The Marine Field Technician will provide marine ecological restoration and monitoring assistance to the Coastal Scientist at the Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) for activities relating to oyster, eelgrass, and bay scallop restoration. This will include on-going monitoring of restored and existing oyster reefs owned by the Conservancy, including collection of monitoring samples, processing of samples, posting and maintenance of shellfish sanctuary signs, field work to collect data, and data entry. In addition, the Marine Field Technician will assist with the construction of oyster castle and /or bagged shell reefs, collection of eelgrass reproductive shoots, and maintenance of an eelgrass seed curing facility and bay scallop nursey. This position involves long hours, travel including boating, adverse weather conditions, and physically strenuous work conditions. This is a short-term position lasting a maximum of 26 weeks.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING
- Resolves routine issues independently.
- Develops resolution plans with supervisor for unusual or complex issues.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING
- Works under close supervision and receives specific and detailed instructions for required tasks and results expected.
- Consults supervisor on unspecified or unusual issues.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY
- Maintains project records.
- May supervise volunteers on a project basis.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including preserve, volunteers, preserve visitors, and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating and trailering boats independently up to 24 feet in length.
- Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software, Excel in particular.
- Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
- Experience with compiling information from multiple sources into databases, including data entry and report production.
- Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months to 1 year of experience.
- Proficiency in collecting and processing oyster samples for ecological monitoring.
- Ability to snorkel in shallow water.
- Ability to work full days lifting 35 lb. oyster castle blocks.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Ability to operate various types of lab equipment in a safe and efficient manner (drying oven, muffler furnace, etc).
- Proficiency with GPS strongly preferred.
- Manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources.
- Complete tasks independently within assigned time frames.
- Communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
- Coordinate information from multiple sources into databases including data entry and report production.
- Boat handling and trailering experience (boats up to 24 feet in length). Local knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia seaside, tides, and barrier islands preferred.
- Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program) and provide own transportation and personal automobile insurance.
- $15.00 per hour; variable hours/week
- Short term, continuing for a maximum of 26 weeks; some benefits.
- Assistance finding housing may be available.
- Desired start date is early April 2018, however later dates may be considered.