Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS)

Experience Required: Experience supporting field-based marine programs

Description

The School for Field Studies (SFS) delivers field-based study abroad programs that combine learning and research to address complex environmental challenges alongside local partners. The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies in South Caicos supports academic instruction, directed research, and marine operations in a residential field station setting.

The Lead Waterfront Assistant supports program delivery, research, logistics, and safety while helping implement daily dive and waterfront operations. Reporting to the Center Director, this role works closely with the Dive Safety Officer/Marine Operations Coordinator and faculty to lead snorkeling, SCUBA, and kayak activities, maintain equipment and facilities, supervise waterfront staff, and support students through academics, field excursions, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Center planning, preparation, and clean-up before and after program sessions
• Lead staff training activities as needed before and during program sessions
• Coordinate community engagement activities with the Student Health and Wellness Manager/Program Coordinator
• Coordinate Saturday site clean-ups with the Student Health and Wellness Manager
• Post to social media twice per month for Open Water and Advance Open Water classes
• Assist with data logging, purchasing, inventories, record keeping, and routine site and equipment maintenance
• Support administrative duties for the Dive Safety Officer/Marine Operations Coordinator
• Prepare Final Reports and support required reports and manual revisions as requested
• Assist with logistics, group management, and administrative tasks as needed
• Live on-site during each program period and take meals with students
• Rotate through Center “staff of the day” duties
• Support and occasionally lead Center upkeep projects, social activities, and field activities
• Serve as Center caretaker during program breaks and center rentals as requested by the Center Director
• Maintain positive relationships between the Center and the local community
• Lead recreational and research snorkel, SCUBA, and kayak excursions
• Assist in finalizing Risk Management Plans
• Support faculty research staffing and resource needs
• Schedule waterfront duties and supervise Waterfront Assistants
• Support Open Water and Advance Open Water student training programs
• Assist with waterfront and dive equipment maintenance
• Drive standard transmission vehicles and operate boats as needed
• Maintain waterfront facilities daily, including pool upkeep and operational support
• Fill tanks, maintain moorings, support boat maintenance, and fuel boats as needed
• Prepare SCUBA tanks and equipment for recreational and research snorkels and dives
• Assist with vehicle and vessel maintenance
• Organize library materials, teaching aids, and research resources as requested
• Support community service projects, recreational activities, and other program activities as needed
• Meet with faculty and the Dive Safety Officer/Marine Operations Coordinator to confirm class and research needs
• Attend dry runs and support field excursions as directed by faculty
• Support all aspects of Directed Research
• Support field excursions led by the Conservation Governance Lecturer
• Assist students with academic and research materials and projects
• Prepare lecture and field trip support materials including slides, photographs, charts, graphs, maps, samples, and equipment
• Organize students to complete residential program duties such as food preparation, recycling, center clean-ups, and student committees
• Support orientation and re-entry components at the beginning and end of each program period
• Help resolve group management issues and student discipline concerns
• Monitor student morale and assist with daily problem-solving at the Center
• Participate in community service activities
• Model and enforce all SFS and Center policies, procedures, and rules
• Set a professional example for waterfront staff
• Participate in reviewing and revising Center risk assessment and management plans
• Recommend and review policies and procedures to manage risk
• Follow the Center emergency procedures plan, including evacuation procedures
• Conduct safety briefings for students and staff as needed
• Complete incident reports and contribute to safety audits when appropriate
• Maintain current first aid certifications through periodic SFS courses
• Report Center rule infractions to the Center Director in a timely manner
• Maintain first aid equipment and help document safety procedures

Minimum Requirements

• Obtain a Turks and Caicos Islands visa with support from SFS
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management, or Marine Policy and Socio-economics
• Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications
• Hold current, active PADI Instructor certification with insurance
• Provide personal SCUBA gear, including regulator service receipt
• Work with U.S. college-age students in a professional setting
• Demonstrate small boat handling experience
• Identify small boat maintenance troubleshooting needs
• Organize and facilitate groups effectively
• Maintain a clean driving record
• Operate standard transmission vehicles and boats
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate commitment to environmental issues
• Work flexible hours and live on-site at the field station with a small team, undergraduate students, and visiting researchers

Preferred Qualifications

• Complete an SFS or similar international residential program
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of small boat and 4-cycle outboard engine repair
• Use MS Word, Excel, Access, and statistical software tools
• Bring in-country or regional experience

Additional Notes

• Work location: SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies, South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
• Reporting line: Center Director (day-to-day supervision may be delegated to the Dive Safety Officer/Marine Operations Coordinator, Student Health and Wellness Manager, faculty, and site managers)
• Benefits:
  • Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of employment
  • Additional travel benefits available after the first year of employment
  • On-site room and board (meals provided while programs are in session)
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance from day one
  • International health insurance reimbursement starting at 80% and increasing up to 100%
  • Option to participate in the SFS 403b retirement plan through Fidelity Investments
  • Eligible for SFS matching contribution program after one year of employment
• Federal employment law notices apply, including EEOC and EPPA
• Equal Opportunity Employer: SFS provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of protected characteristics under applicable laws

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume outlining relevant experiences via the online application on the SFS Careers page at https://fieldstudies.catsone.com/careers/