Waterfront and Program Assistant

Institutional Mission:
SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion:
SFS was founded with the belief that stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs designed to divide us. Just as we value biodiversity in all its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people in the countries where we work and the students and staff we serve.

Position Title:
Waterfront and Program Assistant

Reports To:
Center Director

Day-to-day supervision may be delegated to Dive Safety Officer / Marine Operations Coordinator, Student Health and Wellness Manager, Faculty, and Site Managers as appropriate.

Location:
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies – South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands

Start Date:
August 2025 – August 2026

Position Summary:
The Waterfront and Program Assistant provides support in the areas of program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance. The position assists faculty with various research projects, including planning, data gathering, analysis and report writing. The position also assists the Dive Safety Officer / Marine Operations Coordinator 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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Support

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start (up to 5 days) and in review/analysis following students’ departure (up to 5 days)
• Participate in training activities for 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
• At all times, work to ensure good relations between the Center and local community

Waterfront Support

• Lead academic and research snorkel, SCUBA, and kayak excursions
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and boats as needed
• On a daily basis, maintain waterfront facilities (including the pool), assist with operations, including but not limited to, filling tanks, maintaining moorings, boat maintenance, fueling boats
• Prepare SCUBA tanks and equipment for recreational and research snorkels and SCUBA dives
• Assist with vehicle and vessel maintenance

Academics

• 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

Student Life

• 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
• Participate in the orientation and re-entry components of the program presented to students at the beginning and end of each program period
• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems
• Monitor student morale and assist in solving daily problems at the Center
• Participate in community service activities

Safety and Risk Management

• 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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain Turks and Caicos Island visa.  SFS will assist with completing this process.
• BA/BS in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management or Marine Policy and Socio-economics
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications
• Current, active Dive Master certification, including insurance
• Ability to provide own SCUBA gear, including service receipt for regulators
• Experience working with U.S. college-age students in a professional setting
• Small boat handling experience
• Experience organizing and facilitating groups
• Clean driving record and ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and boats
• 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 SFS or similar international residential program
• Basic knowledge of small boat and 2-cycle outboard engine repair
• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access, and statistical software skills
• In country or regional experience