The Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE) was  founded in 1995 with the primary mission of preserving the tropical rainforests of  Belize. To achieve this goal, BFREE acquired 1,153 areas of forested land and  established a privately protected area and biological field station strategically located  at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The BFREE property borders four national  parks and is at the gateway to Bladen Nature Reserve, the crown jewel of Belize’s  protected area system. Working with multiple stakeholders, BFREE conducts  conservation activities throughout Belize and acts as a steward of threatened  wildlands and wildlife while inspiring others to participate in the preservation and  restoration of the country’s precious natural resources for future generations. 

The BFREE Conservation and Science Director will work with our Executive Director  and other key staff to lead our conservation science programs. This new position will  involve implementing current programs and developing a new research agenda for  the future. This will include program development and design and delivering relevant  conservation results from BFREE’s research and monitoring programs. BFREEconservation and science programs involve long-term monitoring, cacao 

agroforestry research and development, endangered species breeding and head-start  rewilding, applied ecology studies, species-specific research, and data science. Job  duties include overseeing fieldwork (including avian, herpetological, large, and small  mammal, and cacao agroforestry studies). Additional duties include data  management, analysis, writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications, and  science delivery. The Conservation and Science Director will collaborate with a  diverse group of local and international partners to inform resource management  strategies and conservation actions that improve outcomes for wildlife, wildlands,  and human dimensions. It is also the responsibility of the CSD to raise funds for  BFREE’s research programs, develop annual budgets, participate in organizational  operations, and contribute to strategic planning.  

Job Title: Conservation and Science Director (Full Time) Salary: $65,000-$75,000  USD plus benefits. Benefits include health insurance stipend, room and board at field  station. 

Location: Belize, Central America (Jan-August), (Sept-Dec. remote optional); regular  travel required. 

Starting Date: Jan 8, 2024 (negotiable) 

Application: Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample (report or manuscript), and  three professional references to Jacob Marlin [email protected] 

Application Deadline December 1, 2023 

Review of applications will begin December 1st and will continue until the position is  filled. The entire job description and requirements can be found here.  www/bfreebz.org/get-involved/ 

identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status,  age, expunged juvenile record, performance of duty in a uniformed service, physical  or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or  ordinance. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is a key to success. We are  committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and  skills. We encourage applications from people of all races, religions, national origins,  genders and ages. 

Qualifications 

Requirements: 

- Combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a PhD in the Natural  Sciences and an additional minimum 4 years of relevant work experience- Knowledge of Plant Ecology, Agroforestry, Herpetology, Avian Ecology, preferred- Experience with research design, implementation, analysis, and manuscript  writing 

- Robust experience in personnel management and supervision 

- Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills 

- Ability to work remotely with minimal oversight when appropriate 

- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines 

- Excellent scientific writing skills reflected in reports and manuscripts- Computer management and proficiency and advanced statistical analysis and data  management skills, including use of R, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Access and/or  knowledge of other relevant software programs and packages 

- Ability to live and work in a remote tropical forest environment without modern  conveniences  

- Ability to hike in rough terrain; in inclement weather; and in areas with biting and  stinging insects, venomous snakes, Jaguars, and other wildlife  

- Ability to develop, implement, track, and manage a budget  

- Valid driver’s license and experience driving 4-wheel trucks in wet and muddy  conditions preferred 

- Familiarity with tropical forests and wetland ecosystems and related conservation  and management practices preferred 

- Successful track record of grant writing, including foundation, federal, and other  funding sources 

- Excellent popular writing skills preferred 

- Ability to represent BFREE’s conservation-relevant science to partners and the  public and within professional networks 

- Ability to represent BFREE to funders, grantors, and the public