Vacancy Data_Monitoring_officer

The data monitoring officer (DMO) is responsible for collecting data on biodiversity and fisheries in Statia that allows the national government of The Netherlands to fulfill its international reporting obligations, contributing to the assessment and development of nature and fisheries management policies.

Furthermore, the DMO is important to the execution of department of agriculture projects, including livestock registration; activities undertaken by the Nature and Environment Policy Programme, such as monitoring and data collection in various fields; and STENAPA research.  The data monitoring officer has also been crucial in supporting research carried out by IMARES on behalf of the ministry.

The DMO will also get to manage and supervise university students who may assist with data collection by guiding the students' data collection process and ensuring that the data they collect meets the necessary quality standards. This is an important role as it will provide students with valuable field experience and contribute to the development of future conservation professionals. 

NB. This officer is assigned to the NEPP programme, which coordinates the DMO’s tasks with the directorate of environment, nature and infrastructure, STENAPA, and the relevant ministries.

Monitoring and data collection is carried out with Altera, STENAPA, NEPP, ENI, and others. The data monitoring officer maintains the overview and will provide  quarterly reports on the key data generated to the Statia Government. An annual  report will be drafted and shared with the NEPP programme manager and relevant stakeholders where possible, and the monitoring data and its interpretation will be published in local and/or trade journal articles.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Fisheries monitoring (year-round), including collecting landing data, recording fishermen activity data, and conducting lobster and conch stock assessments
  • Monitoring coral reefs, including participating in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
  • Working closely with STENAPA to monitor key species in Statia, including both terrestrial and marine species
  • Working with STENAPA, NEPP, and the department of agriculture to monitor invasive species on the island, including collecting data on their distribution, population, and impact on the ecosystem
  • Collecting nutrient samples from different areas of the island to assess nutrient levels and impact on the environment
  • Collecting water samples from both seawater and wells to assess water quality and its impact on the environment
  • Assisting the licensing, supervision and enforcement unit with livestock registration as needed
  • Responding to ad hoc monitoring requests from different stakeholders as needed
  • Reporting quarterly to the NEPP programme manager

Specific Requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of biology, conservation, marine or terrestrial or ecology.
  • Knowledge of Caribbean fish and coral species
  • Knowledge of Caribbean terrestrial flora and fauna
  • Experience in data collection, analysis, and processing
  • Excellent scientific reporting and writing skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Certification in SCUBA diving with experience in underwater research
  • Willingness and ability to live and work on a small remote island within a complex political and socio-economic setting

Terms of employment

The position is temporary for a trial period of one year, with the prospect of permanent appointment. The salary scaling is equivalent to scale 8 on the salary scale, with a minimum of $2,697 and a maximum of $3,773 gross monthly, based on a 36-hour work week. Salary scaling is based on qualification and experience. In addition, this employee will receive a holiday allowance of 8.33 per cent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 per cent of the annual income.

The successful candidate must provide a certificate of good conduct (VOG) and undergo a medical for inclusion in the pension fund.  

Are you interested in applying for the position of data monitoring officer?

Please apply in writing no later than Saturday 26 June 2024, to:.

The Executive Council of the Government of St Eustatius

Attn: Ms Francisca Gibbs

Unit Manager, Internal Services

Email:vacancies@statiagov.com

More information:

For more information on this position, please contact Ms Anna Maitz, programme manager, NEPP, at anna.maitz@statiagovernement.com.    

For information concerning the recruitment and selection process, please contact the department of personnel and organisation at vacancies@statiagov.com or Tel +599 318 2931.