Program Assistant
The purpose of this position is to provide support in the areas of program delivery, student life, community engagement and outreach, program safety, risk management, group dynamics, logistics, waterfront programming, academics, research, and site maintenance. The position works closely with the Student Affairs Manager (SAM) in student life programming, risk management, and community outreach. The position also assists the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) and Marine Operations Coordinator (MOC) in the implementation of the dive and waterfront program. This includes assisting with the safe and prudent conduct of SCUBA, snorkeling, swimming, and boating activities conducted at the Center.
 
Location:
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies – South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands

Contract Dates:
August 24, 2020 through August 9, 2021

Reports to:
Center Director
Day to day supervision may be delegated to Student Affairs Manager, Dive Safety Officer, Marine Operations Coordinator, Faculty, and Site Managers as appropriate.
 
Duties/Responsibilities:
      Student Life (20%)

• Assist in the delivery of in-country orientation and ongoing training to students in the areas of community building, critical thinking, cross-cultural issues, conflict resolution, self-awareness, communal living, and health and safety
• Help organize students to perform their required tasks in support of the residential aspects of program, e.g., food preparation, recycling efforts, center clean-ups, student committees, etc.
• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in review/analysis following students’ departure
• Act as a resource to students for their program-related and personal needs
• Facilitate communication within the student group
• Keep the Center Director informed of potential problems
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems

 Community Outreach: (25%)

• Work with program faculty/staff to develop and implement community outreach activities
• Arrange recreational programming for students within the local community
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the program and local community
• Organize and facilitate guest speakers from the community

 Safety & Risk Management (10%)

• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and Center policies, procedures, and rules.
• Participate in the review and revision of Center Risk Assessment and Management plans
• Recommend and review policies and procedures needed to manage risks
• Know the emergency procedures plan for the Center, including evacuation plan
• Participate in the safety portions of the on-site orientation and conduct safety briefings for students and/or staff
• Complete Incident Reports when appropriate and contribute to Safety Audits
• Ensure that first aid certifications are kept up to date via periodic courses offered by SFS between program sessions
• Report infractions of Center rules to the Center Director in a timely fashion
• Maintain the First Aid equipment and help create and document safety procedures

       Program Support (20%)

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in review/analysis following students’ departure
• Participate in training activities for new center staff prior to and during the program
• Assist with administrative or logistical tasks such as data logging, purchasing, keeping inventories, record keeping, and routine maintenance of site and equipment as requested
• Participate in preparation of the Final Reports and other required reports and/or manual revisions as requested
• Assist with other logistical, group management and administrative tasks
• Live on-site for the duration of each program period and take meals with the students
• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Center-specific “staff of the day” duties
• Take part in, and occasionally lead, Center upkeep projects, social and field activities
• At the request of the Center Director, serve as caretaker for Center during program breaks and center rentals
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed

Waterfront Support (20%)

• Assist with Waterfont logistics including leading snorkel trip and tending boat
• On occasion lead kayak trips with students and community members
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed

Academics (5%)

• Assist in organizing the library, teaching aids, research materials and projects, community service projects, recreational activities, and other program activities as requested
• Assist students with academic and research materials and projects
• Organize and prepare support materials for faculty lectures and field trips including slides, photographs, charts, graphs, maps, field samples and equipment
• Other duties as required

  Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to obtain Turks and Caicos Island work permit (including medical certification several months prior to arrival)
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications
• Advanced SCUBA certified
• Lifeguard certification
• Experience organizing and facilitating U.S. college-age students in a professional setting
• Experience with incident and risk management
• Clean driving record and ability to operate standard transmission vehicles
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and independently
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues
• Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program
• In country or regional experience
• SCUBA Divemaster
• Small boat handling experience, and basic knowledge of small boat and 2-cycle outboard engine repair
• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access and statistical software skills
• Current, active Dive Master certification, including insurance

Compensation/Benefits

• Salary
• Onsite room and board
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance coverage
• International Health Insurance reimbursement
• Travel Reimbursement for travel to and from the Center at the start and completion of contract
• NIB/NHIP Benefits