rehabilitation, release, and sloth research programs.
EDUCATIONAL AND WORKPLACE INTERNSHIP BENEFITS:
This internship provides structured, professional experience in wildlife conservation operations. Interns gain:
- Direct exposure to structured sloth husbandry practices
- Experience supporting veterinary and clinical workflows
- Understanding of wildlife rehabilitation and release preparation
- Hands-on involvement in conservation research support
- Professional development in time management, accountability, and teamwork within a mission-driven organization
- Resume-building field station experience in Costa Rica
This is not a tourism or short-term volunteer experience. It is a professional internship designed for individuals serious about careers in wildlife care, veterinary sciences, ecology, or conservation.
What to Expect During this Internship
- Long, physically active days in a rainforest environment
- Heat, humidity, rain, insects, and unpredictable conditions
- A structured weekly schedule (5 days on, 2 days off)
- Occasional overnight or on-call shifts for infant sloth feeding
- Possible middle-of-the-night rescue responses
- Limited direct animal interaction outside of essential care duties
- High standards for professionalism, teamwork, and animal welfare
This internship is rewarding, challenging, and deeply impactful. It is best suited for individuals who are resilient, proactive, and motivated by meaningful conservation work rather than convenience.
Salary & Funding
This is a voluntary/self-funded position. A rustic room in shared common facilities will be provided. WIFI, electricity, and running water are also included. You will be responsible for all travel, immigration, and health insurance expenses.
Term of Internship
Must be willing to stay for at least 3 months with an option for extension upon review.