Reef Restoration Dive Instructor at Amiga Island Tours s.a.

Position Opening: Reef Restoration Dive Instructor 

Amiga Island Tours in collaboration with Amiga Island Ecological Foundation 

Cormier, Northern Haiti

I. Position Overview

Amiga Island Tours is currently accepting applications for a mid to long term PADI Dive Instructor to help establish an eco-tourism based dive operation. The ideal candidate will be experienced in managing a dive shop and will be responsible for basic dive instructor operations including selling dive courses, charter packages and running discover scuba demos as well as managing gear rentals and basic maintenance. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will also be help implement The Amiga Island Ecological Foundation’s (AIEF) Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration Project which involves researching and restoring critically endangered corals, specifically Acroporid species. 

AIEF is a non-profit organization focused on the protection, preservation and enhancement of critically threatened marine ecosystems. Their focus area is primarily along the northern Haitian coast and specifically they work to restore and monitor the reef system surrounding Amiga Island. 

II. Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities and duties of the selected candidate may include but are not limited to the following.

DIVE SHOP / OPPERATIONS RELATED 

1. Help to establish and maintain a small Dive Shop, maintain proper PADI standards as well as record keeping and safe diving procedures. Help to identify key dive locations and tour routes. Work to expand the dive opportunities offered. 

2. Deliver high level of service for DSD’s, Open Water and Advanced courses to small groups.

3. Solicit sales, promote the Dive Shop’s activates as well as AIEF’s Coral Restoration Project. 

AIEF CORAL RESTORATION PROJECT RELATED 

1. SCUBA dive for a variety of purposes including: scientific reef surveys, locating potential donor colonies, installing and maintaining coral nursery structures, collection / transport / attachment of coral fragments, restoration out-planting, data collection and photographic documentation.

2. Assist in building and installing nursery structures, organizing materials and keep a clean office space.

3. Assist in the production of educational based materials such as pamphlets as well as assist in the creation and execution of small workshops and presentations. Participate in, lead, or implement environmental education workshops, and/or training activities.

4. Assist with or independently lead educational based snorkeling or dive tours.

5. Care for and provide basic maintenance to project equipment.

6. Have fun – and be a team player, maintain a positive attitude and commit to working well with team members and others including locals and tourists. Be an advocate for the environment and highlight the ways in which we can make a difference. Promote the protection, preservation and enhancement of local marine resources and be a generally good steward to the environment. 

III. Requirements

a) Education

AIT is looking for candidates that are highly motivated and interested in the preservation, conservation and restoration of coastal marine resources. A bachelor’s in one of the following areas is preferred: biology, ecology, marine biology, environmental studies, or other similar careers. This position will give the candidate an excellent experience in active restoration, marine conservation and environmental education.

b) Experience

The ideal candidate would have experience working in a marine ecosystem and would have previous experience with Acroporid corals and restoration. Additionally we are searching for an applicant with proven skills in written communication. The applying candidate must be a PADI certified Scuba Instructor. 

Applicants must have the ability to work under strenuous and adverse conditions including working with currents, waves, poor visibility, long dive times and continuous back to back diving days. The applicant must be able to work efficiently, problem solve, adapt to changing situations and work independently under minimal supervision. The candidate must be able to complete assigned tasks on time and with quality; must be punctual and represent the best interest of AIT and AIEF. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Previous coral restoration experience is highly advantageous.

c) Other Requirements

PADI Certified Dive Instructor 

Divers Insurance

Medical Insurance

d) Languages

Fluent English (required) 

Basic French (required)

Spanish and/or fluent French highly desired 

Haitian Creole is advantageous

IV. Duration

The length of the position is negotiable but a minimum of 4 months is required, with the preferred length of 6 months with options to renew. This is a full-time position requiring an estimated 40 work hours per week. The expected start date is flexible with a preferred start date of May 1st, 2017.

V. Compensation and Benefits

1. Gain experience managing a small Dive Shop. Learn to dive with a purpose, go beyond recreational diving and learn scientific techniques, data collection methods and how to build, maintain and utilize a coral nursery.

2. A unique opportunity to get hands-on with endangered coral and learn the process of active coral restoration.

3. Contribute to a conservation project in a long-term and meaningful way. Your participation will be more than just a training opportunity, YOU can make a difference and help preserve the local environment and reefs.

4. On-site lodging, including electricity, running-water and access to Wi-Fi.

5. At least 8 days off a month (No paid vacation days included, but off-days may combined for a longer time off with manager’s approval)

6. All SCUBA diving gear included along with transportation to and from Amiga Island.

7. All materials needed to perform duties will be included.

8. A small stipend based on the qualifications of the candidate, the position length, and the AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, to help cover expenses.

A typical day in this unique position could be:

Wake up to the sound of the sea by the beautiful beach resort of Cormier Plage and enjoy breakfast with a view. Gear up and get ready! After a quick shuttle ride, hop aboard the dive boat and head out to Amiga Island, the picturesque focal point of our Coral Restoration Project and recreational dive sites. Enjoy 1-2 dives for maintenance and data collection or to survey reef health and afterwards take a short rest on tropical white sand. Once back at base, work on setting up charter dives, plan Scuba course schedules and offer DSD’s and demos. With any luck you’ll run into some tourists at the resort who may be curious to know about the local environment and what’s being done to protect it, it’s your job to educate and inspire wonder at what’s just under the waves.

Interested Candidates please send your Resume with a brief Statement of Interest

to the following emails by March 31st, 2017. Please include a portrait photograph for reference.

Jeremy@amigaisland.com and gael.gaetjens@yahoo.com