The curled tail of a spider monkey at Parque Machía; Photo Credit: Michael van Beek
Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi is always looking to grow, and as such we are always on the lookout for talented individuals to help us in our mission to rescue wildlife removed from its natural habitat. We don’t just need zoologists, biologists and vets, but also publicists, administrative staff, accountants, tradesmen and experts in construction.
If you enjoy working as part of a team, can create and manage your own initiatives, and have a strong passion for working to help wildlife and conservation, we would like to hear from you. CIWY is an equal opportunities employer; we do not discriminate with regards to nationality, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, age or religion. Come and work with us!
For a full list of our current vacancies, please view our page on Idealist.
Volunteering with CIWY is hard work but incredibly rewarding. You’ll live close to nature in the Amazon rainforest, care for rescued wildlife, and support their rehabilitation and well-being. It’s a unique opportunity to make friends from around the world and create lasting memories.
CIWY offers a unique experience to anyone wanting to make a real difference. Our work is challenging, dynamic and extremely satisfying.
Working at CIWY can be tough. The needs of the animals, which need care and attention every day, define our working culture. As such, staff just receive one day off per week. Furthermore, living in the jungle with heat, humidity, rain and mosquitoes can sometimes be frustrating. There are few comforts but the rewards are immense — step out of your comfort zone!
CIWY is constantly changing and evolving. We are receiving new animals to our sanctuaries almost weekly, and every day is different. We need flexible and proactive individuals who will help us to keep improving the futures of our animals. We are always open to positive changes.
Although the work is hard, it is extremely satisfying at the end of each day to see that it was all worthwhile, and the work we do each day positively influences the animals which are under your charge.
Programme
This programme is open to artists who want to further their development through research in the field, living and working in collaboration with our conservationists, veterinarians, scientists, volunteers and — of course — the forest and its animals. We are keen for artists to have the opportunity to experience and observe life on a frontline conservation project, whilst at the same time helping CIWY to disseminate its work.
We accept enquiries from artists working in all mediums, from writing and painting to sculpture and performance.
There are two positions available on a yearly basis, for a period of approximately 3 months. We will consider a minimum stay of 6 weeks, but preference will be given to applicants who can commit to 2-3 months. It takes time for the animals to grow comfortable around new people; therefore longer stays are ideal to allow the artist to build relationships with the animals and produce more meaningful work.
To apply please send an email to friends@intiwarayassi.org with ‘Artist in Residence’ in the subject line and attach the following information. We now have a rolling deadline: apply today!
Indicating:
1. Why you are interested in this opportunity
2. An initial proposal for the work you will develop
3. How you would propose spending your time
4. Your experience in working with communities
5. How your residency would help raise awareness and/or funds for CIWY’s work
Appropriate supporting material to demonstrate the quality of your work — e.g. a CV and six images/video/written material, or a link to a website showing your work
One or two references — one should be from a community project
Previous Artists in Residence Silvia Cuello and Victor Fernández wrote and illustrated a children’s book to share the story of CIWY and its rescued animals.
Watch Resident Artist Jennie Webber showcase her art from CIWY to the UK and the world.
