Institutional Mission:
The School for Field Studies (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:
Lead Waterfront Assistant (Lead WA)

Reports To:
Center Director

Day-to-day supervision may be delegated to Dive Safety Officer/Marine Operations Coordinator (DSO/MOC), 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:
June 1, 2026

Position Summary:
The Lead Waterfront Assistant (Lead WA) 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 and lead planning activities and Center preparations prior to the program start and in review and clean-up following students' departure
Participate and as needed lead training activities for center staff prior to and during the program
Coordinate with Student Health and Wellness Manager/Program Coordinator community engagement and activities
Coordinate with Student Health and Wellness Manager Saturday Site Clean ups
Post to social media 2 x per month – OW and AOW classes
Assist with administrative or logistical tasks, such as data logging, purchasing, keeping inventories, record keeping, and routine maintenance of site and equipment as requested
Support DSO/MOC with administrative duties
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 recreational and research snorkel, SCUBA, and kayak excursions
Assist DSO/MOC in finalizing RMPs
Support faculty research needs – staffing and resources
Schedule waterfront duties and supervise Waterfront Assistants
Support DSO/MOC in Open Water and Advance Open Water training programs for students
Assist DSO/MOC in equipment maintenance
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
Meet with faculty and DSO/MOC to determine class and research needs. Attend dry runs and support FEXs as directed by faculty
Support all aspects of Directed Research
Support Field Excursion lead by Conservation Governance Lecturer
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
Set professional example for waterfront staff
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 PADI Instructor 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
Small boat maintenance trouble identification
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 4-cycle outboard engine repair
Familiarity with MS Word, Excel, Access, and statistical software skills
In country or regional experience

Benefits

Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of employment. Additional travel benefits available following your first year of employment.
On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session)
Auto-enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective from the first day of employment
International health insurance reimbursement beginning at 80%, increasing with each year of employment, up to 100%
Option to participate in the SFS 403b retirement plan through Fidelity Investments. After one year of employment, eligible for SFS matching contribution program

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/

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

Equal Opportunity Employer: SFS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, caste, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetics, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.