Parks Planner - New Providence

Overview

This role is central to advancing climate-smart management plans, zoning frameworks, and evidence-based decision-making to strengthen the protection, resilience, and sustainable use of The Bahamas’ protected areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Planning & Policy Development 

• Prepare and update climate-smart national park management plans incorporating climate adaptation, resilience, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem-based management, and support their implementation.
• Develop and refine park zoning frameworks to support conservation, sustainable use, visitor management and enforcement.
• Work with Bahamas Debt Conversion Project partners and BNT teams to ensure plans and zoning meet technical standards, milestones and conservation objectives.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops to support park planning.
• Prepare technical documentation for new national park designations and park expansions.
• Contribute to park policies, planning frameworks and operational guidelines.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between BNT, local communities and stakeholders on islands with existing and proposed national parks.
• Collaborate with the Outreach Team to facilitate consultations, workshops and public meetings.
• Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs and partners to advance conservation planning initiatives.

Spatial Planning

• Collaborate with the Science Team, the National GIS Centre, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural resources, and other partners to develop and update national park maps using GIS and spatial analysis tools.
• Integrate ecological, social, and climate data into planning processes to inform zoning, management priorities, and decision-making.
• Work with technical experts to establish resource management goals and develop monitoring indicators to assess management effectiveness.

Implementation & Field Coordination

• Participate in site visits and field assignments to inform planning, zoning, and management decisions.
• Coordinate logistics for site visits, stakeholder engagements, and partner tours.
• Work closely with park staff to support on-the-ground implementation of management plans and zoning measures.

General

• Provide technical advice and support across BNT programmes and initiatives as required.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director of Parks.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental planning, conservation, geography, natural resource management, or a related field (Master’s degree is an asset).
• Experience in protected area planning, spatial planning, or environmental management, with exposure to climate adaptation considered a strong asset.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, stakeholder mapping, and participatory planning, including working with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, resource users, and other partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, public speaking, meeting facilitation, and stakeholder consultation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to navigate complex or sensitive stakeholder issues.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder environments, including with local and international partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Dropbox); working knowledge of GIS and spatial planning tools is highly desirable.
• Ability and willingness to undertake fieldwork and travel throughout The Bahamas.
• Possess a valid Bahamian Driver’s License.