Marine Education and Research Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW 

Reports to: Tobacco Caye Marine Station Manager

Employment Type: Education and research assistant 

● Potential start with a short-term internship this summer. 

Duty Station: Tobacco Caye Marine Station, Tobacco Caye, Stann Creek District, Belize 

Work Schedule: December 2024 - August 2025 (preferably, to start with a short-term internship this summer 2024) 

Typically 5 days per week, variations determined by the reservation calendar. 

Department Mission: Tobacco Caye Marine Station’s mission is to offer bespoke academic experiential learning opportunities centered on marine conservation for a wide range of clients, and to immerse program participants in Caribbean reef ecology and local marine conservation projects which have positive impacts in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. 

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

● Working within a team of three to deliver TCMS’s study abroad calendar to provide a high-quality service of education and immersive experience. 

● Support and lead in TCMS research activities including invasive lionfish, marine trash and coral bleaching work. 

● Communicate and coordinate with customers, students, staff, service providers, local experts and community members to implement academic study abroad itineraries and service-learning programs. 

● Assist with the gift shop sales and inventory management. 

● Sharing responsibilities with the team to host groups including; pick groups up from Dangriga; conduct the island welcome and orientation; assist with educational excursions; lead research project activities and hosting day trip groups. 

● Invision, create, and publish media content including videos, pictures, infographics, and other relevant content to social media outlets and the organization's website.

● Act as an ambassador for TCMS and marine conservation on the Belize Barrier Reef. 

● Possess excellent customer service abilities and be available to answer any questions from visitors to Tobacco Caye. 

● Helping with daily maintenance tasks including but not limited to: watering the garden, sweeping the classroom, cleaning snorkel kit, and restocking the gift shop. 

● Become familiar with the company’s clients and their specific needs and program requirements. 

● Any other incidental tasks that may arise from time to time. 

Required Qualifications 

● Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field. 

● Belizeans only 

● Working knowledge of Belize’s marine ecosystem - formal marine biology training is preferred. 

● Ability to clearly communicate in verbal and in written formats with people of different ages, marine knowledge, and backgrounds. 

● Outgoing personality with a genuine passion for Marine Conservation 

● Experience with photography, videography, video editing, social media management, and infographic development are assets. 

● Experience with or ability to learn basic bookkeeping skills. 

● Highly organized with the ability to prioritize workload - a balance is needed to assist with hosting groups and keeping up to date with the financial and administrative side of the station. 

● Experience conducting marine based research activities. 

● Able to share knowledge of the island and personal experiences surrounding the local marine environment with visitors to the island including study abroad groups, day trip

groups and tourists. 

● Self-motivated with very good time management. 

● Working at TCMS is a lifestyle, the hosting season can mean consecutive busy weeks hosting multiple groups and socializing with a lot of people during mealtimes and throughout the day, talking repeatedly to tourists about the marine station’s mission, attending to student medical injuries, snorkeling on educational excursions, conducting an early morning bird walk – working at TCMS is very diverse and interesting! The quieter weeks are time to catch up on outstanding jobs such as financial and administrative duties, schedule content on social media and order stock for the TCMS gift shop. 

● Willingness to try new things and the ability to adapt to different situations.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

• Negotiable salary based on qualifications and experience.

• Benefits:

  • Free room and board + utilities in on-site accommodations

  • Free meals under certain circumstances

HOW TO APPLY: 

Send a copy of your CV, Cover Letter, 2 professional references to:

1. info@monkeybaybelize.com 

2. cc: t.c.marinestation@gmail.com 

APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 

30th June, 2024