The Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE) strives to successfully integrate scientific research, environmental education, conservation, and create sustainable development opportunities for alternative livelihoods for Belizeans. BFREE provides staff with a competitive salary based on work experience. Staff working at the Field Station are provided room and board Monday – Friday. Staff receives Social Security benefits and two weeks of paid vacation after working one full year.
If you have any questions about working with BFREE, please contact us by email at jobs@bfreebz.org.
CURRENT JOB OPENINGS
Cacao Agroforestry Fellow
Cacao Fellow Job Posting 2023 for the full job description.
A full-time position in the BFREE Fellowship Program is now available. The current opening is for a Cacao Agroforestry Fellow assigned to BFREE’s Cacao Agribusiness – Crioco.
The BFREE Science and Education Fellows Program is a two-year immersive work training opportunity for recent Belizean junior college and college graduates who exhibit leadership potential combined with a clear interest in conserving the country’s natural resources.
Apply: Follow the instructions listed within the job description.
Posted: 11 February 2023
Deadline: 20 February 2023
Groundskeeper
The BFREE Groundskeeper is responsible for ensuring that all BFREE grounds and facilities are clean, attractive, and well-maintained, and that the garden and orchards are productive.
Apply: Call Jacob at 667-9373 or email jobs@bfreebz.org to inquire
Posted: 11 February 2023
Deadline: Open until filled
BFREE Conservation and Research Coordinator
CLICK HERE to read the job description.
The BFREE Conservation and Research Coordinator is responsible for spearheading efforts and collaborating with multiple stakeholders on the implementation of a Dermatemys Conservation Management and Action Plan for the country of Belize. The Coordinator will work closely with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, non-government organizations, community-based organizations, communities, and civil society.
Apply: Follow the instructions listed within the job description.
Posted: 11 February 2023
Deadline: 6 March 2023
BFREE offers extraordinary opportunities to learn how a biological research station runs while gaining extensive experience in field methods as a Volunteer Field Assistant. Opportunities are for all ages (18+) and last 2-4 weeks on average. Hundreds of interns and long-term volunteers have stayed at our tropical field station since its inception. These volunteers have benefited from the unique experience of living and working in the rainforest and have made tremendous contributions to our wildlands conservation programs, environmental research, and education efforts, as well as to the development of our sustainable facilities.
2023 Volunteer Opportunities
BFREE is now accepting volunteers to work with the Cacao Agroforestry Team to preserve and propagate a rare, wild, ancient heirloom fine flavor cacao. Volunteers will be assigned various roles to support the team depending on the time of the year and the most significant needs.
Assignments may include:
- Farming
- Data collection in the field
- Data entry on a computer
- Documenting, including photography and blog writing
In addition to working with the cacao agroforestry team, volunteers will be assigned a schedule to assist with general day-to-day needs around the field station, such as helping with meal preparation and clean-up, trail maintenance, and administrative tasks. Duties may change as determined by current needs at the time of your assignment.
Learning Objectives May Include:
- Gain experience with collecting data in the field
- Develop observation and record-keeping skills
- Engage in many aspects of cacao agroforestry
- Engage problem-solving skills by working and living in a remote rainforest environment
- Create communication materials
- Participate in the implementation of conservation strategies in tropical environments
- Learn techniques relevant to protected areas management
Requirements
Volunteers should be committed to BFREE’s mission and have a passion for environmental education and conservation. One should have a positive and flexible attitude, desire to learn and work hard, willingness to adapt to a changing work environment and be comfortable living in remote and rustic living conditions in a tropical environment. All volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and complete a physician-signed health form of good health.
There is a 6-night/7-day minimum for volunteers. Volunteer work hours typically follow the regular field station work schedule of 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM with a scheduled lunch hour and breaks. Weekends are free, with some scheduled activities available.
COSTS
BFREE Field Assistants are volunteer positions. Field Assistants pay for their international airfare and travel costs from the airport to the BFREE Field Station.
A small daily project fee covers lodging, meals, administration, and trainings. Many past students have received funding and/or credit from their host institution to participate. Payment is due 30 days in advance of arrival.
Volunteers who choose not to walk in the 6-mile Entrance Road to BFREE can arrange for transportation at a rate of $100/each way.
- Participation Rate$65 USDPer Day (6-night minimum)
- WIFI ACCESS$25 USDOne-Time Fee
- Conservation Fee$25 USDOne-Time Fee
- VISA EXTENSION$100 USDFor stays 30+ days.
APPLY
To apply for a volunteer opportunity at BFREE, please complete the Volunteer Application Form by clicking the button box to the right. Email the completed form along with your resume to BFREE at reservations@bfreebz.org.
