Science Communications Internship in Belize

Science Communications internship at the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment, Belize

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Science Communications intern to join the Research and Monitoring team at The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE).

TIDE is a Belizean NGO working to protect some of the most pristine coastal and marine ecosystems in Central America, including the healthiest coral reef in the whole Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. TIDE works by building local capacity for conservation and fostering community participation in sustainable management of natural resources.

TIDE is one of the leading conservation organizations in the region and is pioneering new approaches, including the first implementation of a Managed Access fishery policy in the Belize Barrier Reef as well as an award-winning environmental education and sports competition, the TIDE Freshwater Cup.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The Science Communications Officer will work under the supervision of the Science Director to support all activities of the Research and Monitoring Department at TIDE. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to engage in other program areas, such as education and outreach. Minimal training will be provided and the successful candidate will need to be proactive and self-sufficient.

The successful candidate will have a diverse skillset and experience in applying research and engaging stakeholders to facilitate management of natural resources. This is an interdisciplinary position offering experience in a variety of professional fields in research, conservation, resource management, stakeholder engagement, outreach and advocacy. You will be experienced with database management in both Excel and Access, and confident with data analysis, interpretation and reporting. Knowledge of ArcGIS is preferred.

You will have the opportunity to participate in various fieldwork activities during your internship, as well as conduct lab work relating to sedimentation, nutrient analysis, dissection and sea grass research. You will support data entry for various programs, both in person and by overseeing community researchers and volunteers

This important role will involve the following duties:

Data Management:

• Ensuring all field data are returned from the field and entered into online databases immediately and accurately.
• Ensuring monitoring data are stored and organised properly.
• Maintaining TIDE Access Monitoring Databases under guidance from Science Director.
• Data analysis using Excel, Access, Minitab/SPSS, ArcGIS, Ocean Data View and others.
• Statistical analysis of monitoring data.

Communications:

• Writing reports on monitoring programs.
• Producing articles, press releases and other communications materials relating to R&M ?activities.
• Writing weekly updates for internal communication relating to R&M activities.
• Producing a monthly R&M newsletter for external audiences.
• Updating TIDE’s social media page with R&M news.
• Creating content for TIDE’s website to showcase the activities of the R&M department and to ?serve as a resource for the public.

The successful candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:

• A good quality Bachelor’s Degree in coastal management, fisheries science, conservation biology or related field.
• At least one year’s experience living and working in a relevant capacity in tropical developing countries and in other cultures.
• Highly competent with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Outstanding proficiency with ?Microsoft Excel and Access. Confident and meticulous with handling and manipulating large datasets. Competent with designing and creating user-friendly Access databases.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills. Competent working independently and as part of a team with limited direct supervision to complete deliverables to a high standard on time.
• Excellent writing skills applicable to a range of purposes; scientific reporting, delivering complex information to stakeholders with limited understanding or awareness of environmental issues, press releases, educational materials, advocacy materials etc.
• Knowledge and experience with regional coral reef monitoring protocols, such as MBRS and AGRRA.
• Comfortable and experienced living in basic conditions at remote TIDE Ranger Stations during fieldwork trips for up to a week on occasion. This includes cold bucket showers, long-drop style toilet facilities, dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and limited access to electricity. (Majority of internship will be spent living in more comfortable accommodation with electricity and running water in Punta Gorda town).
• Initiative, energy, enthusiasm and creativity. Interdisciplinary in nature, with express interest getting experience beyond pure research, to include people management and media work.
• Sufficient funds to come to Belize (if not Belizean) and support yourself for at least 6 months.
• Please note you will need to have your own laptop computer.

The following would be desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
• Website management experience in order to regularly update R&M section of TIDE website.
• Competent with at least one video editing package, such as Final Cut Pro or Vegas Pro 11.
• Competent with using ArcGIS to analyse environmental data. Experience using Ocean Data View also preferred.
• Spanish language skills.
• Good understanding of fisheries science and interest in community-based fisheries management.

The Science Communications intern will work alongside the Science Director. The successful candidate will be proactive and self-sufficient. Benefits of volunteering for TIDE include:

• Experience living in a developing country an among people of other culture
• A chance to gain valuable experience
• A chance to make a lasting, positive impact
• Living and working in a beautiful, peaceful, multi-cultural Caribbean town
• Being part of a friendly and dynamic team of committed individuals in a leading Belizean conservation NGO
• Opportunities to visit areas managed by TIDE and get involved in other aspects of TIDE’s work
• Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkeling and SCUBA diving

Please see our website (http://www.tidebelize.org/) for more information about our programs and activities and our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TIDEBZE for the latest news. Please direct any questions to Ms. Cristin Fitzpatrick at cfitzpatrick@tidebelize.org.

To apply, please send your c.v. and a cover letter to cfitzpatrick@tidebelize.org by 18th November 2013. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with requests for further information.