Vacancy-Head Ranger at RDEDCL

Position: Head Ranger

Station: Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Background:
This Terms of Reference is developed under the RDEDCL/PACT Partnership Investment Program titled “Strengthening the Management and Development of the Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary.”

The Rancho Dolores Environmental and Development Company Limited (RDEDCL) is a community-based organization that co-manages the Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary (SCWS) to benefit both the surrounding communities and the valuable natural resources it protects. Officially declared on July 8, 2002, the SCWS covers 6,001 acres (2,428.6 hectares) of lowland forest, located in the northern lowlands across the Orange Walk and Belize Districts.

The sanctuary was established to conserve local biodiversity and to enhance ecological connectivity between the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, the Community Baboon Sanctuary, and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. In doing so, it plays a key role in maintaining the continuity of the Northern/Central Belize Biological Corridor.
Given the critical importance of preserving SCWS’s ecological integrity, it is essential that its management and conservation efforts are guided by structured, strategic systems under the leadership of the co-managing organization. Accordingly, strengthening RDEDCL’s capacity is vital to achieving more effective management and long-term financial sustainability of the sanctuary.

Goals:

1. Increased awareness of community members of the benefits provided by the SCWS to the buffer communities.
2. Improved Ecosystems Protection and Management of the SCWS.
3. Established Biodiversity and research program for the wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Improved administration and financial sustainability of SCWS.

Specific Tasks

• Supervise the park rangers to ensure their compliance with assigned tasks and report on their performance.
• Organize and lead surveillance and monitoring programs at the sanctuary
• Keep records of patrol time and activities and prepare detailed reports such as daily logs, incident reports, and accident reports
• Provide recommendations to the coordinator to enhance/strengthen patrols and surveillance of the park.
• In consultation with the coordinator, prepare work schedules for Park Rangers.
• Partake in planning and ensure the maintenance and safekeeping of equipment, structures and buildings within the sanctuary for the safety and security of visitors.
• Assist with facilitating visitation groups and activities at the sanctuary.
• Provide guided tours to visitors and answering questions on the Protected Area.
• Assist in development and implementation of educational programs and activities for buffer zone communities and schools.
• Assist researchers with carrying out on site research activities as required.
• Assist with collecting entrance fees, issuing tickets, ensuring visitors sign the guest book and providing information on the sanctuary’s facilities, areas, and rules.
• Prepare reports on various activities such as visitor arrivals, issues, conditions, problems, and visitor impact on sanctuary’s resources.
• Make recommendations for improvement of sanctuary.
• Monitor and observe organized and unorganized events in the sanctuary to ensure safety and compliance with the National Protected Areas System Act and other relevant legislation.
• Report and investigate any illegal activity within the wildlife sanctuary.
• Assist in any emergency responses within the sanctuary (such as search, fires and injuries/ medical).
• Be a champion for environmental conservation practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the coordinator

Minimum Academic Qualifications, Professional Experience& Skills

• High school diploma or demonstrate basic literacy
• Knowledgeable of protected areas
• Physically fit
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
• Ability to use GPS and compass would be an asset
• Special Constable status would be an asset
• Strong communication skills

Reporting:
Report directly to the Coordinator of SCWS.

Remuneration:
Based on qualifications and experience.

Interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter, police record and 2 references on or before October 30th 2025 to spanishcreekwildlife@gmail.com and cc programdirector@apamobelize.org.