Positions Available

CCMI is looking for our next Assistant Field Station Manager (AFSM). We are located on the small, remote tropical island of Little Cayman.

The AFSM supports the Field Station Manager (FSM) in the day-to-day leadership of the Little Cayman Research Centre (LCRC), ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of CCMI’s education, research, and outreach programmes. The role combines operational coordination, safety oversight, logistics, and team support across a busy, multi-programme field station.

Working across departments, the AFSM helps coordinate staff, visitors, and resources while maintaining high standards of safety, organisation, and visitor experience. The role plays a key part in enabling smooth field operations and delivering CCMI’s mission in a dynamic, marine research environment.

This position requires strong organisational skills, adaptability, and confident leadership within a collaborative, mission-driven team.

The main job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in the rotating Duty Manager schedule, acting as a primary operational contact for station activities and emergencies during assigned periods
• Coordinate the onboarding, orientation, and mentoring of interns and new staff, ensuring they are integrated effectively into station operations
• Deliver safety, operational, and logistics briefings to new staff, interns, and visitors
• Support the Field Station Manager in the following operational functions:
  • Scheduling and tracking of resource use (boats, vehicles, facility use)
  • Coordination of logistical support and scheduling for staff and visiting groups
  • Management of operational budget and inventory, including procurement and shipping within the Cayman Islands and internationally
  • Maintain effective communication with CCMI teams to ensure operational efficiency and alignment
  • Liaise with Cayman Islands government to obtain permits and approvals for visiting groups and researchers

• Coordinate with the Dive Safety Officer and both education and research staff for CCMI’s diving and snorkelling activities in a supportive and solution-focused way
• Assist education and research groups with diving, snorkelling, boat, and shore support, including divemaster and snorkel leader support
• Lead the planning and delivery of the Reefs Go Live programme in the field, ensuring high-quality participant experiences and smooth field operations
• Produce and edit engaging video content for educational, outreach, and promotional purposes across CCMI communication channels
• Coordinate and deliver station tours and public reef lectures that enhance visitor engagement and support CCMI’s outreach objectives
• Promote a positive culture of safety, inclusion, and environmental stewardship
• Oversee merchandise sales, inventory, and reporting
• In conjunction with the FSM, manage accurate records of incident reports, staff qualifications (first aid, safeguarding etc)
• Perform other duties as required to support the team and the charity’s mission

• Degree in marine science (or similar)
• Certified and experienced dive professional with 3+ years of experience
• Experience in managing and or working with scientific diving (or similar)
• Strong ability to manage administrative responsibilities efficiently and on time
• Underwater videography and photography experience
• Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills
• Experience and ability to thrive in a remote location with limited resources and a small, close-knit team
• Willingness to work irregular hours when required to deliver a programme
• Clean driver’s license and ability to drive both manual and automatic vehicles (or willingness to learn manual if necessary)
• A clear passion for the ocean and marine conservation education
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities related to the delivery of projects or programmes

• Salary: US $26,000 -$40,000
• Health and other benefits as per the Cayman Islands Labour Law

To apply, please submit the following items:

• a cover letter
• CV

Email all application materials to jobs@reefresearch.org by Saturday, 8th August 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) runs a marine research and education facility on the remote tropical island of Little Cayman. CCMI maintains a busy education programme, reliant upon flexible, passionate, and capable professionals who are committed to delivering an immersive residential experience for CCMI’s student stakeholders, from K–12 through to tertiary level. CCMI’s programmes aim to strengthen ocean literacy and stewardship in the Cayman Islands, promote minority representation in science, and train and guide a local workforce that values healthy oceans.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, passionate Education Assistant to help deliver CCMI’s Fall 2026 marine education programmes. This is a multifaceted role ideal that requires strong water skills, experience working with youth, a background in marine science, and a strong commitment to marine conservation and education.

You will help coordinate and deliver high-quality field-based programmes primarily for primary students, while also ensuring that snorkelling activities meet CCMI’s safety standards and educational goals. This role requires flexibility, excellent organisational skills, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset.

The main job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Education Programme Support and Delivery

CCMI runs an all-year-round education programme, from two-night residential programmes for primary school students to immersive research and education courses for college students. You should be an organised, passionate educator, who has the patience and motivation to create a more sustainable future for our marine environment by delivering programmes of excellence. The education assistant aspects of this role include:

• Assist in the delivery of CCMI’s residential education programmes with a focus on primary students. This entails:
  • Leading field trips (in-water and on land)
  • Delivering lectures and educational modules, with an emphasis on Year 6 (end of primary) programmes
  • Preparing course schedules and materials
  • Coordinating student enrolment logistics and waiver collection
  • Administering pre- and post-programme evaluation surveys
  • Communicate effectively with teachers, parents, and students
  • Provide ancillary support to other education programmes
• Coordinate with operations staff regarding student needs (e.g., food allergies, room assignments, and other logistical support).
• Prepare reports related to K–12 programmes for grants, annual reports, and partner and sponsor communications
• Participate in local outreach events and represent CCMI at community engagements
• Assist the Research and Operations teams on an as-needed basis, supporting cross-departmental initiatives and activities, contributing to broader organisational priorities

2. Snorkel Operations

• Plan and prepare all educational snorkel activities. Strong communication and planning skills are essential.
• Serve as snorkel lead during all education programmes and support the Education staff in dive outings with education groups
• Ensure all water activities are compliant with safety regulations and institutional protocols
• Maintain snorkel-related equipment

We are seeking someone with experience with and enthusiasm for youth education (particularly Year 6 students), adaptable, and committed to experiential education in a remote island setting. A desire and commitment to deliver our education programmes to the highest standards and foster a culture of fun and immersive learning are essential.

Required:

• Bachelor of Science in marine science or related field
• Minimum of Rescue Diver certification with strong water skills (or similar water experience/ certifications)
• Passion in education and a strong interest in leading students’ groups in dynamic, hands-on, immersive residential educational experiences
• Experience working/engaging with youth
• Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills
• Ability to thrive in a remote location with limited resources and a small team
• Willingness to work odd hours when required to deliver a programme (time in lieu will be offered)
• Clean driver’s license and ability to drive both manual and automatic vehicles (or willingness to learn manual if necessary)
• Be over 22 years of age
• A clear passion for the ocean and marine conservation
• Strong ability to manage administrative responsibilities efficiently and on time
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities related to delivery of the education programmes

Preferred:

• Prior experience living and working in a remote environment/island
• Divemaster certification

Monthly salary: US $ 2,300 – $2,400

Contract duration: 3 months (September 10 – December 10, 2026)

Time off: Prorated 20 working days holiday in each calendar year, in addition to statutory and public holidays in the Cayman Islands

Health insurance: CCMI will pay 50% of the insurance plan up to a maximum of US $245 monthly towards the cost of the Employee’s chosen plan

The application period for this position is now closed.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Join CCMI’s Education team and support the education programmes at the Little Cayman Research Centre. The successful applicant will assist the Education team with the preparation and implementation of CCMI’s primary and secondary school level marine ecology camps, visiting university courses, citizen science groups, and other education programmes as required. This is a sponsored position, available only to Caymanians and those with qualifying residential status in the Cayman Islands. This internship is generously supported by the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation. 

The applicant will need to be proficient in water, ideally with a PADI (or similar) Divemaster qualification. They must be passionate about the ocean, teaching students of all ages and creating a positive and engaging environment for guests to not only learn but have the best experience of their lives. This role is hands on. The successful applicant will learn a wide range of skills while living on a remote tropical island at a fully functioning marine research facility. They need to love new challenges, enjoy working with a team, and most importantly, want to make a difference in terms of ocean literacy and educating the next generation. 

• Assist in the overall delivery of sponsored and paid education programmes
• Assist the Education Coordinator, Education Assistant, and other CCMI team members as needed with education department related tasks
• Organize and prepare supplies and equipment for field excursions and laboratory exercises
• Lead or assist with all outdoor activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, cycling and hiking/walking
• Participate and assist with execution of local outreach events and conservation activities on behalf of CCMI
• Assist with preparation of education department related communications, eg: social media posts, email templates, announcements, etc.
• Deliver CCMI lectures, coursework, and workshops
• Assist with daily tasks associated with life at a remote field station, such as assisting with mealtimes and maintaining a clean and tidy facility
• Serve as a useful and dependable member of the CCMI team who can be called upon to assist with any department as necessary

• High school diploma or similar required
• Must be comfortable in and on the water
• Experience working in an educational setting, either formal or informal
• Must enjoy working with children and young adults
• Must be able to lift heavy dive gear and equipment
• Must be versatile, willing and interested in assisting with a variety of tasks
• Excellent communication, organizational and team-building skills required
• Excellent interpersonal skills and open to direction in a collaborative working environment
• Must be able to inspire passion for the marine environment in others

The position is for three (3) months, with the possibility to extend to six (6) months. Room and board at the Little Cayman Research Centre are provided along with all meals (or food provided for prep in a shared kitchen). A monthly reimbursement of USD $500 for living expenses is provided.

A cover letter, CV, and contact details for two referees (who will not be contacted without your consent) should be sent to education@reefresearch.org. Applications and letters of reference should include the name of the applicant in the document title, i.e. lastname_CV.pdf, lastname_CL.pdf, lastname_references.pdf.

Applications submitted by 31st December 2024 will receive full consideration. If you would like to experience living on a remote island and being part of dynamic team, we encourage you to apply.