The South Florida Marine Conservation Specialist [Specialist] is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department’s (SAF) South Florida Conservation Program (SFL) of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The position works under the supervision of the South Florida Marine Conservation Manager and is based in the Florida Keys Office on Big Pine Key, FL. They work closely with other staff and coordinate with TNC’s partners to conduct habitat restoration and collect, analyze and report on marine species populations and habitat conditions in South Florida. They provide logistical and management support of coastal natural areas and research support facilities.
The Specialist gathers and synthesizes data for marine and coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration plans and actions. They conduct surveys, record data and write project reports; assist with or lead restoration projects; support a variety of activities related to marine & coastal habitat research and protection efforts, and serve as the Diving and Boating Safety Officer and Unit Boating Coordinator for the Florida Chapter of TNC. They may supervise and manage marine technician(s) staff members and interns, as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Marine and Coastal Projects Science/Logistics Support (50%)
- Compiles data, resolves disparities, and modifies processes to generate plans.
- Maintains project records, databases, and provides assistance with reports.
- Works individually or with staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
- May supervise designated technical staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development
- Purchases equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- Assists with program budget development and monitoring.
- May attend, coordinate, or lead internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences, trainings, and field events.
- May develop and manage designated grants, contracts, or requests for proposals.
- May manage project permits, including applications and reporting.
- Maintains GIS databases, creates maps and conducts spatial analyses.
- Provides marine monitoring and education/outreach support to Blowing Rocks Preserve as needed.
- Gives professional, scientific, and/or educational talks to external groups
Marine & Terrestrial Field Work and Science Diving (30%)
- Leads fieldwork and provides logistical support for research, project development, ecosystem assessment, and monitoring.
- Maintains project equipment, inventory, and supplies
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Safely operate outboard engine-powered vessels and tow them using a heavy truck.
- Assists with restoration and management work on TNC properties and terrestrial projects as needed.
- May serve on Florida Chapter cross-disciplinary team projects in the SFL region as needed
- May assist with field work across the Caribbean as needed
Marine Safety Officer (10%)
- Serves as the Unit Diving Coordinator (UDC) for the Florida Chapter in accordance with TNC’s Diving Safety Manual, including the following:
- Shall be responsible to the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) for the safe conduct of the designated diving and boating programs, and has delegated authority and responsibility from the DSO for the routine operational authority for this safety program, including the conduct of training and certification (if certified as an instructor), approval of dive plans, maintenance of diving records, and ensuring compliance with this manual and all relevant regulations of TNC and TNC North America Region.
- Shall work with the DSO to achieve and maintain safe diving and boating operations and procedures and shall in this regard seek advice from the DSO.
- Serves as the Boating Safety Officer and Unit Boating Coordinator for the Florida Chapter in accordance with TNC’s Boating Manual.
- Oversees boat, trailer and tow vehicle maintenance for SFL program.
Other Duties (10%)
- Serves on other state-wide projects as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological systems management principles.
- Experience operating and trailering small boats and utilizing SCUBA diving equipment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- Must possess SCUBA certification with the ability and willingness to engage in frequent scientific diving tasks to depth of 100 feet.
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to understand program budget development and monitoring.
- Ability to interpret guidelines and evaluate information and adapt accordingly.
- Ability to work independently and/or with minimal supervision.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends if necessary.
- Must possess Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, CPR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen First Aid Certifications, preferably be certified as an active Divemaster, and preferably be an active AAUS diver.
- Field experience in scientific diving.
- Ability to identify Florida stony corals to species level and collect data underwater utilizing SCUBA. U.S. Coast Guard Captains License