Conservation Field Director

Job Title: Conservation Field Director, Belize
Reports to: Director of Conservation, Earthwatch Institute
Department: Conservation
Start date: March 1, 2005

Earthwatch Institute is developing a Conservation Research Initiative in the Toledo District of Belize. We are looking for an energetic person with a broad diversity of experiences in conservation and research to become field director of the initiative. The person will be based within Toledo District and work in close coordination with local partners. 

Responsibilities: 

The Earthwatch Institute (EW) Field Director will be located on-site at the Conservation Research Initiative (CRI) and will be centrally located within the research area. The appointment will initially be for one-year, with renewal pending a mutually satisfactory review of progress. The Conservation Field Director is the liaison between EW offices, both in USA and UK, the CRI partners, and among EW Principal Investigators running projects at the site. 

Frequent communication with the US and UK EW offices will be essential to update staff on field conditions, progress of the research and monitoring activities and to provide feedback on, and to, volunteers and other Principal Investigators. The Field Director will also be required to attend selected conferences and/or meetings, go on specific site-visits and facilitate new project development, as well as help identify with EW offices potential local and national partner organizations in support of CRI fellowships programs. The Conservation Director will work out of office mutually agreed upon by the field director, EW, and our partner organizations. 

Principal responsibilities include: 

* liaise with partners
* help develop, implement and review CRI research and conservation plan
* help develop and manage CRI research projects
* manage baseline monitoring program
* implement CRI fellows program
* represent EW at the CRI location
* fiscal and administrative reporting duties 

Specific responsibilities to include: 

1. Liaise with local partners, stakeholders and other scientists, as required.

* The Conservation Field Director is an ambassador for EWI and is required to help facilitate and enhance the relationship between EWI and partner organizations, stakeholders and other scientists working at the Research Initiative or interested in becoming EWI Principal Investigators or partners in the Professional Development Program.
* Develop and implement a reporting program with partner organizations to effect a timely sharing of research results and project evaluation
* Develop and Manage a local CRI advisory group
* Initiate the development of new "fundable" initiatives with partners as necessary 

2. Work with participating partners and scientists to develop and implement a CRI research and conservation (R&C) plan. 

* Determine best use of volunteers to meet conservation priorities of the CRI partnership
* Identify and recruit scientists to run projects in support of the R&C plan
* Manage the project review process 
* Negotiate project budgets with scientists, help identify co-funding sources if necessary
* Manage equipment cache and budget for use by researchers
* Periodically review, modify and report on R&C plan based on feedback from partners
* Develop and implement baseline monitoring program based on R&C plan 

3. Help manage CRI research projects 

* Help develop and ensure a safe and high quality field experience for team members and Principal Investigators alike. 
* Review proposals for scientific merit, project feasibility, and volunteer assignments
* Help arrange logistics for field teams, including as necessary accommodations, food, travel logistics, safety and other management issues, providing training and support as needed.
* Preparation of volunteer orientation materials. ? Work with Marketing and Communications for promotion and implementation of Initiative needs 

4. Manage year-round Baseline Monitoring Program 

* Work with CRI partners and others to design Baseline Monitoring priorities and database
* Recruit and manage a conservation field manager to help with baseline monitoring
* Train staff and scientists in managing volunteers
* Assist staff and scientists as needed with upkeep of database 

5. Implement fellows program at CRI. Work with EW staff at all offices to implement a fellows program that includes educators, conservation professionals, corporate fellows, and community members. 

* Work with Education Department and AFOs on recruitment and implementation of fellowship teams.
* Participate as a facilitator on fellowship teams, as necessary 

6. Represent EW at the CRI location 

*  Work with PIs and Maynard office to arrange public speaking and other outreach activities.
* Work with Conservation Director and EW on a variety of outreach, site-visits, and project or program development tasks, as appropriate.
* Visit local communities, institutions and attend conferences where new PIs may be recruited to lead EW projects and to highlight EW efforts at the CRI
* Participate on EW project site-visits as needed, either for education purposes or because of a particular issue that needs to be addressed 

7. Oversee and provide support on financial and technical aspects of expeditions. 

* Prepare a written summary of progress and activities monthly for distribution to EWI 
* Prepare quarterly progress reports for partner organizations 
* Prepare annual report summarizing research activities and progress at CRI. This report will include summaries of research projects and project evaluation 
* Dissemination of results to communities, partners and stakeholders.
* Responsible for budget oversight at CRI 
* Responsible for managing CRI office, CRI research equipment and associated staff
* Coordinate EWI staff visits to site as required 

8. Fundraising as necessary for specific CRI needs and sustainability of CRI 

9. Reporting and evaluation of CRI goals and objectives 

Qualifications: 

* Strong familiarity with the region and local conservation issues
* Ph.D. or equivalent experience
* Experience in community outreach and/or consensus-building
* Significant management experience with budgets, teams of people, major projects and staff
* Demonstrated leadership skills
* Ability to work independently 

Pay range: $US 40,000- 45,000 annual contract (commensurate with experience). Paid vacation and sick time. 

Belizean citizens are encouraged to apply. 

Please send resume and cover letter via email or fax. No phone calls please.

Earthwatch Institute,
P.O. Box 75,
Maynard, MA 01754-0075.