Amiga Island Ecological Foundation Coral Restoration Internship

Cormier, Cap Haitien, Haiti

Paid

Position Overview

The Amiga Island Ecological Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on the protection, preservation and enhancement of critically threatened marine ecosystems. Our focus area is primarily along the northern Haitian coast and specifically we work to restore and monitor the reef system surrounding Amiga Island. We are currently accepting applications for a mid to long term internship position to help implement our Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration Program which involves researching and restoring Critically Endangered corals including Acropora species. The selected candidate will work directly under the Coral Reef Restoration Biologist on a variable but full-time basis. The candidate may be expected to work outside normal established hours, participate in night diving and on other unscheduled events depending on the needs of the program. The candidate may also be expected to work independently at times, managing a range of tasks and may not always work under direct supervision.

All applicants must be female due to lodging restrictions and be available to start employment from the beginning of November 2018.

Position Responsibilities

The responsibilities and duties of the selected candidate may include but are not limited to the following.

1. SCUBA diving for a variety of purposes including: scientific reef surveys, locating potential donor colonies, installing and maintaining coral nursery structures, collection / transport / attachment of coral
   fragments, restoration out-planting, data collection and photographic documentation.
2. Assist in researching and securing funding opportunities including grant writing, securing independent donations and other funding sources.
3. Assist in the installation and maintenance of coral nursery structures. Managing and organizing materials and files and keeping a clean office space.
4. Assist in writing reports, data entry, interpretation and analysis, and in the design and production of educational outreach-based materials including pamphlets and presentations.
5. Potential responsibility and opportunity for independent research, based on the availability of time, resources and the desire and capability of the selected candidate.
6. Responsible for supervising and guiding educational based snorkelling and kayak tours.
7. Participate in, and/or implement environmental education workshops, and/or training activities with local communities and stakeholders.
8. Care for and provide basic maintenance to all project equipment.
9. Have fun and be a team player, maintain a positive attitude and commit to working well with team members and others including locals and tourists. Be an advocate for the environment and highlight the ways in which we can make a difference. Promote the protection, preservation and enhancement of local marine resources and be a generally good steward to the environment.

Role Requirements

Education

1. Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or similar (Essential)
2. Master’s degree in environmental science, marine conservation, community development or similar (Desirable)

Experience and Skills

1. Previous experience working in a tropical marine ecosystem, including marine ecosystem surveys (essential)
2. Knowledge and accurate identification of Caribbean coral reef species (essential)
3. SCUBA diving certification (PADI Open Advanced Water certification essential, PADI Dive Master desirable)
4. Experience working with Acroporid corals and marine habitat restoration (desirable)
5. General computing skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and statistical analysis software.
6. Ability to analyse and interpret large long-term datasets (essential)
7. Experience in project report writing, and good general written communication (essential)
8. Ability to read and speak fluent English, intermediate French and Spanish (essential)
9. Experience guiding ecological snorkelling, SCUBA, and/or kayaking tours.
10. Ability to adapt to a changing environment, and good practical problem-solving abilities (essential)
11. Ability to work independently on certain tasks with minimal direct supervision.

Interns must complete assigned tasks on time and with quality; must be punctual and represent the best interest of AIEF. Previous coral restoration experience is highly advantageous.

Other Requirements
Divers Insurance
Medical Insurance

Position Duration

Internship length: 6 months.

This is a full-time internship requiring an estimated 38 work hours per week. No vacation is awarded but days off can be flexible.

Compensation and Benefits

1. Gain experience in novel conservation techniques including coral gardening, out-planting and reef restoration, and community-based marine conservation, education and outreach.
2. Gain experience in research SCUBA diving skills, data collection methods, analysis and interpretation, and coral nursery installation and maintenance.
3. Contribute to a conservation project in a long-term and meaningful way. Your participation will be more than just a training opportunity, you can make a difference and help preserve the local environment and reefs.
4. On-site lodging, a basic food plan (all cooking and food preparation is the intern’s responsibility) regular electricity, 24 hour running-water and access to Wi-Fi.
5. All necessary office space and materials to conduct work.
6. 8 days off per month (No vacation days included, but days-off  can be flexible with senior approval)
7. All SCUBA diving gear and materials needed to perform duties are included, along with transportation to and from Amiga Island.
8. A small stipend depending on the qualifications of the candidate, to help cover expenses.

A typical day in this internship:

Wake up to the sound of the sea in the beautiful beach resort of Cormier Plage and meet with the AIEF team to discuss the days’ diving and work plan over breakfast. Gear up and get ready! After a quick shuttle ride, hop aboard the dive boat and head out to Amiga Island, the picturesque focal point of our Coral Restoration Program. Enjoy 1-2 dives for maintenance and data collection or to survey reef health and afterwards take a short rest on tropical white sand. Once back at base, data analysis and interpretation is essential for assisting in project reports, in addition to seeking funding and ensuring all gear and equipment is in good working order. The ideal candidate should be sociable, and happy to educate and inspire wonder at what’s just under the waves, as an advocate for the marine environment, whilst promoting AIEF projects and raising awareness with local tourists and communities.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a covering letter (2 sides of A4/Letterhead max.), to our Coral Reef Biologist: sean@amigaisland.com

Application Deadline: ASAP

Your covering letter should outline why you believe you fit the role responsibilities and candidate requirements for the role. Successful applicants will be contacted for interview. Good luck!