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 mostEnvironmental Data/GIS Specialist
Environment
Job highlights
Ecuador • South America
In partnership with: Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands
Applications are now closed. View current openings.
Apply by
November 15, 2025Know by
January 15, 2026Depart on
May 31, 2026Duration
12 monthsAbout the project
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an Environmental Data/GIS Specialist. The project “Technology and Innovation for Conservation: Digital tools and information systems for information and knowledge management on protected and unprotected areas of Galapagos in the context of the Biosphere Reserve and the Eastern Tropical Pacific” seeks to address the critical need to improve data management and access to knowledge for the conservation of Galapagos socio-ecosystems. The underlying development problem lies in the current fragmentation and underutilization of the vast amount of scientific and environmental information generated in the archipelago.
The PCRV will facilitate the dissemination and validation of the new tools among the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) and collaborating institutions, promoting the adoption of these innovations for decision-making and the generation of evidence-based public policies. The PCRV will also train volunteers, students and staff collaborating with scientific research projects in GIS.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Ecuador project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have the following criteria:
• BA/BS in environmental sciencies, biology, forestry or relevant field (e.g. computer engineering)
• 2 or more years of training and experience using data collection tools relevant to role, such as GIS/ArcView, statistical software and mapping applications.
• Research and analysis skills relevant to role (e.g. impact evaluation results frameworks, assessment, biological monitoring)
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 Ecuador
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Ecuador country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Ecuador
Maja S.
Health and Well-Being Volunteer
"[From my community] I learned to conserve resources by doing dishes once a day; taking short, cold showers; unplugging electronics while not in use; and taking advantage of natural light whenever possible."
See full Volunteer profile
No couples are accepted for this position.
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 Ecuador. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
