The Marine Operations and Facilities Specialist maintains vessels, vehicles, facilities, tools and equipment, and mechanical systems related to the marine conservation programs in the USVI. They participate in and support restoration projects in field-based and land-based coral nurseries. The Marine Operations and Facilities Specialist maintains and operates 20-30ft outboard engine vessels, supports and/or leads field operations including coral restoration and monitoring diving activities, and provide daily support to the land-based coral aquaculture facility.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Safe navigation and operation of 20’-30’ dive/work boats for marine activities including but not limited to SCUBA diving, drift diving, night diving, and snorkeling.
- Confidently manage, maintain and service vessels with outboard engines up to 200hp, including management of registration, boat and maintenance logs and record keeping.
- Train non-marine personnel on the proper, safe use of USVI boating assets and will supervise their safe use and monitor boat and maintenance logs.
- Ensure maintenance and care of field and lab equipment, including proper cleaning and storage.
- Monitor and maintain aquaculture facilities at land-based coral nursery under the direction of the Coral Aquaculture Supervisor; trouble shoot and/or repair any related aquaculture equipment.
Assist with care and husbandry of coral and other specimens in land-based nursery and wet lab facility.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Work 5 days a week operating, maintaining or repairing TNC vessels and vehicles and assisting Coral Aquaculture Supervisor with daily maintenance of aquaculture facility, including aquarium tanks, pumps, and plumbing. This position may require occasional evening or weekend hours related to seasonal activities and/or emergency facility needs.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and acquiring permits.
- May supervise staff, or help plan, direct or convey work instructions to other staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may require physical exertion, require working on unstable platforms and inclement weather, present occasional possibility of injury, and require long hours in isolated settings
- May resolve boat and facility problems independently or as delegated; will work primarily with infrequent direct supervision.
- Independently analyze and diagnose problems then develop and implement appropriate solutions.
- Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
- Clearly communicate inventory and other needs via phone and email; keep all USVI team members informed of potential issues with vessels
- During times of low boating and diving, conduct preventative maintenance on boats and other facilities.
- Support the needs of the land-based coral nursery and wet lab projects and experimental uses, e.g., constructing and modifying tanks, plumbing, air lines, chillers.
Educational Background:
High school diploma and 4 years’ direct experience in outboard engine vessel operation and/or vessel mechanical maintenance.
Skills/Experience:
- Experience operating, maintaining and/or repairing various types of marine vessels and aquaculture equipment (e.g. boats, trailers, trucks, water filtration systems, pumps, chillers, aquaria, electrical, plumbing, etc).
- Experience coordinating teams to complete construction and repair projects.
- Knowledge and familiarity of USVI waters.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Experience trouble-shooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs while out on the water.
- Experience operating vessels less than 40ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers while moored, at anchor or during drift dives.
- Basic First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain a current certification; current oxygen administration certification or the ability to obtain current certification
- Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
- Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.
- Ability to perform administrative tasks (create plans, fil oit maintenance and boat logs, email communication, order supplies)
- PC familiarity, especially Microsoft Office suite, expense reporting tools, electronic timesheets, etc.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- USCG captain license (25 ton or higher).
- AAUS Scientific Diver Authorization or 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.
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in science or environmental related field
- Experience in aquaria, animal husbandry or aquaculture.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete conservation activities (ie. Corals, fish, invertebrates).
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
Compensation/Benefits:
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 6 2019
Active Until:
Oct 7 2019
Hiring Organization:
Nature Conservancy
industry:
Nonprofit