Do you have a volunteer program?
Yes, we have a volunteer program for the future Patagonia Park in the region of Aysén, Chile during our summer months of October through March. Principally, the work involves restoration of the land as we transition it from a large Estancia to a National Park.
It is recommended that you plan to stay for at least 3 weeks.
The present cost per volunteer is 15 dollars per day. This cost includes all meals, hot water, laundry and extra amenities including use of the internet. Volunteers should bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent and any additional camping supplies.
What kind of work can I expect to do as a volunteer?
Volunteers will work mainly in the area of land restoration. This is hard work and will include fence removal, exotic plant control, seed collection, and in some cases supporting scientific work with the flora and fauna in the area.
The volunteers will work in groups of approximately 6 people. You can participate within one of these groups or put together your own group. Generally, volunteer work groups will camp in a work area for approximately 4 days. Work usually begins each day at 9 a.m. with a break for lunch sometime around 12:30. Work will begin again between 2:00 and 3:00 and will continue until 5 or 6 p.m.
After approximately 4 days of work the groups will come back to the Administración to rest for 2 days. During these 2 days volunteers can go into town for the day, explore the park, wash clothes, use the internet, or rest. After resting for a few days volunteers will continue work in a different area of the park.
While volunteering at the park, you will have very limited opportunities to contact "the outside". There is an office computer which is available to the volunteers after working hours, however the phone is for official use only. If you go into the town of Cochrane on a day off, there are cybercafes and international phone call services that are available. Please make sure that your family and friends are aware of these limitations.
In the case of an emergency, they should contact Paula Herrera, the Volunteer Manager (English or Spanish) via e-mail pherrera@conservacionpatagonica.cl or telephone 56 65 970833 (Park).
Internship Opportunities:
Conservacion Patagonica is currently looking to fill the below volunteer internship positions.
Cook/Kitchen Manager: Future Patagonia National Park Employee/Volunteer Cafeteria
CP is seeking a qualified cook with experience working in and or running a small to medium sized restaurant. This position will be responsible for preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner for both the volunteers and seasonal employees who are working to create Chile’s future Patagonia National Park.
• This restaurant receives about 40 people daily in the high season.
• The position will also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the restaurant and managing the food shipments and orders.
• Applicants should have a strong appreciation for wilderness and a deep dedication to preserving opens spaces through publically protected areas.
• Intermediate Spanish speaking skills are a necessity. The position is from November 1 to May 1 and it includes room and board.
For more information, please contact info@conservacionpatagonica.org and be sure to include your resume and references.
Host/Hostesse: The Lodge at Valle Chacabuco
CP is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated person or couple to manage the Lodge at Valle Chacabuco. The lodge is a 6 bedroom “Chilean Hosteria” that was opened in 2008 and is located in the heart of Chile’s future Patagonia National Park (PNP). It was built with the Ahwahnee of Yosemite National Park and the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park in mind and in an attempt to provide not only an incredible experience for PNP visitors, but also a model of quality that other local lodges and inns can look to for inspiration.
Applicant(s) should be fluent in both English and Spanish, have previous experience working in or managing a small inn or bed and breakfast, and is dedicated to the protection of wild lands and to the Patagonia region specifically.
Daily tasks would include:
• Coordinating guest arrivals and departures to Valle Chacabuco.
• Managing all meals and activities of guests during their stay at the Lodge.
• Managing the cleaning ladies and cooks at the Lodge.
For more information, please contact info@conservacionpatagonica.org and be sure to include your resume and references.
What will the weather be like?
During the day, the weather is mostly dry with temperatures ranging from 10-25ºC (50-75ºF). However, there are occasional downpours and at night, the temperature sometimes dips below freezing.
Equipment list
As with many places, the weather in Valle Chacabuco changes by the season and by the hour. While the equipment list below is not a complete one, it should provide you with an overview of the type of gear to bring with you.
• Hiking Boots:
Expect to do lots of walking over uneven terrain
• Hiking Socks:
Bring several pairs of sturdy hiking socks. The wool/synthetic kind tend to perform best.
• Work Clothes:
Whether you are taking down barbed wire fences, hiking through dense vegetation or wearing the same clothes for long periods of time, you will want a heavyweight pants and shirt/jacket that will last.
• Work Gloves:
Barbed wire fence rolling, non-native plant removal...its all in a days work so bring some thick work gloves.
• Down or Synthetic Insulation Jacket:
The weight of insulation you will need varies according to the time of year but the evenings are cool/cold, year round.
• Windbreaker/Raincoat:
Its windy in Patagonia and when it rains, it rains.
• Synthetic Baselayer:
Capilene, Polypropylene or some other type of synthetic long underwear - top and bottom.
• Fleece Jacket
• Sunblock & Sunglasses:
The sun is strong in Patagonia. Bring plenty of sun protection for your skin, lips and eyes.
• Hat - Warm Weather:
Be prepared to spend all day working outside. You will want a hat with a broad visor to block the sun.
• Hat - Cold Weather
• Flashlight/Headlamp/Lantern:
Also plan to bring an extra set of batteries.
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag:
The warmth of bag you need will vary depending on the person and the season.
• Sleeping Pad
• Plate and utensils:
Will be used when camping
• Swimsuit:
There are may beautiful lakes, rivers and streams in Patagonia. Swimming or wading in them makes for an invigorating (re: cold) experience.
• River Sandals/Flip Flops:
These are useful around camp or when walking through streams and rivers.
• Water Bottle/Hydration Pack:
You will need to carry your own water when you're out in the field. Make sure you bring the water storage capacity you will need.
• Towel:
A synthetic camp towel that will dry quickly
• Bug Repellant
• Gaiters:
These can be useful for repelling pimpinellas or for keeping out water when crossing streams.
• Immunizations:
Before traveling to Parque Patagonia, check with your doctor and ensure that all of your immunizations, especially for Tetanus, are current.
• First Aid Kit:
Bring a small, personal first-aid kit with moleskin for blisters, ibuprofen, aspirin or anything else that you may want while at the parque. Also, bring sufficient quantities of any prescrition medications and/or contact lens solution that you will need. There will be group first-aid kits for emergencies but there is no drug store nearby.
• Safety Glasses/Goggles:
When rolling up barbed wire fences, it is possible for loose wires to strike you in the face. It is recomended that you bring a pair of clear, safety glasses/goggles for some of the work that you may be doing.
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo |
