Parks and Recreation Specialist - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Costa Rica

Duration

12 months

Project description

The Costa Rican Sports and Recreation Institute (ICODER) has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Parks and Recreation Specialists. Youth represents one of ICODER’s primary target populations. Through a number of programs like Student Games, National Games and Summer Schools, within many others, the institution intends to educate youth on the importance of movement, sports and recreation for health and social wellbeing. ICODER has 5 key properties that are the most visited by the general population and that are key to the identity of the institution: Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, Parque de La Paz, Fraijanes Park, La Dominica Park, Cariari Park. ICODER's goal is to improve the experience of the general population with these facilities, and they have identified a need to strengthen their capacity in park administration and recreational programming.

The PCRVs will participate in the development and drafting of a preventive maintenance plan for the existing infrastructure in each park and collaborate in the creation and drafting of a management and conservation plan for the natural physical environment. The PCRVs will also collaborate in the drafting of a plan to improve the recreational service for visitors and propose new sources of recreational attractions, programs, and projects to foster the visit of various age groups and promote inclusion and tolerance.

Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Costa Rica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to Parks and Recreation and 4 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in a related field and 2 years of relevant work experience
• Two years of work experience in recreational programming, and/or administration of parks and public spaces
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel and tools for process design
• Ability to negotiate and work in a team
• Advanced level of Spanish as a second language: while a reduced number of project partners may be able to communicate in English, Spanish will be needed to communicate with other relevant department’s as well as for daily life interactions (getting to work, buying groceries, developing local relationships, etc.)
  
  

Living conditions

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Costa Rica: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical considerations

Before you apply, please review medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.