Station Manger

Introduction: Tobacco Caye Marine Station (TCMS) is an education and research facility on the island of Tobacco Caye within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The station manager is responsible for all aspects of the continuing operations of TCMS from scheduling and leading international and domestic students groups in the classroom and in the field to assisting visiting researchers collect data on the health of the Belize Barrier Reef System (BBRS) World Heritage Site (WHS).

Role Responsibilities

• Hosting and guiding domestic and international student groups participating in field study programs.
• Providing education on the tropical marine environments of Belize through a mixture of classroom based learning and snorkel excursions to the reef, mangrove and seagrass habitats of the SWCMR and beyond.
• Coordinating study group programming with supplier in Belize and abroad.
• Securing continuing business for TCMS’s education programs through designing and marketing marine ecology field courses for new and existing clients.
• Recruitment and management of volunteers and interns and providing sufficient opportunities for professional and personal development during their placements.
• Development and implementation of funding proposals for new research projects and grants for further development of the Station.
• Liaising with governmental, national and international departments and organisations.
• Managing the station – administration, finances and budgets, general maintenance including the building and grounds, solar power supply, lab equipment and snorkelling gear.
• Managing website, social media, email and developing promotional materials.

Mission:  To promote the conservation and sustainable management of tropical marine ecosystems through education and training programs that support public awareness, inspire field research, and provide experiential learning field courses.

Location: Tobacco Caye is five acre island located on the reef crest of the Belize Barrier Reef System World Heritage Site. A popular destination for tourists, students and Belizean locals, Tobacco Caye offers excellent snorkelling directly offshore and dive spots less than five minutes boat ride from the island. Tobacco Caye is a 30 minute boat journey from historic Dangriga, offering easy access to mainland Belize and northern Guatemala.

Tobacco Caye Marine Station: TCMS was built in 2008 with start up grant funding from Belize's Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) Fund, and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (MBWS). Our objective is to work with the local community and the Belize Fisheries Department to promote awareness through education field programs centring on the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the larger Belize Barrier Reef System, and the prime importance and value of tropical marine environments globally.

Person specification: We are looking for an individual or couple with a strong background in marine science, environmental education and with experience of working in remote and challenging locations. We will also consider applications from couple where one partner has a marine science background providing that the other partner possesses a complementary skillset and there is an existing track record of having worked together in similar positions. One or both applicants should have extensive in-water experience, preferably a mixture of diving and snorkelling.

Details: Apply with CV/resume, covering letter and details of two references to info@tcmsbelize.org including the phrase ‘Application for Station Manager Vacancy’ in the title. Applicants invited to interview will be notified within a fortnight of the closing date. Interviews will conducted remotely via Skype.

Application Close Date: Friday February 21^st 2014

Start Date: April 2014

Accommodation: Successful applicants will be provided with temporary accommodation and food upon arrival in Belize and for duration of training period, followed by long-term arrangement on completion of position handover.

Salary: Weekly stipend based on experience, plus possible incentives.