The Marine Operations Specialist participates in marine and aquaculture-based conservation programs in St. Croix, USVI, leading the maintenance, operations, and management of TNC vessels and assisting with maintenance and operation of coral nurseries and associated equipment. As part of the Coral Innovation Hub team, the Marine Operations Specialist also participates, as needed, in a range of coral restoration activities such as coral collection, propagation, husbandry, planting, and monitoring.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Marine Operations 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 Specialist maintains and operates 20-30ft outboard engine vessels, supports and/or leads field operations including coral restoration and monitoring diving activities, and provides 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.
• Participation in coral restoration activities in water and at land-based facility, such as coral collection, propagation, site preparation, coral planting, and monitoring (training provided).
• Confidently manage, maintain and service vessels with outboard engines up to 200hp, including management of registration, boat and maintenance logs and record keeping.
• Train TNC personnel (staff, interns, volunteers) on the proper, safe use of USVI boating assets and supervise their safe use and monitor boat and maintenance logs.
• Ensure maintenance and care of field and lab equipment, including proper cleaning and storage.
• Assist with maintenance of aquaculture facilities at land-based coral nursery, as needed, under the direction of the Coral Aquaculture Supervisor; trouble shoot and/or repair any related nursery or aquaculture equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Work 5 days a week operating, maintaining or repairing TNC vessels and vehicles and assisting Coral Aquaculture Supervisor as needed with 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.