Water & Sanitation Volunteer Intern
Daily Tasks
As a water & sanitation volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, working alongside the community and the EcoSwell team. The daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at of each project. This may include but is not limited to:
Dry Toilet
At the EcoSwell house we are using our dry toilet on a daily basis. Interns will be required to make improvements on the current design of our dry toilet or develop & initiate the expansion of more public dry toilets in the community.
Water Treatment
Besides the Solar Distiller, we are currently implementing the vetiver system (a special grass capable of water/soil treatment) to contain and removing toxicities & pathogens from wastewater spills which are prevalent in the towns of Piedritas and Lobitos where we work. Interns can get involved with the research and construction of more floating hydroponic devices for vetiver (pontoons) and other water treatment initiatives and technologies like solar distillers & biodigesters.
Groundwater
Volunteer interns will also be able to get involved with our ongoing groundwater research for community use in Lobitos, as well as plan, design, test & implement potential applications.
Online program
You can take part in this position through our online program as well at a discounted financial contribution.. The online activities for this project may include (but are not limited to):
Feasibility studies
Research into new sustainability solutions
Data monitoring and/or analysis
Report and/or grant/fund writing
In addition, you’ll be able to take part in the following online educational seminars, given by our Directors:
NGO/Social enterprise creation and management
Outreach and Business Development
Marketing (digital and promotional)
Sustainability perspectives from a local "on the ground" development organisation
International environmental and social sustainability standards
Before applying, please ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the information in regards to the financial contribution required for the volunteer internship. We look forward to hearing from you!
Benefits of joining this program
We need hard-working volunteer interns with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in water management and sanitation to come and support us in these ongoing projects in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer internship are:
Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on a vulnerable community.
Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Requirements
This volunteer internship is open to all disciplines, but is most suited for those interested in and/or have academic or professional experience in sanitation initiatives and sustainable development. However, we do ask for:
An academic, basic professional background or personal motivation in environmental science, engineering, sustainable development and the like.
Minimum age 18.
Basic experience or strong motivation to work as part of a team away from home.
However, the most important thing is that you have an open mind, positive attitude and willingness to learn!
FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER INTERN THAT JOINS US, A local family will plant and care for a native TREE IN THE VOLUNTEER INTERNS NAME.
If you'd like to get in touch with our former volunteer interns to hear about their experiences with us, get in touch and we'd be happy to connect you.
“A wonderful experience!”
I studied Civil Engineering in Bristol, England and have now specialised as a Civil Engineer in water and environment. In 2015 I went to Ecoswell in Lobitos for three months to carry out a feasibility study for alternative sanitation. This was in partnership with Engineers without Borders UK. I was nervous at first, because my Spanish wasn't very good, but the directors made me feel so welcome, like a family. They helped me to write my survey and I got involved in the reforestation project too. I particularly enjoyed sitting in on the EL Nino preparation meetings. I learned so much about Peru, Lobitos, and working in disaster preparation. It was a invaluable experience. I also got the chance to learn to surf, swim with turtles, climb around the cliffs at capuyanas and fish with some of the best artisanal fishermen in Primavera. I loved spending time with the community in the El Nino meetings, through Lobitos Verde monitoring and other events. It was wonderful to see the strong relationship the community have with EcoSwell. I now work in the UK for an engineering consultant designing flood mitigation and river rehabilitation schemes. I still volunteer with EcoSwell remotely, helping with technical design and supporting new volunteers.
Being a part of EcoSwell has not only helped me in developing professional skills and travel the world, but it has also introduced me to a family of incredible people who are trying to make a positive difference in the world, and I am so glad to be a part of that.