Conservation Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Title: Conservation Officer

Reports to: Chief Conservation Ranger/Protected Areas Manager

Employment Type: Contract (1 Year) – Renewable upon recommendation and performance evaluation

Salary/Wages: Dependent on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $300 – $400 per week.

Benefits: Monthly ration stipend, hardship allowances, training opportunities. Accommodation will be provided while on duty.

Work Schedule: Typically, 5 days on (on site) and 2 days off. Variable as needed. May include weekends and holidays.

Protected Areas Assigned: Monkey Bay National Park and Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Background

Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary staff are expected to work cooperatively with others, demonstrate flexibility in organizing work, have good communication skills and demonstrate thoughtfulness in decision making. Staff must be non-judgmental, receptive in approach and reflect a genuine concern for sustainable forest management and respect and commitment to forest stakeholders.

The Maya Forest Corridor (MFC) landscape is a mosaic of secondary forest, small farms, large- scale agriculture, pastures, forest fragments and riverine habitat in central Belize. The MFC itself is comprised of forested lands that connect the two largest forest blocks in Belize. The Central Belize Corridor was recognized by the Government of Belize as an area of natural significance in the first National Protected Areas System Plan in 2005. The sustainable use of the natural resources in the MFC is important to ensure the viability of the protected areas system in Belize.

As a stakeholder in the Maya Forest Corridor, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary manages 3000+ acres of private and government land for the protection and conservation of its natural ecosystems and wildlife. Conservation officers (Rangers) at Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will be responsible for the day-to-day management of this important landscape. Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is also an Environmental Education facility that hosts tourists and student groups. The Protected Areas Team will occasionally be tasked with leading educational activities for these groups both at the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Bay National Park.

The Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary received funding from the Belize Nature Conservation Fund (BNCF) which is managed by the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT). The fund will be used to implement the project entitled “Sustaining the Integrity of the Monkey Bay National Park through Improved Resource Management.”

The overall goal of the project is to contribute towards improved protection and biodiversity conservation of priority ecosystems within the Monkey Bay National Park and to a larger extent the Maya Forest Corridor (MFC).

Key Responsibilities

  1. Resource management: 

    • Assist team members in conducting practical work in construction, repair, and  maintenance of trail systems, equipment, structures, signs, and other NGO assets. 

    • Assist with fire prevention, firefighting, and other practical activities within the Maya  Forest Corridor based on established procedures. 

  2. Law Enforcement and Security: 

    • Ensure the enforcement of park regulations and local laws to prevent illegal activities,  such as poaching, logging, hunting, and vandalism. 

    • Work with law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and partner organizations to  address security risks and maintain a safe environment for visitors and wildlife. 

    • Conduct surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement patrols as scheduled by  department supervisors.  

    • Conduct jungle patrols that require overnight camping in the national park.

    • Responsible for operating SMART device to conduct patrols and make observations  while on patrol. 

    • Support team with uploading SMART patrols onto SMART Connect upon return  from patrols. 

  3. Visitor Engagement and Education: 

    • Assist in the design and implementation of environmental education programs to raise  awareness about the protected area's significance and foster a sense of stewardship  among visitors.

    • Support team by interacting with visitors, addressing their questions and concerns  while promoting responsible behavior within the park. 

  4. Community Outreach, Collaborations and Stakeholder Management: 

    • Assist with establishing and maintaining strong partnerships with local communities,  NGOs, and government agencies to foster support for conservation efforts.

    • Collaborate with researchers, scientists, and academics to support ongoing studies and  initiatives within the protected area. 

    • Work with local environmental clubs and youth groups on field outings and  environmental education programs.  

    • Deliver environmental education presentations to various stakeholder groups. 

  5. Biodiversity Research and Monitoring: 

    • Assist with facilitating interns, research staff, and partner organization staff in  conducting biodiversity census, monitoring, and survey work. (camera trap survey  and Yellow Head Parrot monitoring survey) 

    • Lead the data collection effort for the various environmental monitoring programs  under the Protected Areas program.  

    • Assist with data entry and analysis.  

  6. Emergency Response and Safety: 

    • Assist in the development and implementation of emergency response plans to handle  natural disasters, wildlife conflicts, and other critical incidents. 

    • Assist in ensuring that all staff members and visitors follow safety protocols.

    • Participate fully in emergency response operations. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

  1. Minimum High School Diploma 

  2. Ability to establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships.

  3. Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, presentation, and communication skills. 

  4. Strong critical thinking and presentation skills.  

  5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

  6. Maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness and outdoor skills necessary for  conducting patrols and monitoring in wilderness settings.  

  7. Cultural awareness and sensitivity.  

  8. Experience with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.  

  9. Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications and Experience 

  1. Associates or bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource  management, or related field. 

  2. Experience in park management, wildlife conservation, or environmental protection. 

  3. Ability to properly identify native flora and fauna.  

  4. Experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and risk management within natural  environments. 

  5. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders and  community members. 

  6. Demonstrated commitment to conservation ethics and sustainable practices.

  7. Multilingual applicants (Spanish / English) are preferred.  

Contract Term 

This contract is open to one individual.  

It is expected that the assignment will commence March 15th, 2024, and be completed by  March 15th, 2025.  

There is a possibility for a contract extension based on performance, supervisor recommendation,  and department budget.  

How to Apply:  

Submit the following documents to: hrmmonkeybay@gmail.com 

  1. C.V. 

  2. Copies of certificates or supporting documents 

  3. Letter of interest 

  4. Recent police record (receipt is acceptable) 

    ***APPLICATION DEADLINE*** 

FEBRUARY 29, 2024