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Station: Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S)

Location: 27.5 miles Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek, Belize, Central America

Open Period: Rolling basis

Internships take place at the T.R.E.E.S Hosting Center, a research and education facility in the Maya Mountains of Belize. The center is operated by the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S), a small grassroots nonprofit dedicated to conserving Belize’s natural and cultural heritage through education, conservation, and research. Interns are trained in environmental and wildlife management, field research techniques, and data collection protocols. The program focuses on radio telemetry to study movements and habitat preferences of the White‑lipped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum) and the recently documented Furrowed Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys areolata). In addition, interns monitor water levels to assess correlations between flooding and turtle movement patterns.

• Track tagged turtles across aquatic (streams and wetlands) and terrestrial (dense tropical jungle) environments daily.
• Collect and log GPS coordinates, environmental conditions, and turtle behavior data during tracking sessions.
• Set up a water monitoring station on the property’s creek and record water levels to analyze correlations with turtle movement.
• Document habitat characteristics at turtle locations, including water and substrate depth.
• Assist in mapping turtle home ranges and movement patterns using GIS software or other visualization tools.
• Work independently and with researchers or fellow interns to conduct field studies efficiently.
• Contribute to project reports by summarizing findings, analyzing trends, and discussing ecological implications; potentially collaborate on future publications.
• Create captions for social media posts to engage and update followers about station activities.
• Engage with local communities or visitors to share insights about turtle conservation and research.

Interns may choose a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks, with 4 weeks recommended.

The internship fees $289 USD per week include room and board (meals Monday‑Friday), full access to lab equipment, and training by professional on‑site biologists. Food is not included; interns may purchase basic supplies from nearby vendors or order meals from the on‑site Toucan Café. Lodging is provided in dormitory‑style rustic cabins with shared showers, restrooms, and kitchen facilities. Discounts: 50 % for citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean, additional discounts for Belizeans.

Interns are required to work a minimum of 35 hours per week. Typical schedule: Monday‑Friday 09:00–17:00; weekends are free. Schedule adjustments with supervisor are possible for weekend projects. No refunds for early departure.

Seeking interns who are independent yet collaborative, comfortable with extensive outdoor work, and proficient in radio telemetry. Preference given to applicants with substantial field experience.

For more information, email Jamie Martinez at jmartinez@treesociety.org.