Chief of Marine Operations, Palmyra Atoll, Virtual, USA, United States

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for people and nature. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra is a 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands, and is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Refuge out to 12 miles and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns Cooper Island, and manages the atoll in partnership with the USFWS.

Palmyra's research station supports scientific research by the world-renowned research institutions making up the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC) (see _www.palmyra-research.org_). Staff is hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to run the research station and camp facilities. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.

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 three16' 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.

This is a seasonal assignment with the opportunity to return for future assignments based on performance. Assignments require residence on Palmyra Atoll with few to no options of leaving until season is complete.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 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.
• Experience providing education or interpretation about marine resources to a lay audience.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years experience in the marine field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 communicate and work closely with staff, scientists, and atoll visitors.
• 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 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 required, Wilderness First Aid Training preferred.
• Knowledge of marine management principles and fish and marine mammal species of the Pacific.
• Sport fishing skills, including rigging, filleting, and processing fish.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and/or natural resource preservation.
• Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
• Experience trouble shooting and maintaining diesel and gasoline engines, conducting preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs while on the water.
• Knowledge of American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
• Factory certifications, marine trade education certification or ABYC certification in gasoline & diesel marine engines preferred.
• Experience providing education or interpretation about marine resources to a lay audience.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and on time.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The CMO 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 may present muscular strain;
• Long hours in isolated settings;
• Exposure to petroleum products, paint and fuels;
• Living with a small community of people 24/7, with no option to leave for 3 months;
• 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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 42302, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 30, 2015.

Click “submit' to apply for the position or “save for later' to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.