The Coral Aquarist leads development of land-based nursery aquaria facilities at TNC’s Estate Little Princess property on St. Croix, USVI. She/he is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of aquaria systems and ensures the health and well-being of reared corals.
This position has an expected end date of December 31, 2018. An extension may be considered, but is not guaranteed.
The Coral Aquarist designs, builds, and maintains land-based aquarium facilities for coral husbandry and manipulative experiments, including maintenance of associated tools, equipment, mechanical systems. She/he is charged with maintenance of life support systems and coral collections. The Coral Aquarist will be responsible for feeding, water quality testing, maintenance of tanks and life support systems and appropriate record keeping. She/he ensures that aquaria facilities are constructed and maintained in accordance with local and federal laws and permitting requirements. The Coral Aquarist works closely with TNC staff and local and international partner organizations to ensure that aquaria facilities match the current and future needs of the Caribbean Coral Strategy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and acquiring building permits.
- May supervise staff, or help plan, direct or convey work instructions to work groups, including other staff or volunteers.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May resolve management problems independently or as delegated; will work primarily with infrequent direct supervision.
- Due to location in USVI and program needs, may perform field work on SCUBA or snorkel as a part of larger TNC dive team, including coral nursery work, reef monitoring, and donor and staff excursions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience designing and managing aquaria in a public aquarium or research laboratory
- Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery. (e.g.; aquarium pumps, filters, and tanks).
- Education, training, and/or experience with coral propagation and husbandry and water chemistry management.
- Education, training, and/or experience recognizing plant and animal species to complete coral collections.
- Experience working with electrical, plumbing, and fiberglass.
- Experience coordinating teams to complete construction and repair projects.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 years’ experience designing and managing aquaria in a public aquarium or research laboratory
- Knowledge of coral propagation and husbandry and water chemistry management.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete coral collections.
- Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.