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Chief of Marine Operations

This job is no longer available

Honolulu, HI, USA
Full-time

The Chief of Marine Operations is responsible for all marine operations on Palmyra Atoll.  Primary responsibilities include:

  • Safe navigation and operation of a 25’ Dive Boat, a 24’ rescue boat, and four 16’ skiffs;
  • Coordination and oversight of marine activities for and with all visitors, including but not limited to offshore and lagoon boating, SCUBA diving, and fishing trips;
  • Safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives;
  • Management and supervision of other Marine Department staff and equipment;
  • Other duties assigned by the Field Station Manager and Palmyra Program Director.
  • Communication – the ability to effectively communicate via phone and email is a vital component of this position.
  • In addition to supporting the boating and diving needs of visiting scientists, this position will also support those needs during VIP and other types of guest trips
Areas of Responsibility: 
  • 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 be on call on 48 hour shifts to allow for 24 hour a day emergency coverage, employees to assist with community chores even on days off.
  • 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.
  • Clearly communicate inventory and other needs via phone and email; keep all Palmyra team members informed of potential issues.
  • During times of low boating and diving, conduct preventative maintenance on boating and dive gear, and other areas of the station as directed by the station manager
Educational Background: 
Bachelor’s degree
Skills/Experience: 
  • 3 years relevant work experience in the marine field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 720 days documented record of underway boating service on USCG Small Vessel Sea Service Form or similar documentation.
  • Experience maintaining diesel and gasoline engines, conducting preventative maintenance, and trouble-shooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs while out on the water.
  • Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI or equivalent) or trainings, certificates and skills that match or supersede rescue diver training, as determined by the Conservancy’s Dive Safety Officer.
  • Extensive current knowledge of and ability to trouble shoot and conduct minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors.
  • Extensive current experience operating vessels less than 40ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.
  • Current experience operating skiffs with outboard motors of up to 150hp.
  • Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
  • Expereince using Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc. to manage inventory.
  • Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum one year as a licensed USCG captain (25 ton or higher).
  • Ability and willingness to apply science to guide decision-making and activities.
  • Ability to apply marine safety to guide decision-making and activities.
  • Experience providing education or interpretation about marine resources to a lay audience.
  • Certification for oxygen administration for SCUBA diving injuries.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in marine safety and marine sciences.
  • Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.
  • Ability to communicate and work closely with staff, scientists, and atoll visitors.
  • Knowledge of marine management principles and fish and marine mammal species of the Pacific.
  • Sport fishing skills, including rigging, filleting, and processing fish.
  • Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical, pump, steering and other boat systems.
  • Experience repairing and servicing diesel and gasoline driven vehicles and equipment.
  • 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 operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license.
  • Knowledge of American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
  • Factory certifications, marine trade education certification or ABYC certification in gasoline & diesel marine engines preferred.
  • Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
  • Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
Additional Information: 

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.  In addition, TNC requires marine staff to obtain a membership in an Emergency Evacuation Service.  More information on these issues can be obtained during the interview process.

Organization Info

Nature Conservancy

Overview
Headquarters: 
Arlington, VA, United States
Annual Budget : 
More than $500M
Founded: 
1954
About Us
Mission: 

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

How do we achieve this mission and vision?

Through the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, including more than 600 scientists, all of whom impact conservation in 69 countries.

With the help of our many partners, from individuals and governments to local nonprofits and corporations.

By using a non-confrontational, collaborative approach and staying true to our five unique core values.

That's how The Nature Conservancy has done more than anyone else to advance conservation around the world since our founding in 1951.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Jan 26 2019
Active Until: 
Feb 26 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Nature Conservancy
industry: 
Nonprofit