Environmental Educator

Special benefits

• Extensive language, technical, and intercultural training
• Hands-on, valuable international work experience
• Travel to and from country, housing and monthly living allowance, and full coverage of medical and dental needs during service

• Competitive advantage for federal hiring and opportunities to save on graduate degrees and other education programs
• Monthly accrued Volunteer service award (readjustment allowance) totaling $10,800 before taxes, with option to access for ongoing financial obligations

Key dates

Apply by
February 15, 2027

Know by
April 1, 2027

Depart on
September 19, 2027

Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training

About the project

Communities across Paraguay are looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about environmental education and eager to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Paraguay sits at the crossroads of several distinct ecoregions, encompassing tropical and subtropical forests, vast grasslands, and expansive wetlands. These landscapes support extraordinary biodiversity: more than 8,000 plant species, around 100,000 species of invertebrates, roughly 720 species of birds, and hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and fish. However, rapid land-use changes-particularly the expansion of soybean farming in the Atlantic Forest and cattle ranching in the Chaco-have led to significant habitat loss. This environmental pressure is pushing emblematic species, such as jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters, toward endangerment. Deforestation is also contributing to higher temperatures, increased soil erosion, reduced water retention, and declining agricultural productivity, all of which affect human health and wellbeing. Solid waste management is also a critical challenge; as most communities resort to burning as the solution to plastic pollution. Governmental leaders have identified building the country's environmental adaptation and resilience as a priority, but additional help is needed to achieve long-term progress.

As an Environmental Educator, you will collaborate with schools, government officials, and community leaders to strengthen environmental education and awareness. By developing practical learning opportunities and promoting effective, nature-based solutions, you will help communities keep their environment cleaner, healthier, and more resilient for the future.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Paraguay project page .

Requirements

Behavioral competencies

These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:

1. Motivation for and commitment to service
2. Adaptability and open-mindedness
3. Problem solving and resourcefulness
4. Behavioral maturity and professionalism

Education/experience

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Spanish language

Qualified candidates will meet one of the following criteria:

1. High school: Completed 4 years of Spanish coursework within the past 8 years
2. College: Completed Spanish Elementary II (e.g., 102, 1002) in the semester system (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Score 50-62 on the Spanish exam in the past 6 years
4. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): Score of Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
5. Native Spanish speaker