| Description |
Position Title
Site Manager
Location:
Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies –Bocas del Toro, Isla Solarte, Republic of Panama
Institutional Mission:
SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.
Program Focus:
The central theme of The School for Field Studies (SFS) Panama study abroad program is “islands as a delicate system,” with emphasis on the resources of Panama’s spectacular coastal and marine environments. Students will explore several key interfaces: human and natural systems, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and conservation and development. The goal of this undergraduate study abroad program is to assess the state of the archipelago’s fragile natural habitats, define the main environmental issues, and understand the community goals in natural resource management. Our ultimate goal is to help islanders maintain balance and harmony between people and nature in this fragile ecosystem.
Start Date:
August 2013
Reports to:
Center Director
Position Summary:
The purpose of this full time position is to:
- Provide hands-on facility maintenance (including buildings, grounds & vehicles)
- Regular maintenance and repairs
- Assist with administrative duties such as purchasing and bookkeeping
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Bookkeeping and accounting of all program expenditure. Training will be provided on how to enter financial information electronically into SFS accounting system
- Budgeting each financial year with CD, Office of Global Programs (OGP)and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/ SFS
- Scanning and forwarding to HQ any relevant documentation for operations (Panamanian Laws, staff info/ relevant licenses and certifications, etc)
- Removal of garbage from site
- Overseeing program security on-site, including working with CD and Student Affairs Manager(SAM) on water safety and access
- Supporting and planning transportation logistics if program where necessary
- Ensuring maintenance and securing of any SFS vehicles (boat) both on and off programming including insurances and license agreements
- Liaising with cooking staff to ensure food delivery and storage of food items during programming
- General site governance for programming above required lease agreement such as water availability, water purification (for drinking), water quality monitoring and testing (for drinking) and site upkeep based on program use (may involve overseeing cleaning crew based on budget availability)
- Ensuring Internet access for student use on- site
- Organizing supplies for program use on site—this requires transport logistics, heavy carrying of supplies to Solarte Inn from boat ramp etc…
- Upkeep (safety) of waterfront area (and budgeting) for floating docks and dock area. This includes ensuring adequate lighting.
- From time to time, position may require traveling with student group to field sites and field trips as scheduled and requested by Center Director.
Safety & Risk Management
- Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center staff team, for the safety of all program participants
- Participate in the review and revision of Center Risk Assessment and Management plans
- Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks
- Know the emergency procedures plan for the Center, including evacuation plan
- Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff
- Complete Incident Reports when appropriate and contribute to Safety Audits
- Comply with, actively model, and enforce all SFS and Center policies and procedures
- Ensure that first aid certifications are kept up to date via periodic courses offered by SFS between program sessions
- Maintain buildings, site, vehicles and other equipment in a condition which reduces risks to staff and students
- Share with Center Director, or other appropriate Center staff, the responsibility of assessing the driving skills of staff and interns and determining the degree to which they can use Center vehicles and boats
Daily Center Life
- Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals with the students
- On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Center-specific "staff of the day" duties
- Take part in, and occasionally lead, Center upkeep projects, social and field activities
- At the request of the Center Director, serve as caretaker for Center during program breaks and center rentals
- Drive vehicles and boats as needed
- Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and Center policies and procedures
- At all times, work to ensure good relations between the Center and local community
- Participate in Center ‘community service’ projects
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA/BS or equivalent combination of relevant work experience required
- Bookkeeping skills preferred
- Maintenance and construction experience including but not limited to painting, rust proofing, minor electrical and plumbing repair and maintenance, and grounds keeping required
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission vehicles required
- Experience working with building trade contractors and government agencies
- Ability to maintain and repair vehicles
- Supply ordering and inventory tracking experience
- Strong organizational and problem solving skills
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Access) and Windows
- Experience managing projects through proposal, quote, contracting, and delivery stages
- Experience working with project or operations budgets
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience living or working in host country or region
- Working knowledge of Spanish language
- Computer hardware and software troubleshooting and repair
Other Expectations
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification required by start date (SFS reimburses up to a cap)
- Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff and groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs
- Ability to work well both as a team member and independently
- Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
- At all times, work to ensure good relations between the SFS and the local community
Compensation/Benefits
Salary dependent on experience and qualifications, relocation assistance, housing, and on-site meals included.
To Apply: Submit a detailed cover letter and resume online at http://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=2470167
|
