An official website of the United States government
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Search
Connect with the Peace Corps
If you're ready for something bigger, we have a place where you belong.
Apply to the Peace Corps
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
Let us help you find the right position.
If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.
Serve where you’re needed mostChaco Environmental Promoter
Environment
Job highlights
- Gain experience working with influential local and national organizations.
- Live and learn in a multicultural community and unique ecosystem.
- Support the development of South America’s final frontier.
Paraguay • South America
In partnership with: A Todo Pulmon Paraguay Respira
Get answers live — every weekday at .
Apply by
July 15, 2026Know by
September 1, 2026Depart on
February 8, 2027Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
Organizations in the Paraguayan Chaco are looking for Spanish-speaking professionals to support environmental initiatives that position the region for a sustainable future.
The Chaco comprises over 60 percent of Paraguay’s surface area and is the second-largest extension of forest cover in South America after the Amazon. It is an important economic center, with more than six million cattle used for both dairy and meat production. The rapid expansion of cattle ranching in Chaco has resulted in a high rate of deforestation with the department of Boquerón losing 23 percent of its forest cover in just the last 20 years. This land use change makes the region more susceptible to droughts, extreme heat, and wildfires, which have adverse impacts on biodiversity and human populations. Due to the rapid development of the Paraguayan Chaco, it is of the upmost importance to engage in sound environmental planning and education.
As the Chaco Environmental Promoter, you will collaborate with local and national organizations to strengthen institutional ties and connect community members with needed resources. You will work together to improve solid waste management, install camera traps, plant more trees, and develop natural risk communications related to wildfires and air quality.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Paraguay project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in education, environmental science or a related field.
AND
Two or more years of experience facilitating environmental education programming and/or conservation education.
Language: Spanish
A. Completed 4 years of high school Spanish coursework in the past 8 years
B. Completed college-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
C. Score between 50-62 on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years
D. Score Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Paraguay
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Complete a community diagnostic with key resources and opportunities
Develop a community map of critical infrastructure
Develop an early warning system for natural disasters
Organize tree planting initiatives
Use camera traps for environmental awareness campaigns
Educate the public about source separation and waste reduction
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as building trails in natural areas to attract tourism and teaching informal community English classes.
Volunteers will live together in a shared living space. Each will have their own room, but will share bathrooms, kitchens, and other common areas. Our Chaco communities are urban, with populations ranging from 7,000–20,000 people. They have access to most basic amenities and are within eight hours by bus from the capital of Asuncion. Volunteers should be prepared for harsh environmental conditions (heat, dust, smoke).
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Paraguay country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Paraguay
Benjamin D.
Community Economic Development Volunteer
"The highlight of my service so far hasn’t necessarily been my accomplishments or projects but rather the relationships I’ve created with my host family and youth in my community."
See full Volunteer profile
After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to Neuland or Filadelfia, where you will collaborate with municipalities, national government agencies, schools, and nonprofits. You will work with the partner organization and your community to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Paraguay will equip you with Spanish language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
To learn more about serving as a couple in Paraguay, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Paraguay. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
