Positions available

February 2024

TITLE: Ocean Science Scholar – Marine Education Intern

LOCATION: Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

Closing date: 27th April 2024

Position dates: 31st May 2024 – 30th August 2024

Reports to: Education Coordinator

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) a USA, UK, and Cayman not-for-profit company. Our key strategic goal is to become the Caribbean’s premiere marine research and education institution, unlocking the clues to coral reef resilience and bringing relevant science to society. CCMI’s programmes are mostly located on our Little Cayman campus, the Little Cayman Research Centre (LCRC).  Our aim is to conduct and facilitate ocean science, strengthen ocean literacy and ocean stewardship in the Cayman Islands, and train and mentor a local workforce who value healthy oceans.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join CCMI’s Education team and support the education programmes at the Little Cayman Research Centre. The successful applicants will assist the Education team with the preparation and implementation of our 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the overall delivery of sponsored and paid education programmes
• Assist the Education Coordinator, Education Assistant, and the Director of Research & Education 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

Requirements:

• Applicants must be Caymanian or have qualifying residential status
• 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

Preferences:

• Active and insured PADI Divemaster (or similar) with 100+ dives
• First Aid, CPR and Emergency Oxygen Provider certified
• Recent graduate from a university programme in a related field of study
• Experience with Caribbean marine species and coral reef ecology
• Previous experience as a camp counselor or field educator a plus

Term & Remuneration:

The position is for three (3) months, running from 31^st May – 30^th August. 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 up to USD $500 for living expenses is provided.

Application Instructions:

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 before 27^th April 2024 will receive full consideration.