Conservation Ranger

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Duty Station: Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mile 31.5 George Price Highway

Application Deadline: September 23rd, 2022, no later than 4:00 p.m.

Status: Full-time, 40 hrs. per week and overtime if required.

Work Schedule: Variable as needed. May include weekends and holidays

Compensation: $320 / week base pay. Negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Background

The Maya Forest Corridor (MFC) landscape is a mosaic of secondary forest, small farms, large-scale agriculture, pastures, forest fragments and riverine habitat in central Belize. The MFC itself is comprised of forested lands that connect the two largest forest blocks in Belize: the northern forest block that includes the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA), the Yalbac, Laguna Seca and Gallon Jug private lands, and the Maya Mountains Massif (MMM) in the south. The Central Belize Corridor was recognized by the Government of Belize as an area of natural significance in the first National Protected Areas System Plan in 2005. The sustainable use of the natural resources in the MFC is important to ensure the viability of the protected areas system in Belize.

As a stakeholder in the Maya Forest Corridor, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (MBWS) manages 1000 acres of private land for the protection and conservation of its natural ecosystems and wildlife. Conservation Rangers at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the protected areas under the jurisdiction of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Rangers will occasionally act in the capacity of a guide to facilitate visitors, environmental education groups, and study abroad programs on the property. Occasionally, MBWS Rangers may be assigned to assist the staff of other MFC stakeholder organizations in land management, data collection, and law enforcement activities.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

High School Diploma
Command of the English language along with excellent written communication, oral communication, and public speaking skills.
3 years’ experience working in the capacity of a park ranger, field technician, naturalist tour guide, or similar job.
Physically fit and able to do manual labor in demanding conditions as needed – fitnes will be assessed.
Valid “Class A” driver’s license - manual transmission.
Possess a working knowledge of Belize’s flora and fauna, its ecosystems, and the national protected areas system.
Candidate should be highly motivated and able to work both independently and cooperatively with others, demonstrate flexibility in organizing work, have good communication skills and demonstrate thoughtfulness in decision making.
Candidate must be non-judgmental, receptive in approach and reflect a genuine interest hospitality, education, and environmental conservation.
No Criminal History

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

Associates Degree or higher in Natural Resources Management, Biology, or related field.
Multi-lingual – Fluency in English and Spanish
Valid Driver’s License – Class A & C
Valid Tour Guide License
Valid Special Constable Certificate
Valid First Aid Certification – Advanced or Wilderness First Aid training is an asset.
Experience using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) to record data.
Experience using and maintaining field equipment such as Maps, Compass, GPS, Camera Traps, Radios, Drones, and Digital Cameras.
Strong field identification skills (Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects, Plants)
Experience as an environmental educator.
Experience with prescribed fire or wildland fire management.
Computer skills including a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

Implementation of activities related to law enforcement and compliance with forest and wildlife laws throughout the sanctuary and the MFC landscape.
Implementation of biological monitoring programs such as camera trapping, PROALAS bird surveys, permanent sampling plots (PSPs), water quality, nest site surveys, etc.
Assisting with land and biodiversity management programs including Fire Management and Forest Restoration projects.

Assisting interns, researchers, student groups, and partner organization staff in conducting census, monitoring, and survey work.
Work with team members in conducting practical work in construction, repair and maintenance of trail systems, equipment, and other NGO assets.
Build and foster relationships with the buffering MFC communities to gain increased understanding of community dynamics and needs.
Work with local environmental clubs and youth groups on field outings and environmental education programs.
Assist team in providing practical assistance for fire prevention, firefighting, and other practical activities in the Maya Forest Corridor, based on established procedures.
Ensure timely submission of reports and data sheets to the appropriate person.
Act as an ambassador for their country and the organization they work for. Take pride in the work and put your best foot forward when you report for duty.
Ensure they have all necessary equipment for each shift. Rangers must coordinate with their supervisor to prepare the necessary equipment needed for an activity prior to the start of that activity.
Maintain a high level of situational awareness to identify and mitigate risks that may impact themselves, their guests, or their coworkers.
Communicate efficiently, openly, and honestly with their guests, fellow guides, and service providers to ensure everyone has the same information.
Be responsible for maintaining the various pieces of equipment assigned to them (ex: radios, SMART devices, flashlights, first aid kits, etc.).
Be well informed about all aspects of the activities that they lead. Use this information to brief coworkers and guests before an activity so expectations can be established. Afterwards, gather guests and coworkers to do an activity debrief. This is an important step to highlight the successes and failures of the activity. Ask for recommendations from guests and coworkers on how to improve the experience for everyone.
Complete incident reports to report accidents, injuries, near misses, medical situations, or occurrences of misconduct.
All Staff must adhere to the Safety Protocols and the Policy & Procedures Manual of Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
No smoking or drinking alcohol while on duty. MBWS Staff are NOT accepted to enter or continue work when not fully sober and may be subject to legal or disciplinary action.
Any other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Appearance and Dress Code

Conservation Rangers must maintain a professional appearance while conducting their duties.
Designated uniform attire (provided by MBWS) must be worn while on duty.

Benefits

When assigned to work with a group on or off site, Rangers will be provided meals or a meal stipend.
Receive an equal portion of tips left for staff members.
Staff housing is available while on duty.
Training and capacity building opportunities.
Yearly performance reviews and performance-based pay increments are available.