The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Conservation Science Project Manager (CSPM) to manage TNC’s conservation projects conducted at Palmyra Atoll. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong conservation science and project management skills, the interpersonal savvy to build and maintain effective relationships with partners, and proven ability to remotely manage teams and facilities.
The CSPM is based in The Nature Conservancy’s Honolulu office, will work very closely with the Research Station Project Manager (RSPM) who is responsible for the safe and efficient functioning of the physical structures and associated operations to, from, and at TNC’s research station at Palmyra Atoll. The CSPM will supervise conservation science volunteers based at TNC’s research station at Palmyra Atoll. Both positions will report to the Sustainability Director (SD) who will resolve any conflict or overlap of duties and responsibilities.
This position is responsible for ensuring all TNC conservation science operations in the preserve are conducted in a safe and efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The SCPM is responsible for project management of conservation science projects at Palmyra (both in the TNC Preserve and in the USFWS refuge), and in coordination with the RSPM, the use of the research station by partner scientists and conservationists. This responsibility includes use and management of the following at the research station: lab space, research vessels and boats, and other research supplies and equipment associated with TNC’s conservation science projects.
Unique position
- This position is based out of TNC’s office in Honolulu, but can expect to spend up to six months of the year at Palmyra Atoll, rotating between locations every 2-3 months.
- This is a two-year termed position.
While working at TNC’s Honolulu Office or TNC’s research station at Palmyra Atoll:
- Manage conservation science project contracts, including tracking all deliverables, expenses, and reporting requirements.
- Collaborate with TNC science staff and partners.
- Working with the SD and RSPM, is responsible for updating and implementing standard operating procedures, protocols and guidelines to ensure safe and efficient Preserve operations.
- Co-manage, with the Research Station Manager, the supply chain bringing food, supplies, equipment, and personnel to and from the research station.
- Procure supplies and equipment related to the implementation of TNC’s conservation science projects and tracking related expenditures according to an approved budget.
- Working closely with the SD and RSM, select volunteers for positions that support conservation science.
- Provide orientation and safety briefings to all TNC staff, volunteers, partners, and visitors upon departure for or entry to TNC’s research station at Palmyra.
- Assist the Philanthropy lead to plan and coordinate TNC fundraising trips and associated activities.
- Maintain a positive, collaborative relationship with TNC’s partners, principally USFWS.
While working at TNC’s research station at Palmyra Atoll:
- Manage the research station, with the guidance of the Research Station Manager, including task management for staff and volunteers working at the research station.
- Manage the research station’s lab facilities, vessels and boats, and science assets, including inventory management and coordination of use by TNC staff and visiting researchers.
- Ensure collaborative and regular communication with program staff working at the Honolulu office.
- Maintain a safe, enjoyable environment for all research station and preserve staff and visitors: determining and enforcing adequate safety protocols related to research station and preserve operations, visitor use of equipment and facilities, and communication with researchers and staff in the field; serving as lead medical first responder during emergencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- While at Palmyra The CSPM 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. While at TNC’s Honolulu office, the RSPM will work 5 days per week and will have the opportunity to negotiate a flexible work schedule.
- Ability to live and work productively within a small and confined community on a remote location for up to 4 months.
- Manage multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.
- Assist with budget development and manage budgets to complete projects.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions related to preserve management and operations, based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to remotely manage staff and volunteers in an inclusive and empowering manner.
- Demonstrated ability to implement conservation science actions.
- Experience managing projects, contracts and reporting on deliverables.
- Experience managing complicated budgets, workloads, transportation, and logistics.
- Current CPR/First Aid/Wilderness First Responder (or ability to obtain such)
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to keep track of calendars, financial data, and other information.
- Cumulative 1-year experience working in a confined community such as aboard a ship, field camp, or remote field station