CCMI seeks to hire innovative, creative, early career scientists who can make great discoveries. Our key strategic goal is to become the premiere research institution in the Caribbean, unlocking the clues to coral reef resilience and bringing relevant science to society. We seek extraordinary employees to help us bring to focus the positive changes that can occur when we reduce human impact on the planet.
Positions available
Position to start: 1st May 2024
Term of Employment: 1 Year renewable
Location: Little Cayman Research Centre, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
Application Deadline: 1st April 2024
Manager: Research Manager & Research Director
SUMMARY
CCMI’s key strategic goal is to become a premier research institution, unlocking the clues to coral reef resilience and bringing relevant science to society. Using a combination of large-scale in situ ecology surveys, small-scale laboratory experiments, and molecular ecology, we examine population structure, physiology, evolutionary biology, and restoration ecology on tropical coral reef ecosystems ranging from shallow inshore reefs to the mesophotic zone. Our projects range from understanding molecular and physiological mechanisms of adaptation by corals to extreme environments, to enhancing reef complexity using out-planting techniques to restore key ecosystem function. Both theoretical and applied, the research conducted at CCMI will advance our understanding of how coral reefs and all of the organisms that reside there will not only survive, but thrive, under future environmental conditions.
With this in mind, we seek to hire a mature, experienced research assistant with experience in coral restoration, seagrass ecology, and scientific diving to assist with execution of CCMI’s research programmes. We seek extraordinary employees to help us bring to focus the positive changes that can occur when we reduce human impact on the planet. Through organization and execution of various aspects of the research conducted at CCMI, the Research Assistant will ensure the highest standard of experimental design, in situ field work, and data acquisition, management and analysis.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting with organization and execution of field and laboratory-based research and ensuring that all data are appropriately stored and analyzed. They provide support to the Research Manager and Research Director to help coordinate the day-to-day operation of research at CCMI, particularly coral restoration, manage laboratory facilities, and participate in scientific diving. Main job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead field work associated with seagrass thermal performance and carbon sequestration
- Coordinate field and laboratory-based research operations including:
- Maintenance and upkeep of the coral nursery
- Restoration activities, such as coral outplanting
- Sample collection, preparation, and preservation
- Monitoring reef health for a variety of studies, including frequent surveys of fish and coral abundance and diversity
- Data entry/storage
- Sample preparation and shipment to collaborators
- Any other duties as required for successful execution of research
- Assist with education programmes as requested by supervisor
- Prepare program content and feedback for the advancement team for communications, sponsors/stakeholders, including content for social media, website, newsletters, and the press
- Participate and assist with execution of local outreach events
REQUIREMENTS
- BSc in Marine Science or related field
- Minimum 1 year of post-graduate experience OR Master’s degree in marine science
- Evidence of experience working on coral restoration and/or seagrass ecology
- Must be a certified diver with minimum dive certification level of Rescue Diver; AAUS scientific diver certification preferred
- Experience handling and maintaining scientific samples and equipment
- Advanced knowledge of data entry and analysis in Excel and R
- Excellent organizational, communication, and team building skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills and open to direction in a collaborative working environment
- Willingness to work odd hours when required to deliver a program
- Willing to reside on Little Cayman
OFFICE GUIDELINES
Work week: 5 days
Location: Little Cayman Island
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Annual salary of US$35,000 + benefits including paid vacation and contributions to health insurance and pension
TO APPLY: please send a cover letter and CV, including names and contact information for three (3) references, as a single PDF to jobs@reefresearch.org.
Applications submitted before April 1st will receive full consideration.
Position to start: 5th April 2024
Term of Internship: 4.5 month internship
Location: Little Cayman Research Centre, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
Application Deadline: 4th March 2024
Reports to: Education Coordinator, Director of Research & Education
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 four and a half (4.5) months, ranging from 5th April – 12th 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 4th March 2024 will receive full consideration.
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, Director of Research & Education
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 31st May – 30th 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 27th April 2024 will receive full consideration.
Job Description
Through science education, outreach and communications, the Marine Education Manager will inspire a more sustainable marine environment. CCMI’s programmes aim to strengthen ocean literacy and ocean stewardship in the Cayman Islands, promote minority representation in science, and train and mentor a local workforce who value healthy oceans. You may have other responsibilities as they relate to leading the education program as necessary.
The primary responsibility is to manage CCMI’s education programmes, which range from primary to tertiary level activity. CCMI maintains a busy education programme, reliant upon flexible, passionate, and capable professionals who want to deliver an immersive residential experience for CCMI’s student stakeholders. There are two key aspects to the role: programme delivery and programme development/reporting.
Salary: USD $35K – $45K, dependent on experience. The package will include health contributions and a pension after nine months.
Programme delivery
With your education team and support from the operations team, you are expected to:
- Manage all aspects of sponsored and paid K-12 education programs, including developing curriculum, teaching, enrolling students, and corresponding with schools, parents, and students, and completing evaluations that inform impact reports.
- Provide ancillary support to visiting university level programmes/courses including assistance with planning, logistics, and execution.
- Execute and complete the Reefs the Go Live programme as outlined in the grant proposal, which involves such activities as building a teacher network (local and regional) that use the RGL resources and inform CCMI with needs for virtual learning for the future, creating outreach materials, and writing reports.
- Recruit and mentor Marine Education Interns and Caymanian Ocean Science Scholars.
- Establish CCMI as a certified education institution in the Cayman Islands.
- Manage an active alumni programme.
- Manage an education team, as well as working cross functionally with other CCMI departments.
Programme development and reporting. To deliver the highest quality programmes and grow the education offering at CCMI, you are expected to:
- Develop and prepare proposals to renew and build upon CCMI’s K-12 Education Programme.
- Work with the Research Director to develop and facilitate university/college courses at CCMI.
- Establish new relationships with local and international primary and secondary schools to increase visiting courses.
- Prepare programme content and feedback related to K-12 education for the advancement team for communications, sponsors/stakeholders, including content for social media, website, newsletters and the press.
- Prepare reports for all education activity for annual reports, education end of year report, and individual program reports specifically related to K-12 programs.
- Manage the paperwork and administration required for all education courses, including preparing schedules, working with the operations team to agree logistics, ensure all waivers and pre-course paperwork is completed.
- Participate and assist with execution of local outreach events.
Required skills and qualifications:
We are looking for someone who will grow our education programmes, delivering to the highest standards and creating a culture of fun and immersive learning at an incredible location. You will need:
- To be able to work in a remote location with energy and enthusiasm when you have to adapt and be flexible to get the job done
- A masters degree in a relevant marine science or conservation topic
- A qualified dive professional, with more than six (6) months experience
- Experience managing people
- Experience teaching/leading groups of students
- Have a clean drivers license and can drive a manual or automatic
- A clear passion for the ocean and educating our important stakeholders
- To be organised and efficient, especially managing the administrative side of the role
To apply, please provide a CV and one page cover letter to careers@reefresearch.org by 23rd March 2024. Please include a potential start date for the role.
Job Description
The Education Assistant 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, under the direction of the Education Manager/Coordinator. The Education Assistant is expected to be a leader during field trips (especially diving related), adhering the highest standards of child safeguarding and water safety. The Education Assistant will also need to be proficient (or become proficient) in delivering lectures and teaching materials pertaining to marine sustainability and ocean science.
The Education Assistant will be passionate about the ocean, willing to teach students of varying ages, and eager to create a positive and engaging environment for students, scientists, and guests to not only learn but have the best experience of their lives. This role requires someone who is willing and able to work with a broad team at CCMI, including the operations and research teams, to ensure the experience for CCMI’s stakeholders is the best possible.
CCMI’s education programmes do not operate on a 9-5 timetable; the successful applicant must be willing and able to work odd hours with a flexible schedule. This role is active and hands on, providing the opportunity to expand personal and professional skills while living on a remote tropical island and working at a fully functioning marine research facility.
The salary range is between USD $25K-$35K, depending on experience. The package will include health coverage, and pension contributions after nine months.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in the overall delivery of sponsored and paid education programmes
- Assist the Education Manager/Coordinator as needed with education department related tasks
- Serve as a lead diving professional and/or instructor for education programmes
- Organize and prepare supplies and equipment for field excursions and laboratory exercises
- Lead or assist with in-water activities including swims, snorkels, and kayaks
- Assist with intern development and internship programmes as necessary
- Participate and assist with execution of local outreach events and conservation activities on behalf of CCMI
- Assist with preparation of education department related communications, ie: social media posts, email templates, announcements, etc
- Deliver CCMI lectures, coursework, and workshops
- Provide administrative support to the education programmes (eg: creating schedules, ensuring waivers are signed, etc.)
- Assist with daily tasks associated with operating a study abroad programme at a remote field station, such as assisting with mealtimes, transportation of visitors and relevant staff, and maintaining a clean and tidy facility
- Serve as a useful and dependable employee of the Little Cayman Research Centre, who can be called upon to assist with any department as necessary
Required skills and qualifications
- A degree or relevant non-profit/education experience in the field of marine science or marine conservation
- Dive professional experience – minimum of six (6) months actively working as a dive professional
- Experience with managing groups of students
- Must be an active and insured PADI Divemaster (or similar) with First Aid, CPR and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications
- Must have a clean and valid driver’s license with ability to drive (or learn) manual transmission
- Must be at least 22 years of age
To apply, please provide a CV and one page cover letter to careers@reefresearch.org by 23rd March 2024. Please include a potential start date for the role.