Long-term volunteering in Brazil – 100% free

Hands-on carpentry skills: constructing roofs, building furniture, installing doors and windows, performing maintenance, and working on general construction tasks

Hands-on experience in bioconstruction: building stone foundations, constructing cob walls, working with wattle and daub, creating green roofs, and applying natural finishes.

Hands-on construction skills: site preparation, foundation work, bricklaying, framing, roofing, plastering, installing doors and windows, mixing and applying natural plasters, using power tools, and performing general maintenance and repairs.

Architecture skills: designing functional and sustainable spaces, creating technical drawings and 3D models (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit), collaborating on construction planning, integrating bioclimatic and natural building principles, and overseeing site implementation.

Hands-on agroforestry skills: understanding core concepts, identifying tree species, planting vegetables and legumes, tree planting and pruning, soil preparation, irrigation, harvesting, plowing, operating chainsaws and brush cutters, and basic tree climbing techniques.

Hands-on permaculture skills: applying design principles, managing compost systems, creating garden beds, integrating companion planting, building natural water retention systems (swales, ponds), practicing soil regeneration, working with food forests, managing organic waste, and implementing closed-loop systems

Hands-on beekeeping skills: managing hives, inspecting colony health, harvesting honey, handling bees safely, maintaining equipment, and understanding pollination and seasonal bee behavior.

Web design skills: designing and managing WordPress sites, implementing SEO strategies, creating visual content with graphic design tools, and using RD Station for digital marketing and automation

Videography skills: filming, editing, color correction, sound design, creating promotional and educational videos, operating cameras and drones, and using editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro 

Online marketing skills: developing and managing digital campaigns, SEO and SEM strategies, social media management, content creation, email marketing, analytics tracking (Google Analytics, RD Station), and lead generation.

Fundraiser: Writing proposals, contacting donors and partners, managing fundraising campaigns, promoting social projects, and securing support for the Ecolibrium construction and community initiatives.

Administrative Support: Managing email and WhatsApp communication, organizing schedules, contacting suppliers, welcoming guests, writing articles and updates, and improving internal workflows and processes. 

Sales and Outreach: Engaging with schools, universities, and travel agencies; presenting programs and experiences; building strategic partnerships; managing leads through CRM tools; and developing outreach strategies to increase bookings and visibility

After the interview and agreement on terms, you’ll receive a clear schedule:

• 2 days working in areas where the farm needs support

• 2 days in a project aligned with your interests (e.g., natural building, agroforestry, communication)
  Total: 32 hours per week

This period allows both you and Eco Caminhos to get to know each other. By engaging in real projects, we can assess your ability to adapt, stay motivated, and work hands-on as part of the team.

• After the first week, we do a short evaluation to check motivation, punctuality, and respect.

• Then, we hold monthly evaluations for mutual feedback.

• After 3 months, a final evaluation determines whether both sides want to continue the collaboration until at least the end of the year.

Once both sides agree to continue for at least one year, the volunteer continues participating in existing projects four days per week, gradually taking on more responsibilities and becoming more involved in team decisions.

In addition, volunteers have the option to dedicate one day per week to a personal project, as long as it aligns with the vision of Eco Caminhos — such as environmental preservation, social impact, education, agroforestry, or natural building.

Important: Eco Caminhos operates on a limited budget, so projects should be low-cost or self-funded by the volunteer. Projects can be carried out individually or in groups, depending on the volunteer’s preference.

We also welcome revenue-generating initiatives, such as building partnerships with universities, schools, or travel groups. If these projects generate income, the volunteer may receive a commission based on the results.

At this stage, you can further develop your personal project, with a primary focus on creating positive social and environmental impact. Projects that bring tangible benefits to the community, the environment, and the mission of Eco Caminhos are especially encouraged.

There is also the possibility of becoming involved with the Ecolibrium Association, a partner organization focused on expanding the educational, ecological, and social impact initiated at Eco Caminhos. This connection can open doors to new projects, fundraising opportunities, and collaboration with other institutions.

If your project generates income, financial compensation can be discussed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the project’s nature, impact, and level of responsibility involved.

Volunteers who stay for more than two years and show strong commitment to the values and goals of the project may be invited to become active members of the Ecolibrium Association. This includes participating in strategic decisions, co-creating projects, and the possibility of receiving fair compensation for their contributions.

At this stage, you transition from volunteer to partner, coordinator, or paid team member, taking on greater responsibility and helping the organization grow in alignment with the principles of permaculture, collaboration, and positive social and environmental impact.