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 one of the leading conservation organizations in the Mesoamerican region working to protect some of the most pristine coastal and marine ecosystems in Central America. TIDE works by building local capacity for conservation and fostering community participation in sustainable management of natural resources.
The Science Communications Intern will work under the supervision of the Science Director to support all activities of the Research and Monitoring Department at TIDE. This is an interdisciplinary position offering experience in a variety of professional fields, including research, conservation, resource management, stakeholder engagement, outreach and advocacy.
The successful candidate will have a diverse skillset and experience in applying research and engaging stakeholders to facilitate management of natural resources. S/he will be responsible for raising awareness of TIDE’s research and conservation activities including creating content for the website, articles for newsletters, and developing media outreach strategies. Minimal training will be provided and the successful candidate will need to be proactive and self-sufficient.
This position is for a minimum commitment of 6 months
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Update TIDE’s Facebook and other social media platforms with news, photographs, and videos;
- Create content for TIDE’s website to serve as a public resource and showcase TIDE’s activities;
- Produce articles, press releases, and other communications materials relating to conservation activities;
- Write monthly updates for internal communication relating to departmental activities;
- Organize and coordinate weekly Friday Informal Seminar Hour (FISH) events;
- Present information about TIDE to diverse audiences in an understandable way;
- Help to coordinate Research & Monitoring activities with other departments of TIDE including media, development, education and outreach;
- Provide relevant support to the Research Team and other departments, including the Education and Outreach, TIDE Tours and Ridge to Reef teams, when need arises;
- Liaise with staff and other interns to define future communication needs and projects.
Required Qualifications/Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in communications, marketing, or relevant field;
- Background knowledge in environmental science, natural resource management, and/or conservation;
- Excellent writing skills applicable to a range of purposes: press releases, educational materials, advocacy materials, etc.;
- Experience managing website content;
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications;
- Proficient with Desktop publishing and/or other graphic design software;
- Competent with at least one video-editing package, such as Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or Premiere Pro
- Should feel confident delivering complex information to various stakeholders (including those with limited understanding or awareness of environmental issues);
- Experience living and working in a relevant capacity in tropical developing countries and cultures;
- 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;
- Strong work ethic and highly adaptable to diverse work environments;
- Ability and willingness to work in the field, often in remote areas;
- Strong communication and culturally competent interpersonal skills;
- Initiative, energy, enthusiasm and creativity.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- Knowledge and experience with regional coral reef monitoring protocols, such as MBRS and AGRRA;
- Digital photography skills and experience (experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or Lightroom);
- Strong graphic design skills: designing/creating infographics using software such as InDesign;
- Knowledge of HTML;
- 1 year’s experience in a media/communications position;
- Spanish language skills;
- Good understanding of fisheries science and interest in community-based resource management;
- SCUBA-certified.
Notes on the internship:
- This is an unpaid position, so the candidate will need to financially support her/himself for the 6-month position (minimum 500USD per month);
- The candidate will need to have her/his own laptop computer;
- The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in various fieldwork activities during the internship.
Benefits of volunteering for TIDE include:
- A chance to gain valuable experience in science communication, exposure to community-based conservation and resource management, working for a NGO in a developing country;
- A chance to make a lasting, positive impact on natural resource management in southern Belize;
- 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.
How to Apply:
Please email your resume/CV and a 1-page cover letter expressing your interest in and qualifications for the position to Ms. Danica Warns at dwarns@tidebelize.org with the subject line “SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP APPLICATION” by 22nd April, 2016.
For any questions about the application or internship, please direct them to same contact, Danica Warns <dwarns@tidebelize.org>.
Please see our website (http://www.tidebelize.org/) for more information about our programs and activities and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TIDEBZE) for the latest news.
