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. 

Position: 

Site Assistant 

Reports to: 

Centre Director and Site Manager 

Location: 

The SFS Centre for Rainforest Studies - Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia 

Start Date:  

March 2026; This is a 12-month appointment with the possibility for renewal pending annual performance discussion with supervisor; May be eligible for renewal for up to two years. 

Reports to: 

Centre Director and Site Manager 
 

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 Summary: 

The Site Assistant is a full-time, year-round position responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the field station. This role provides hands-on facilities and grounds maintenance, assists with administrative and logistical tasks, and supports student programs through coordination of weekly cleanups and occasional transportation needs. The Site Assistant plays a key role in ensuring that the field station operates safely, efficiently, and in a manner that reflects SFS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positive community relations. SFS programs do not follow a nine to five model. Staff are also integral members of the Center’s communal living model, eating and working with the student cohort.     

Duties and Responsibilities 

Facilities, Grounds, and Vehicle Maintenance 

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance of buildings, grounds, and vehicles 

• Conduct general repairs, including painting, rust proofing, minor electrical and plumbing work, and basic construction tasks 

• Maintain grounds, including pruning trees and cutting back vegetation near buildings 

• Assist with cleaning offices and buildings as needed, and with waste management 

• Perform basic vehicle maintenance (oil checks and top-ups, tire pressure checks) and coordinate vehicle servicing with external providers 

Operations and Program Support 

• Coordinate and participate in weekly student center cleanups 

• Assist with running errands, deliveries, and food procurement 

• On occasion, assist with student transportation 

• Work with building trade contractors and government agencies as required 

• Oversee the site during intersession periods and support general site operations 

Administrative and Logistical Support 

• Assist with purchasing, supply ordering, and inventory tracking 

• Support basic bookkeeping and administrative tasks 

• Assist with managing projects through proposal, quotation, contracting, and delivery stages 

• Support project and operations budgets as needed 

• On occasion, assist with meal preparation for students or guests  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Visa permitting work in Australia, or willingness to obtain an appropriate work visa prior to employment with support from SFS. For U.S. citizen applicants, please check to make sure that you match the eligibility criteria for the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)  

• Tertiary qualification from a university, college or training center, or have completed 2 years of undergraduate university study 

• Ability to operate motorized equipment and hand/power tools. Demonstrated maintenance and construction experience, including painting, minor electrical and plumbing repairs, and grounds keeping 

• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and ability to drive manual transmission vehicles is required 

• Experience operating manual and automatic vehicles to support logistical errands and deliveries is required 

• Experience working with building trade contractors and government agencies 

• Experience with supply ordering, inventory tracking, and basic budgeting 

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills 

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and Windows 

• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Motorized equipment and hand/power tools certifications will be viewed favorably 

Other Expectations 

• Willingness to work flexible hours and live on-site at the field station with a small permanent staff and rotating groups of U.S. undergraduate students, visiting researchers, or programs 

• Off-site living arrangements at the employee’s expense may be considered; personal vehicle required for commuting in such cases 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small team 

• Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues and sustainability 

• Willingness to work and provide oversight of center during the shorter intersession periods and to schedule leave primarily at the end of year intersession periods 

• Commitment to maintaining positive relationships between SFS and the local community 

• All offers of employment at The School for Field Studies Australia are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates and on all employees as deemed necessary. 

Benefits 

• 12-month appointment with opportunity for renewal following a performance discussion with your supervisor 
• SFS sponsorship of a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) for Australia 
• Up to four (4) weeks of paid leave annually 
• Covered travel from home of record at the beginning and end of employment (includes baggage allowance) 
  • After one year of continuous employment, one additional round-trip to home of record during non-program time will be covered by SFS. 
• On-site room and board (all meals provided while programs are in session) 
• Automatic enrollment in Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance from the first day of employment 
• International health insurance reimbursements at 80%, with reimbursements increasing annually by 5%, up to 100% 
• Short-term Disability, Long-term Disability, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage covered by SFS 
• Option to participate in SFS’s 403(b) retirement plan through Fidelity Investments, with eligibility for employer match after one year of service 
• Starting salary range: USD $21,000–$25,000, commensurate with experience 

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and references 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 .