Ya’axché Conservation Trust is a community-oriented NGO in southern Belize whose mission is to conserve biodiversity and advance sustainable development. We recognise that long-term conservation requires community support and that long-term development requires healthy and functional ecosystems. Thus, we place an equal emphasis on the two goals. We manage two protected areas, Bladen Nature Reserve and the Golden Stream Corridor Preserve, engage local communities in environmental awareness and assist community members to develop sustainable livelihoods.

Within our sustainable livelihoods program we assist smallholder farmers to develop organic horticulture and organic cacao-based agroforestry enterprises. These forms of agriculture offer potentially lucrative sources of income for local farmers whilst protecting precious rainforest and coral reef ecosystems.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a volunteer to manage our organic greenhouse and tree nursery, which produce seeds and saplings for distribution to local farmers as well as revenue to support our philanthropic activities. The role will involve the following duties:

Daily care of crops (weeding, watering, sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, organic pest control, composting, harvesting and packing crops)

Managing two horticultural technicians

Developing and implementing planting schedules

Forging connections with local markets and organizing distribution

Keeping records of production and sales

Testing innovative farming methods (i.e. new crops, varieties and techniques)

The successful candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:

A minimum of one year’s experience in horticulture, preferably organic and preferably in a tropical climate

Ability to manage two horticultural technicians

Willingness to live and work under basic rural conditions in a hot and humid environment (in a beautiful rainforest location)

Pro-active (our staff our friendly, willing and able to assist with horticulture and business expertise but you will be the driving force behind the success of the greenhouse)

Willingness / ability to commit for a minimum of six months

The following would be desirable:

Experience running a successful business

Experience in a management role

Formal qualification in horticulture or a related subject

Practical skills, such as carpentry or mechanical skills

A sense of humour

This position would be suitable for a couple. Free accommodation is available at Ya’axché’s field station, where the greenhouse and tree nursery are situated. Accommodation is in a bunkhouse with shared cooking and bathroom facilities. There is solar power and internet access during the day. The field station is near to Golden Stream village and approximately 30 miles from the nearest town, Punta Gorda, to which buses run approximately every two hours.

Benefits of volunteering with Ya’axché include:

A chance to live and work in a peaceful and beautiful rainforest setting

Being part of a dynamic, multi-cultural team of committed individuals

A chance to make a positive impact

Appreciation for your dedication and hard work

Adventure in a country with pristine ecosystems, world-class snorkelling and SCUBA.

To apply, please send your C.V. and a cover letter to james.lord@yaaxche.org by 1st November.