Aquaculture Associate

The Nature Conservancy

11d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Aquaculture Associate (AA) works in TNC’s Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, providing support with building projects, and general assistance to program staff working toward the achievement of coral reef protection, restoration, and monitoring goals. The AA, working in close collaboration with the aquaculture team, maintains coral aquaculture systems and chemical manipulation of coral systems for the purpose of propagation of various coral species. The AA is responsible for routine seawater chemistry testing, trace element manipulation, chemistry equipment upkeep, day-to-day system maintenance, and overall husbandry required of the coral aquaculture facility. They provide aquarist technical assistance on restoration tasks, and/or general assistance to program staff, partners, and facility users. Under the guidance of the aquaculture team, the AA will aid in the cleaning of tanks, life support systems upkeep and propagation of various coral species. The AA will keep comprehensive and accurate logs of system parameters, coral health evaluations, and coral system maintenance. The AA will also assist and complete manual labor projects including plumbing, digging, and the extensive use of power tools.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in aquaculture or natural sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
Experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry.
Basic knowledge of seawater chemistry and water parameter testing.
Experience in principles of coral ecology and familiarity with Caribbean coral species and biology.
Experience maintaining coral life support systems including water quality, heath checks, and routine maintenance and cleaning protocols.
Willingness to work outside of normal scheduled hours (i.e. weekend days, holidays, special events, after-hour system related activities or emergencies).
Position requires a valid driver’s license and maintaining a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience with commercial aquaculture systems including maintaining and installing commercial grade filtration systems.
Proficiency in general chemistry, marine chemistry, stability, and upkeep.
Basic plumbing experience.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
Exposure in the operation of automated control systems.
Experience effectively following directions, observing and remembering details, and making independent decisions based on training.
Experience analyzing, adapting, and performing tasks safely and efficiently in a high stress environment and/or emergency situation.
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Experience working effectively with limited or no supervision and maintaining a work ethic supporting TNC’s mission and goals.
Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is appreciated.

Responsibilities

Maintains coral aquaculture systems and chemical manipulation of coral systems for the purpose of propagation of various coral species.
Responsible for routine seawater chemistry testing, trace element manipulation, chemistry equipment upkeep, day-to-day system maintenance, and overall husbandry required of the coral aquaculture facility.
Provide aquarist technical assistance on restoration tasks, and/or general assistance to program staff, partners, and facility users.
Aid in the cleaning of tanks, life support systems upkeep and propagation of various coral species.
Keep comprehensive and accurate logs of system parameters, coral health evaluations, and coral system maintenance.
Assist and complete manual labor projects including plumbing, digging, and the extensive use of power tools.