Manager of the Alto da Figueira Field Station

Manager of the Alto da Figueira Field Station 

See also: https://www.projeto-araca.org/post/an%C3%BAncio-de-vaga-position-announcement

The Fundação Antonelli para a Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade is seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional to manage the Alto da Figueira Field Station and Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. This unique, beautiful, and newly constructed facility serves as a hub for biodiversity research, conservation action, and environmental education within Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest.

Founded in 2024, the Fundação Antonelli is a Brazilian nonprofit dedicated to advancing biodiversity research and conservation through world-class science, training, and outreach. With its headquarters at the Alto da Figueira reserve, the Foundation is a small and agile organization with a lean structure and a focused set of programs, offering a highly collaborative working environment.

As Station Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and smooth running of all station facilities, ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for staff, researchers, students, ecotourism visitors, and community partners. The role combines hands-on operational management with coordination of research support, ecotourism services, and community engagement, making it central to the station’s mission and impact.

The Alto da Figueira Field Station is home to the Atlantic Forest Research and Conservation Alliance (ARAÇÁ, https://www.projeto-araca.org) and supports a diverse portfolio of field-based scientific studies, conservation programs, and sustainable tourism initiatives. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, organized, and adaptable individual to live and work at the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems, contributing directly to its preservation.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Working flexibly and proactively, the position will engage in tasks including, but not restricted to, the following:

1. Station Operations and Visitor Management

• Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and safety of all station infrastructure (e.g., power, water, waste management, internet).
• Maintain a clean, safe, and functional working and living environment for all users.
• Serve as the primary on-site contact for staff, researchers, ecotourists, and visitors.
• Host and manage ecotourism visits, including bookings, orientation, and ensure high-quality educational experiences.
• Line-manage station operations staff and ensure effective logistics and communications systems are in place.

2. Research and Program Support

• Coordinate and support visiting researchers, including accommodation, meals, equipment, and transport needs.
• Maintain records of station use, research activities, and logistical planning.
• Ensure all research activities comply with station policies and relevant regulations, such as research permits.

3. Administration, Reporting, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Contribute to budget development and monitoring as well as procurement.
• Prepare regular reports on activities, visitor feedback, and operational issues.
• Be an ambassador for the Foundation, representing the station and ARAÇÁ to visitors, local communities, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring activities reflect organizational values.
• Support community outreach, conservation education, and events that strengthen local engagement.

Any other duties, as required, to ensure safe, smooth and effective running of the station, to comply with reporting requirements, and to respond to new situations and opportunities as they arise.

Required Qualifications and Expertise

The position requires:

• Proven experience in managing a team and staff members. 
• Background in research, field logistics, ecotourism, or hospitality.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently as well as in groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Comfortable living in a remote/on-site setting and managing basic facility operations.
• Able to respond to issues outside of regular hours if necessary (e.g., maintenance or guest needs).
• Adequate language skills in English and Portuguese or Spanish.
• Driving license and experience in driving on dirt roads. 

Desired skills include:

• Proven experience in managing a field station, field site, eco-lodge, or similar operation.
• Basic understanding of field research methods and scientific operations.
• Experience working in conservation, environmental education, or community-based tourism.
• Familiarity with health & safety procedures in remote locations, including first-aid.
• Practical skills in maintenance, IT troubleshooting, or vehicle/equipment upkeep.

Other information:

Due to the nature of the role, this is a live-in position and requires a high degree of presence and flexibility, including availability outside of standard working hours when operational needs arise.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time position under a regular CLT employment contract (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho). Depending on project needs and in accordance with Brazilian labor law, fixed-term contracts may also be considered, if requested by the applicant. On-site accommodation is provided in a fully-equipped apartment at the Alto da Figueira Field station, near Nova Friburgo (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). High-speed internet, electricity and hot water are included.  

We offer a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with the opportunity to grow with a dynamic and mission-driven organization.

The start date is as soon as possible, or as mutually agreed between the selected candidate and the employer.

Application process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with a final deadline of September 15. To apply, please submit the following materials in English to info@hu-b.org 

1. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation for applying. Please address how you meet the expected skills and competencies for the position and indicate your salary expectations.

2. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including your current residential address, telephone number, email address, date of birth, gender, and nationality.

3. The names and full contact details of three referees.

• Job Type: Job