The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Preserve and Research Station Manager for the Palmyra Program who is a collaborative leader with strong technical skills, the interpersonal savvy to build and maintain effective relationships with partners, and proven ability to remotely manage people and facilities in a challenging environment.
The Preserve and Research Station Manager is based in The Nature Conservancy’s Honolulu office, and is responsible for ensuring that all operations at the research station and in the preserve, are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Preserve and Research Station Manager is responsible for oversight and management of all the Conservancy's station facilities and equipment at Palmyra, including buildings, research facilities, aircraft runway, renewable energy system, food storage and preparation facilities, fuel farm and lodging facilities. The Preserve and Research Station Manager rotates between Honolulu and Palmyra with three to four months in Honolulu and three to four months at Palmyra. When at Palmyra, this position oversees TNC’s research station and preserve facilities in addition to supervising TNC research station staff and volunteers.
Continually
- Ensuring continuity of operations and facility management by Palmyra program staff on the atoll;
- Working with program staff to develop and ensure all station standard operating procedures, protocols and guidelines are up to date, organized and properly implemented;
- Lead research station logistics, emphasizing provisioning and packing the aircraft;
- Maintaining a positive, collaborative relationship with USFWS and PARC through regular interaction and up to date reporting of project plans and station operations;
While in Honolulu
- Working closely with the Sustainability Director and Hawai‘i human resources manager to participate in staff and volunteer selection
- Project management; overseeing purchases, invoice payments and expense reimbursements, and tracking expenditures according to the approved budget;
- Orders and tracks all supplies and equipment traveling to/from Palmyra via the Palmyra Program’s logistics pathway
- Ensuring all TNC station staff have applicable and up-to-date training and certifications
While at Palmyra
- Monitors renewable energy hybrid microgrid consisting of solar P.V., battery storage, back up diesel generator and wind turbine generator
- Identifying and prioritizing maintenance needs and inventories, and implementing long-term maintenance and facilities plan for the research station; acts as primary liaison with TNC Honolulu staff on operations, staffing and volunteer issues
- Providing a clear example of collaborative leadership for all island staff; Oversees positive community interaction and positive staff morale; Developing and cultivating professional skills in station staff, volunteers, interns, and fellows
- Responsible for safety of all people using the research station and accessing the preserve: determining and enforcing adequate safety protocols related to research station operations, visitor use of equipment and facilities, and communication with researchers and staff in the field; serve as lead medical first responder during emergencies.
- Facilitates and supports research projects through collaboration with visiting scientists and application of scientific principles.
- Provides orientation, safety and other training for all visitors, employees and volunteers.
- Hosts TNC cultivation trips and oversees associated diving, fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling trips.
- Coordinates, and supervises unloading of cargo shipments coming to Palmyra by airplane and ship.
- Records galley and maintenance activities.
- Analyzes records of field station operations to improve efficiency.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience interacting with scientists and knowledge of scientific principles and research methods, or work experience in natural resource management.
- Demonstrated ability to remotely manage staff in an inclusive and empowering manner that ensures safe and efficient operations of facilities and equipment.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability engineering, or providing innovative solutions to complex problems
- Experience effectively managing multiple complex projects under high-stress situations.
- Experience managing complicated budgets, workloads, transportation, and logistics.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to keep track of calendars, financial data, and other information.
- Experience communicating directions or tasks and collaborating with a team of professionals to ensure that goals are met and projects accomplished on time and on budget.
- Cumulative 1 year experience working in a confined community such as aboard a ship, field camp, or remote field station.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Ability to make sound decisions on legal, financial, operational and reporting issues.
- Recognized ability to develop collaborative work products and embraced solutions.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work closely with staff, scientists, managers and partners.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in science and conservation management.
- Experience in providing applicable training and job skills to meet program needs.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.