Mechanic/Boat Captain, 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. Palmyra 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 and the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC).

Palmyra's research station supports scientific research by world-renowned research institutions (see _www.palmyra-research.org_). Staff are hired for an approximately 3-month assignment to run the research station and camp facilities. Board and lodging are provided while on island.

The Mechanic/Boat Captain is responsible for the maintenance of skiffs with outboard motors, a 25' Dive Boat, and a 24' rescue boat. This position is also responsible for the routine maintenance and repair of all marine equipment (boats, outboards, SCUBA compressor and SCUBA gear), and other gasoline and diesel powered equipment and vehicles at the field station (diesel generators, tractors, and a variety of heavy equipment). This position generally spends 60 - 75% time on maintenance/mechanical duties, as well as other duties to assist with station maintenance and improvements as assigned by the Chief of Marine Operations or Field Station Manager. This position generally spends up to 40% time acting as a boat captain, which includes the safe navigation and operation of a 25' Dive Boat, while deploying and retrieving divers. The Mechanic/Boat Captain also operates skiffs with 20 hp outboard motors, and trains and observes station users for independent operation of skiffs.

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

• High school diploma and 4 years direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.
• Minimum 360 days documented record of underway boating service on USCG Small Vessel Sea Service Form or similar documentation.
• Minimum four years of experience performing mechanical and electrical repairs on equipment.
• Minimum four years of experience maintaining diesel inboard/outboard engines and gasoline outboard engines, and conducting preventative maintenance and trouble-shooting mechanical 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.
• 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 20-150hp.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
• Factory certifications, marine trade education certification or ABYC certification in gasoline & diesel marine engines preferred.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, two-way radio, etc.).
• Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver's license.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical, pump, steering and other boat systems.
• Ability to apply marine safety to guide decision-making and activities.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in marine safety and marine sciences.
• Sport fishing skills including rigging, filleting and processing fish desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Mechanic/Boat Captain 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 42307, submit resume and cover letter as one document. Review of applications will be on-going as needed as assignments are seasonal and filled year round.

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.

_The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.