The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for people and nature. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra is a 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands and is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Refuge out to 12 miles and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns Cooper Island, and manages the atoll in partnership with the USFWS.
Palmyra’s research station supports scientific research by the world renowned research institutions making up the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) (see www.palmyra-research.org). Staff are hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to operate the research station and camp facilities. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for people and nature. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra is a 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands and is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Refuge out to 12 miles and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns Cooper Island, and manages the atoll in partnership with the USFWS.
Palmyra’s research station supports scientific research by the world renowned research institutions making up the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) (see www.palmyra-research.org). Staff are hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to operate the research station and camp facilities. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.
The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Passport with an expiration date later than your term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good physical and a current tetanus vaccination.
The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Passport with an expiration date later than your term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good physical and a current tetanus vaccination.
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for field station maintenance and supports field station operations. This full-time position is responsible for upkeep and repairs of all field station facilities including buildings, roads, and runway; maintenance of water, waste, plumbing and electrical systems; maintenance of generators; assists with vehicle maintenance including boats, trucks, & tractors; trouble-shooting including rust abatement and painting; assists with maintenance and repairs for diesel, gasoline and outboard engines, as well as all motorized and non-motorized equipment. Monitor and maintain renewable energy hybrid microgrid consisting of solar P.V., battery storage, back diesel generator and wind turbine generator. Responsible for tracking and maintaining inventory of necessary parts and materials for maintenance operations. Responsible for daily cleaning and maintenance of selected field station facilities and any other duties as assigned by the Field Station Manager or Palmyra Program Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Ability to live and work productively within a small and confined community on a remote location for up to 3 months.
- Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, field station staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information to ensure smooth operations.
- In the event of an emergency atoll staff may be tasked with specific duties to ensure communal safety and welfare. This may include responding to minor/major medical emergencies, tsunami evacuation events, marine rescue events, fuel spills and/or fire containment, etc.
- May supervise staff, or help plan, direct or convey work instructions to other staff or volunteers.
- Independently analyze and diagnose problems then develop and implement appropriate solutions.
- Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
- Identify and disseminate lessons learned, best practices and methods, tools, consistencies and inconsistencies across seasons.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
- Will work 6 days per week, in variable weather conditions (hot, humid, wet), at a remote location, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions will involve considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, frequent possibility of injury, long hours in isolated settings, exposure to petroleum products, paint and fuels, employees to assist with community chores even on days off.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 4 years direct experience maintaining facilities and equipment with applied knowledge in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, basic carpentry and painting skills.
- Experience with repairing mechanical equipment and engines.
- Experience driving and operating heavy machinery.
- Experience with maintenance of water and waste systems.
- Experience performing work that requires physical mobility and ability to lift up to 50 lbs; including climbing tall ladders, working on roofs and small cramped spaces.
- Experience with energy systems, preferably photovoltaic, battery storage, wind turbine generators and diesel generators.
- Cumulative 1 year experience working in a confined community such as aboard a ship, field camp, or remote field station.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Direct experience in maintaining facilities and equipment with applied knowledge in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, basic carpentry and painting skills.
- Experience with repairing mechanical equipment and engines.
- Experience driving and operating heavy machinery.
- Ability to perform work that requires physical mobility; including climbing tall ladders, working on roofs and small cramped spaces.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, two-way radio, etc)
- Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license
- PC familiarity; ability to maintain inventory of parts and supplies in Excel.