Job Posting :The Alligator Head Foundation (AHF), Jamaica
Scientific Officer
Our organization:
The Alligator Head Foundation (AHF) is a non-profit organization established to manage and support the East Portland Special Fishery Conservation Area (EPSFCA) - 6km2 of marine coastline located in Portland Jamaica. We identify and deliver innovative solutions to strengthen national, regional and global policy for ecosystem resilience and adaptation to climate change.
The Foundation develops projects to assist the communities dependent on marine resources for their livelihood and to rehabilitate the marine environment located in the EPSFCA. The Foundation uses marine research to drive the management of the EPSFCA through programmes geared towards marine based ecosystem restoration within the EPSFCA. These ecosystems include but are not exclusive to mangroves/wetlands and coral reefs. We take a community driven approach to work for fish filled seas, abundant reefs and thriving communities.
The Position:
The Scientific Officer will primarily provide coral reef restoration technical support for a project entitled “CoralCarib: Pioneering a new strategic approach for conserving and restoring Caribbean coral reef ecosystems that targets Climate Resilient Refuges” in Jamaica. Coral conservation activities will include coral reef threat abatement, coral restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Coral Conservation Coordinator will have six broad areas of responsibility:
(i) support for all major coral conservation-related activities carried out at the project site (East Portland Fish Sanctuary and its environs
(ii) support knowledge sharing among local coral practitioners
(iii) support for a wide range of project communication needs
(iv) providing technical expertise related to coral reef ecosystem conservation and restoration (v) support other project related field and administrative activities that serves to meet project goals
(vi) support other conservation related projects carried out by the AHF team.
The Candidate:
The ideal candidate should have experience in implementing conservation projects and maintaining project records, providing hands-on guidance and technical expertise on coral reef restoration and conservation, and have experience engaging with communities and conservation groups. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting and shaping the work of our team!
The Requirements:
• BSc degree and 2 years’ experience in coral reef conservation, science, restoration, or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
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• Experience communicating and engaging with local community partners and other stakeholder groups.
• Experience conducting /Knowledge of coral restoration/conservation using current management methods and science.
• Experience explaining coral reef conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of coral reef biology, conservation strategies, current trends and practices both locally and regionally.
• Knowledge of Caribbean stony corals species, coral reef survey experience, and ability to identify critical threats to coral reef ecosystems. • Must be SCUBA certified with scientific diving experience.
• Experience performing physical work while snorkeling or SCUBA diving in open water or from the shoreline for 1-2 hours at a time in challenging weather conditions. Repetitive diving may occur.
• Must be willing and able to become AAUS certified, if not already certified.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Experience using applications of standard Microsoft business software.
Interested candidates should submit their applications (cover letter and curriculum vitae) to info@alligatorheadfoundation.org with the subject Scientific Officer Application by November 1st , 2024.
Position Title: Marine Restoration Research Programme Manager/ Scientific Coordinator
The Alligator Head Foundation in Port Antonio Jamaica is a leading marine conservation organisation dedicated to advancing coral and habitat restoration, community-led resource management, and cutting-edge research that integrates science, local knowledge, and the arts. As part of its commitment to driving innovative solutions for marine ecosystem recovery, the organisation’s Marine Restoration Research Program involves collaboration with international research partners and applied research to the in-situ and ex-situ coral and habitat restoration work.
We are seeking a dynamic and ambitious Marine Restoration Research Programme Manager to lead the design, coordination, and execution of restoration-focused research, with an emphasis on coral reef ecosystems. This role will involve initiating and managing interdisciplinary and international research projects, overseeing applied coral restoration science and practice, and collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders, including a broad team, local communities, international partners, and conservation practitioners.
The Marine Restoration Research Programme Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and delivery of the organisation’s coral restoration, mangrove nursery, turtle hatching and marine recovery research initiatives. They will receive guidance by the organisation’s Board and the Scientific Advisor. The role requires strong scientific expertise, project management skills, and the ability to bridge the gap between scientific research, practical conservation actions and community involvement, including working with research teams. The Research Programme Manager will share and publish research interacting with international networks. This individual will also help shape the organisation’s broader marine restoration strategies and ensure that research outputs contribute to both local and global conservation efforts.
○ Lead the design and implementation of the Marine Restoration Research Programme, including coral restoration, sea turtle conservation, fish abundance, habitat recovery, and ecosystem rehabilitation projects.
○ Coordinate and manage interdisciplinary research projects, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission to advance innovative approaches to marine conservation.
○ Develop work plans, budgets, and timelines for all research activities.
2. Scientific Leadership in Coral and Habitat Restoration:
○ Provide scientific expertise and leadership in coral restoration practices, including reef rehabilitation, mangrove, turtle and wider habitat restoration with monitoring, and adaptive management.
○ Ensure the application of the latest coral restoration methods and technologies, integrating cutting-edge science with practical restoration efforts.
○ Collaborate with local and international researchers to contribute to scientific publications, reports, and knowledge sharing on coral restoration.
3. Community Engagement & Co-Management:
○ Work closely with the MPA manager and support organisational work with coastal communities and small-scale fishers to integrate local and traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research in restoration activities.
○ Facilitate community participation in coral restoration and marine recovery projects, fostering local ownership and stewardship of marine ecosystems.
○ Contribute to capacity-building programs that train local communities in habitat restoration techniques and monitoring.
4. Interdisciplinary Research, Innovation and Learning:
○ Participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives in dialogue with the organisation’s experimental Living Lab and artist residencies exploring new models for marine restoration that go beyond mainstream conservation approaches
○ Supervise graduate and post-graduate students conducting research at Alligator Head Foundation where appropriate
○ Manage the AHF Science Education Programme and engagement with schools
○ Promote innovative restoration techniques and methodologies that address the social, ecological, and economic challenges of marine conservation.
○ Ensure that research contributes to global knowledge on ecosystem recovery and resilience, while being grounded in practical outcomes.
5. Partnership Development & Collaboration
○ Supervise field officers, interns and community volunteers assigned to AHF/UWI Alligator Head Marine Lab
○ Build and maintain partnerships with University West Indies, research institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders to support the program’s research objectives.
○ Collaborate with international research partners on coral restoration projects and contribute to global coral reef recovery networks.
○ Represent the organisation at scientific conferences, workshops, and policy discussions related to coral restoration and marine recovery.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
○ Design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of coral restoration and other ecosystem recovery projects.
○ Ensure that robust data collection, analysis, and reporting systems are in place to inform adaptive management and program improvement.
○ Regularly produce reports, scientific publications, and presentations that showcase the impact of the Marine Restoration Research Programme.
○ Design a digital and physical research archive to enable accessibility to the body of research generated from the East Portland Fish Sanctuary
7. Fundraising & Financial Management:
○ Work closely with the management and development team to secure funding for the Marine Restoration Research Programme.
○ Contribute to grant writing, donor reporting, and fundraising efforts to ensure financial sustainability for the program.
○ Manage program budgets and ensure the efficient use of resources for research activities.
8. Any other activities as determined by the General Manager
Deliverables:
● Successful implementation of coral restoration and marine ecosystem recovery projects including ongoing programme partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Coral Carib.
● Published research outputs, reports, and data on the effectiveness of restoration activities and establishing a research library and archive of work
● Strong partnerships with research institutions, communities, and conservation stakeholders.
● A well-functioning monitoring system for tracking progress on coral restoration and recovery efforts.
● Secured funding for the continuation and expansion of marine restoration projects
Required Qualifications & Competencies:
1. Education:
○ Master’s degree or higher in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, with a focus on coral reef restoration or marine ecosystem recovery.
2. Experience:
○ At least 7-10 years of experience in marine restoration, coral reef rehabilitation, or ecosystem recovery projects, including field-based research and conservation practice.
○ Proven track record of managing large, interdisciplinary research projects involving multiple stakeholders.
○ Strong experience in leading coral restoration initiatives, including reef rehabilitation, nursery development, and out planting efforts.
○ Experience publishing and disseminating research through high impact journals and international conferences
3. Skills:
○ Excellent scientific research skills, with experience in designing and implementing coral restoration experiments, collecting and analysing data, and publishing results.
○ Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage budgets, timelines, and staff.
○ Experience working with coastal communities and integrating local knowledge with scientific research.
○ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with international research partners, local stakeholders, and diverse teams.
4. Other Requirements:
○ Willingness to work in the field in Portland
○ Familiarity with fieldwork in Jamaica and or the Caribbean
○ Proficiency in English
○ Ability to represent the organisation at international conferences, workshops, and donor meetings.
Interested candidates should submit their applications (cover letter and curriculum vitae) to info@alligatorheadfoundation.org with the subject Research Programme Manager by November 1st , 2024.
Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio
Applications open for fourth Women in Ocean Food innovation studio
Female entrepreneurs from across the seafood sector are invited to apply to take part in Hatch Blue’s fourth Women in Ocean Food (WiOF) innovation studio, which will take place in La Paz, Mexico, on 6-16 January.
Who can apply?
Applicants based in Latin America and the Caribbean who are involved in any of the following fields can apply:
Aquaculture health, genetics, feed, technology.
Downstream solutions, such as seafood processing, upcycling seafood waste and cold chain solutions.
Conservation technologies, sustainable fisheries or regenerative aquaculture.
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