Ya'axché Conservation Trust is a community-oriented NGO that couples conservation with sustainable development to advance integrated landscape management in southern Belize. The focal geographic area for Ya'axché's activities, the Maya Golden Landscape(MGL), extends from the Maya Mountains to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve in the Caribbean Sea and forms part of the largest remaining contiguous areas of broadleaf forest in Central America. The MGL includes Ya'axché's Golden Stream Corridor Preserve (GSCP, 15,000 acres) and the Bladen Nature Reserve (BNR, 100,000 acres), which is co-managed by Ya'axché and the Belize Forest Department. In addition to managing protected areas, Ya'axché puts an equivalent focus on the livelihoods of the surrounding communities through sustainable livelihood initiatives and implementation of best practices.
1.2 SPECIFIC DUTIES
1. Conduct Land Use/Land Cover change assessment for the MGL.
- Download and analyze Remote Sensing data to locate Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in the MGL.
- Store and manage LULC change data in the GIS folder in the server in a coherent way.
- Develop a LULC change report at the end of the year (2015-2016).
- Generate maps for Protected Area Management and Community Outreach and Livelihoods programs and the Development team.
2. Collect, analyze and store spatial data generated by PAM and COL programs.
- Familiarize and use SMART software to analyze ranger collected patrol data to inform Protected Area management decision making.
- Collect farm data to build on farmers' data base.
3. Help build GIS capacity in Communities, Ya'axché and University of Belize (UB)
- Contribute in the preparation and implementation of trainings for Ya'axché staff and community members.
- Contribute in the collaboration with UB in increasing capacity in LULC change, forest cover monitoring and community land use planning.
4. Help transition for a Belizean GIS Technician- Sustainable Land Use Officer
- Contribute in the selection of a suitable candidate.
- Help in the transition to the new Sustainable Land Use Officer.
1.3 GENERAL DUTIES
In addition to these specific tasks, the volunteer is expected to:
- Participate in relevant team meetings
- Support and advise staff on issues pertaining to his/her technical expertise
2.0 PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in relevant subject area (Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography, Agronomy, Natural Resource Management).
- Proficiency in Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing software management (ArcGIS, Q-GIS, ENVI, IDRISI).
- Proven record in technical writing and data analysis.
- Excellent organizational and computer skills.
- Interest on conservation and community development in Toledo.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Masters or post graduate degree in Geographic Information Systems and/or Remote Sensing.
- Experience of working for conservation and development NGO's in Belize and/or other developing countries.
- Knowledge in Agronomy and agricultural development.
- Project management experience.
- Knowledge of conservation and community development issues in developing countries.
2.2 TECHNICAL SKILLS
Essential
- Proficiency in the use of GIS and Remote Sensing software: ArcGIS, Q-GIS, ENVI, IDRISI or relevant software.
- Knowledge in creation of management of spatial data bases.
- Proven record in technical writing and data analysis.
- Excellent organizational and computer skills.
2.3 PERSONAL SKILLS
Essential
- Commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development issues.
- Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal and planning skills.
- The ability to work with a wide variety of individuals (including a multi-cultural in-house team) by using tact, diplomacy and flexibility.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Dependable and reliable, with a positive attitude.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and to manage time effectively in order to meet deadlines.
- An ability to think strategically as well as having common sense and problem solving skills.
- Cultural sensitivity towards Belizeans in general and the indigenous communities of the Maya Golden Landscape in particular.
3.0 BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
3.1 VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
This is a voluntary, unpaid position. However the volunteer will receive benefits including:
- Free, basic, shared housing at Golden Stream Corridor Preserve field station (see Volunteer Guide for more details)
- Opportunity to work closely with dynamic, multi-cultural staff
- Appreciation for your dedication and hard work
- Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA
- In-depth, interactive cultural experience unattainable by tourists
3.2 VOLUNTEER EXPENSES
There are no program fees charged for this experience, but the volunteer is expected to arrange and pay for:
- Transportation to Punta Gorda, Belize, including airfare.
- Food, personal expenses, in-country travel, rent (if living in Punta Gorda instead of the field center)
- Passport, visa, sufficient personal medical insurance
Additional information is available in the Volunteer Guideincluding a break-down of the realistic cost of living in Belize.
4.O HOW TO APPLY
For a more detailed job description, please see ww.yaaxche.org/vacancy. To apply, please send a copy of your CV (no more than 2 pages) and a one-page letter outlining your interest in, and suitability for, the position. All documents should be in .pdf format and should be emailed to jaume.ruscalleda@yaaxche.org by April 30th 2015.