The Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon (ASA), a non-profit organization working in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon, is pleased to announce the position of Agricultural Projects Coordinator, beginning in June 2017. The successful applicant will be based at the ASA’s field site in Peru’s Madre de Dios Department.
POSITION: Agricultural Projects Coordinator LOCATION: Finca Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru POSITION DURATION: Minimum 6 months, extendable upon successful evaluation START DATE: June 12, 2017 APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2017 JOB DESCRIPTION The Agricultural Programs Coordinator works closely with ASA academic faculty and staff to facilitate ongoing agriculture- and agroforestry-based projects spanning sustainable food production, long-term experimental plots, and community engagement and education. The Coordinator will be expected to maintain ongoing projects, develop new projects within the ASA’s priority research areas, and facilitate participation in research by a variety of visitors to the ASA field site including students, volunteers, and interns. The ASA’s mission is to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity for the benefit of all who live in and depend upon the Amazon rain forest. Our agriculture-based projects are designed to help us achieve that goal in our corner of the Amazon, and include long-term experimental cacao plots, organic fertilizers and biochar, reforestation, and food production using native plants, among others. The Agricultural Projects Coordinator is part of the public face of the ASA’s programs in Peru, and is part of a dynamic team of researchers, conservation and development professionals, and students from around the world. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Daily duties The Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day management of agriculture- and agroforestry-based projects at Finca Las Piedras, including greenhouse and nursery maintenance, data recording and management, design and implementation of experiments, and the development of new projects. The Coordinator, in conjunction with the on-site Academic Programs Coordinator, will also oversee the ASA’s team of Resident Naturalists, as well as a number of interns and volunteers that will contribute to ongoing research projects. Other Duties The Coordinator will also assist other ASA faculty and staff in facilitating other academic programs, including visits from local school groups, national and international university groups, and others. Social Media The Agricultural Projects Coordinator contributes to outreach efforts on social media, and will be required to regularly create original material regarding the ASA’s academic programs for distribution across a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and blogs. REQUIREMENTS · Minimum 6 month commitment · Minimum bachelor’s degree in natural, agricultural, or environmental sciences, education, or related field · Fluency in English · At least basic Spanish · Experience working/living abroad, especially in the tropics (preferred) · Teaching experience (preferred) · Enthusiasm and strong work ethic · Flexibility in schedule and work environment · Maturity/must live with and work well with others in close setting · Excellent physical condition · Traveler’s insurance (proof required upon acceptance) · CPR/first aid certification (proof required upon acceptance) TRAINING Upon arrival at Finca Las Piedras, the successful applicant will undergo an intensive, one-week training period, including an overview of current projects spanning the ASA’s three interrelated focal areas: biological research and monitoring, sustainable tropical agriculture, and community engagement and education, as well as the methodologies used for research and outreach work in those areas. The Coordinator will be supervised and trained informally throughout the duration of their term at Finca Las Piedras by ASA academic faculty and staff. COMPENSATION Monthly salary is $350/month. Room and board is also provided on-site at Finca Las Piedras, 7 days per week, for the duration of the appointment (although work is only required M-F; approximate value $1,000/month). Work-related local transportation, including pickup from the Puerto Maldonado airport (PEM) or bus terminal, is covered. The applicant is responsible for their international flight to Peru if applicable, including airfare, taxes, airport fees, flight insurance, etc., and domestic air or land travel to Puerto Maldonado. HOW TO APPLY The following are required to apply for this position: 1. A cover letter of interest 2. Current CV/resume with contact information for two references Completed applications should include both of the required items, and should be submitted as a single PDF document, in the order listed above, by the application deadline (June 1). Document title should read: “last name_ Ag Coordinator Application.pdf”. Send completed applications to: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with “Agricultural Projects Coordinator application” in the subject line.
