The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends.
As a science-based organization, they develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Their work is guided by their values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures.
One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. They know they’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, they take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Coral Aquaculture Supervisor oversees day-to-day operations of the land-based nursery aquaria facilities at TNC’s Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. They are responsible for supervision lab staff, vendor selection and contractor management, maintenance, and management of aquaria systems, and ensuring the well-being of reared corals and experiments conducted in the facility. Under the direction of the VI Coral Program Director, this position works closely with the field team to advance projects and grant deliverables.
The Coral Aquaculture Supervisor provides technical leadership and support to The Nature Conservancy’s USVI Coral Innovation Hub by planning, directing, and implementing conservation management programs and stewardship within the land-based coral nursery. Specifically, the Coral Aquaculture Supervisor provides technical expertise and leadership and supervises land-based aquarium facilities for coral husbandry and manipulative experiments, including maintenance of associated tools, equipment, and mechanical systems. They are charged with ensuring functioning of the seawater systems, and maintenance of coral collections. This position will have oversight of lab staff and daily coral husbandry tasks including feeding, water quality testing, maintenance of tanks and life support systems and appropriate record keeping. They ensure that aquaria facilities are maintained and upgraded in accordance with local and federal laws and permitting requirements as well as coral program requirements. The Coral Aquaculture Supervisor works closely with the VI Coral Program Director, the Coral Conservation Supervisor, and local and international partner organizations to ensure that aquaria facilities match the current and future needs of the Caribbean Coral Strategy, including the development of innovative approaches to coral propagation and facilitation of cross-site learning among the coral conservation community. An important role in this position is the ability to trouble-shoot in an aquaculture environment and identify and propose improvements and solutions to system challenges.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for work you can believe in? TNC strives to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.
By joining the Caribbean Division’s USVI team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet. The team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.
The ideal candidate should have experience with all manner of operations of a land-based nursery aquaria facility and have a demonstrated ability to work well within a team. The Candidate should also have experience managing multiple projects including timeline and budget management, and reporting, as well as vendor and subcontractor management. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting and shaping the work of our Coral Innovation Hub!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- BA/BS degree in environmental science or similar field, and 5 years’ experience in marine science, aquaculture, conservation, or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience independently designing, building, and managing aquaculture systems in a public aquarium, research laboratory or commercial aquaculture setting.
- Experience operating and/or repairing various types of relevant equipment and machinery. (e.g., aquarium pumps, filters, seawater intake, and tanks).
- Must be team oriented and have a positive attitude towards strenuous manual labor in harsh tropical conditions.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds over your head and be physically fit.
- Must be willing to occasionally work after hours into the evening or on weekends and holidays.
- Knowledge of coral propagation and husbandry, and water chemistry management.
- Experience coordinating teams to complete complex projects (e.g., construction and repairs).
- Experience managing and training staff or volunteers.
- Experience building relationships for close work with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Supervisory experience managing dynamic teams and people from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Knowledge of current coral propagation techniques including microfragmentation and facilitated sexual reproduction.
- Experience working with electrical, plumbing, and fiberglass.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
- Scientific diving experience.
- Working knowledge of coral reef biology and conservation strategies.
- Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
- Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
WHAT WE BRING
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life, and work well-being benefits.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
The pay range for this position is $62,000 – $75,000 for annual base pay. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, specific skills, and experience.
