Apply to Research Assistant and Aquarist

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: 
Research Assistant and Aquarist 

Reports to: 
Center Director 

Location: 
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS) - South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) 

Start Date: 
Anticipated travel and arrival to CMRS are scheduled for August 26, 2026. The selected candidate will participate in required on-site trainings scheduled for the week August 26, 2026.

Compensation/Benefits: 
Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package and on-site room and board included. 

Position Summary: 
The SFS Center for Marine Resources Studies, located in South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands seeks an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual to serve as part of a team that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester in South Caicos. On a contract basis, The Research Assistant and Aquarist will provide support to the CMRS coral restoration effort in the Turks and Caicos Islands. SFS is developing an in-situ nursery program and land-based flowing sea water system. The position involves various aspects of the project, including planning, data gathering, analysis, and report writing. In addition, the position co-leads various aspects of the SFS academic program including directed student research (DR), lectures and field exercises. 

SFS programs are field-based and experiential. This position will occasionally assist with engaging students in a classroom setting and through time spent in the field.  

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.    

Staff are expected to be active members in the community-building process. Additional responsibilities may include participation in community engagement days, involvement in student life, and general Center upkeep. 

Center Focus: 
The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies (CMRS), a field station located on South Caicos Island in TCI, is committed to providing educational and research opportunities to visiting students while collaborating with local stakeholders on setting the research agenda and sharing research outcomes. We operate year-round, delivering two semester and two summer programs. During program time, we operate a 6-day work week.  

The Center strives to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable management of South Caicos marine resources and ecosystems, to the better management of the terrestrial environment, and towards the preparedness of the local community for the advent of mainstream tourism. The Center research activities are carried out in three areas: assessment and monitoring of marine environments, conservation and management of marine resources, and socio-economic conditions for development.     

Read more about the School for Field Studies research model: Our Research - School for Field Studies 

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. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Oversight and Management of Land-Based Systems  

• Oversee all aspects of the School for Field Studies land-based facility focusing on coral care  

• Ensure high standards for animal care for the living coral collection with the support of The Reef Institute (off site partner)  

• Perform and supervise husbandry duties, including but not limited to, cleaning aquariums, performing water changes, maintaining life support systems, preparing food, feeding animals, and adjusting water quality parameters 

• Ensure accurate and detailed daily record keeping 

• Update all necessary research information as necessary into online database  

• Identify and resolve issues with life support systems 

• Participate in the design and implementation of new aquatic systems  

• Participate in coral spawning and larval rearing activities, including night work and data collection and coral recruit care using microscopes, as SFS moves into these new advances 

In Situ Nursery Operations 

• Coordinate nursery maintenance and development of the in situ coral nursery to further support restoration and research objectives 

• Plan, organize, and act as scientific lead on fieldwork, including out planting of corals as needed 

Research, Education and Administration 

• Lead and mentor students on a Directed Research Project (DR) during semester programs 

• Support academic programing by delivering lectures on related subjects in coral restoration and by leading educational field exercises 

• Collect and organize data required for permit reporting and research objectives  

• Assist with scientific writing and technical documents, including the preparation of permit and grant reports, and scientific papers 

• Attend all meetings and calls necessary to improve work with TCI coral community  

• Deliver educational material through private and public outreach events including SFS SeaDay and Saturday outreach events as well as tours of the facility 

• Deliver monthly presentations at local resorts about ongoing center research 

• Oversee student and assistants in laboratory and field environment  

• Foster excellence, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism consistent with organizational values and standards. 

• Identify and solve obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting 

• Lead weekly tours of facility 

• Perform all other duties as required with initiative, grace, and professionalism 

• Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection 

Daily Center Life and Program Support 

• Participate in planning activities prior to the program start and in review/analysis following students' departure 

• Participate in training activities for new 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 

• Work flexible hours and live on-site with a small team of permanent staff and groups of U.S. undergraduate students for the duration of each program period and take meals with the students 

• Actively model skills in competence, awareness, and knowledge necessary for meaningfully working with, interacting with and learning from others who may differ from oneself in identity and/or lived experience 

• On a rotating basis, take responsibility for Center-specific "staff of the day" duties 

• Take part in, and occasionally lead, community outreach events, 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 

Safety & Risk Management 

• Take responsibility, as an individual and as a member of the Center team, for the safety of all program participants 

• Participate in resolving group management issues and student discipline problems as necessary 

• Adhere to, actively model, and enforce all SFS and Center policies, procedures, and rules, including the values of the SFS Position on Diversity and Inclusion.  

• 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 

• Report infractions of Center rules to the Center Director in a timely manner 

• Obtain First Aid, CPR and O2 certifications prior to first day of employment and must be kept up to date 

Competencies: 

• Planning and Organizing — Establish a course of action with specific long-range goals for the land based coral program; set priorities among competing requirements and allocate resources in the most efficient and effective way; develop contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.  

• Coordination — Organize and move a group of individuals and/or activities toward a common goal. 

• Adaptability –   Adapt to any and all situations, with a great ability to proactively problem solve.  

• Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members, and support team goals. 

• Judgment — Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary. 

• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents. 

• Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collect relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people.       

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a valid Turks and Caicos Islands work permit 

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience at an aquarium or research laboratory, including demonstrated direct responsibility for care of live coral aquaria. This experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge. 

• Strong understanding of life support systems and water quality parameters for stony corals, and the ability to recognize and troubleshoot problems in such systems

• Obtain First Aid, CPR and O2 certifications prior to first day of employment  

• SCUBA certification required with the ability to advance to Rescue Diver within one year of hire date 

• B.S. degree or closely related field  

• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) 

• Detail oriented, with a competency in scientific data collection, and reporting 

• Flexibility to work some weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree (M.S.) preferred 

• Divemaster certification preferred 

• Previous experience with coral propagation, micro fragmentation, or spawning strongly preferred 

• Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program 

• In country or regional experience 

• Divemaster or Instructor certification 

• AAUS diving experience 

Benefits 

• Reimbursement for travel between the employee's home of record and the SFS Center at the beginning and conclusion of employment 

• After one year of employment, employees are eligible for reimbursement of one additional annual round-trip visit to their home of record during an intersession period 

• On-site room and board (all meals also provided while programs are in session) 

• Enrollment in an Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance plan effective on the first day of employment 

• Reimbursement of up to 80% of international health insurance premiums, with increased employer contributions for each year of employment, up to 100% coverage 

• Additional information regarding benefit terms will be provided during the interview process 

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, or veteran status.