TERMS OF REFERENCE
Marine Park Boat Captain/Conservation Officer
Project Title: Conserving Biodiversity and reducing habitat degradation in Protected Areas and their areas of influence
Duration of assignment: 1 Year
Start Date: 8th May, 2017
Contract Type: Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
Location: St. Kitts and Nevis
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Environment
Background
The existing system of Protected Areas in St. Kitts and Nevis is limited to three (3) terrestrial protected area units on the island of St. Kitts; Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park, and the Central Forest Reserve National Park. There are no terrestrial protected areas on the island of Nevis, however, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis recently declared Keys, Sandy Point and The Narrows as Marine Managed Areas.
At the site level, the UNDP/GEF investment will enable the legal establishment of five new Protected Areas to be operationalized along with the two existing terrestrial Protected Areas. The project will expand the Protected Areas system from two terrestrial sites totalling 5,260 hectares to four terrestrial sites totalling 8,810 hectares and three marine sites totalling 11,693 hectares. The project sites are: Central Forest Reserve National Park (CFRNP) (Established), Royal Basseterre Valley National Park (RBVNP) (Established), Nevis Peak National Park and Camps River Watershed Area (NPNPCRWA), Booby Island Nature Reserve (BINR). Sandy Point Marine Park, Keys Marine Park, and The Narrows Marine Park.
The project will assist the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in establishing, staffing and equipping a Protected Areas Agency to oversee and manage the overall Protected Areas system. Project activities include ecological inventory, revision and updating of key laws and regulations to support Protected Areas management; the establishment of inter-institutional and multi-stakeholder coordination and information sharing mechanisms; and the creation and operationalization of sustainable financing mechanisms.
Overview
Under the guidance of the Project Coordinating Unit the Boat Captain/Conservation Officer forms an integral part of the functioning of the Protected Areas as they provide monitoring and enforcement activities. The Boat Captain/Conservation Officers will be based at the Department of Marine Resources on Kitts and the Department of Fisheries on Nevis. A monitoring vessel will patrol the Federations marine space to ensure compliance with the laws and sustainable use of the marine resources. The Boat Captain/Conservation Officer is responsible for the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of the vessel, protection of the environment, and the safety and conduct of the crew and passengers on the vessel.
Scope of Work
The Boat Captain/Conservation Officer will perform the following tasks:
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Marine Conservation Officer
Project Title: Conserving Biodiversity and reducing habitat degradation in Protected Areas and their areas of influence
Duration of assignment: 1 Year
Start Date: 6th June, 2017
Contract Type: Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
Location: St. Kitts and Nevis
Implementing Partner: Ministry of Environment
Background
The existing system of Protected Areas in St. Kitts and Nevis is limited to three (3) terrestrial protected area units on the island of St. Kitts; Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park, and the Central Forest Reserve National Park. There are no terrestrial protected areas on the island of Nevis, however, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis recently declared Keys, Sandy Point and The Narrows as Marine Managed Areas.
At the site level, the UNDP/GEF investment will enable the legal establishment of five new Protected Areas to be operationalized along with the two existing terrestrial Protected Areas. The project will expand the Protected Areas system from two terrestrial sites totalling 5,260 hectares to four terrestrial sites totalling 8,810 hectares and three marine sites totalling 11,693 hectares. The project sites are: Central Forest Reserve National Park (CFRNP) (Established), Royal Basseterre Valley National Park (RBVNP) (Established), Nevis Peak National Park and Camps River Watershed Area (NPNPCRWA), Booby Island Nature Reserve (BINR). Sandy Point Marine Park, Keys Marine Park, and The Narrows Marine Park.
The project will assist the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in establishing, staffing and equipping a Protected Areas Agency to oversee and manage the overall Protected Areas system. Project activities include ecological inventory, revision and updating of key laws and regulations to support Protected Areas management; the establishment of inter-institutional and multi-stakeholder coordination and information sharing mechanisms; and the creation and operationalization of sustainable financing mechanisms.
Overview
Marine Conservation Officers will perform an essential service towards the optimal functioning of the marine resources. With the guidance of the Project Coordinating Unit and direct supervision from the Boat Captain/Conservation Officer, the Marine Conservation Officers will provide monitoring, enforcement and conservation activities. They will be responsible for collecting fees within the marine areas, keeping the marine space in prestine condition, and implementing and monitoring marine conservation measures. The general purpose of the Marine Conservation Officers is to maintain the coastal and marine areas to protect the Federation’s fragile ecosystem.
Scope of Work
The Marine Conservation Officer will perform the following tasks:
- Monitor and enforce Protected Areas Legislation and Regulations.
- Maintain Protected Areas facilities and equipment.
- Participate in the demarcation, zoning and mapping of Marine Managed/Protected Areas.
- Participate in the marine ecological inventory and other research activities within marine environment.
- Provide first aid assistance to persons in destress in the marine environment.
- Assist with the facilitation of educational tours for residents (especially of schools) and visitors to the marine environment.
- Participate in the implementation and monitoring of conservation programmes in the following areas and associated resources – Keys: turtle and coral reefs; Sandy Point: lobster and finfish; and The Narrows: conch and lobster.
- Participate in the demarcation, zoning and mapping of the Marine Managed Areas/Marine Protected Areas.
- Participate in the ecological inventory and other research activities to collect data and specimen within marine
- Participate in activities to monitor and assist in the control of invasive species.
- Assist in marine search and rescue missions.
- Perform documentation and reporting duties.
- Participate in relevant training, workshops, job attachments and exchanges to develop capacity to enforce, monitor and conserve the marine resources.
- Assist in the maintenance of safety equipment, keeping them ready and available for immediate use.
- Take instructions and direction from the Boat Captain/Conservation Officer in compliance with all the rules of the sea while performing his/her duties in a safe and efficient manner.
- Collect and record fees and data associated to the marine environment using prescribed collection instruments from yachts and other marine vessels in harbours of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
- Liaise with the Officers in the Department of Marine Resources; Department of Fisheries, Department of Maritime Affairs; the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard and the St. Kitts and Nevis Port Authorities, and other marine park management organizations in the region.
- Assist in public education and sensitization programs on marine area.
- Assist with the maintenance of mooring buoy systems in marine areas.
- Perform any other related duties/tasks assigned by Project Coordinating Unit consistent with the objectives and operations of the Marine Protected Areas/Marine Managed Areas programme.
Qualifications and special skills or knowledge of Marine Conservation Officers
Should have at least graduated from Secondary School with passes in English A and Geography;
Should have minimum knowledge and experience in marine management and enforcement;
Be willing to perform first aid and basic safety assistance (search and rescue);
Must hold a valid driver’s license;
Basic knowledge of the marine environment;
Qualification in motor vessel engineering or mechanics will be an asset.
A successful Marine Conservation Officer will be expected to participate in skills development training in the areas of Protected Areas management and planning; ecology; community empowerment, outreach and dispute resolution; communications and the implementation of financing mechanisms. Training will be primarily through on-the job training and technical workshops; work-study programs and exchange visits are also expected.
Remuneration
Marine Conservation Officers will be awarded a 1 (one) year contract with the possibility of renewal. His/her remuneration will be commensurate based on the requirements of the job.
Reporting
Marine Conservation Officers will report directly to the Project Coordinating Unit and the Department of
Environment.
Languages
Excellent verbal and writing communication skills in English.
Application Deadline
Applications should be sent to the National Project Coordinator, Project Coordinating Unit, SKN Conserving Biodiversity Project, Department of Environment, Third Floor, Ursula Amory Building, New Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts or Email: sknprotectedareas@gmail.com by Tuesday 23rd May, 2017.