Coral Conservation Associate, US Virgin Islands

The Coral Conservation Practitioner (CCA) will operate from our Coral Innovation Hub located on St. Croix, USVI. The CCA will provide implementation, monitoring, and research support for ongoing coral restoration efforts around St. Croix, including one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration projects across a 150-acre site within a marine protected area. The CCA participates in all aspects of coral restoration projects and works in the field, at the land-based nursery, and in an office setting. The CCA supports planning, execution, and documentation of asexual and sexual coral propagation, coral outplanting, and coral reef monitoring. The CCA also contributes to the hub’s mission to refine and improve restoration techniques through experimental design; data collection, processing, and analysis; and reporting. The CCA works within a team and supports day-to-day hub operations by maintaining and organizing workspaces and equipment. Responsibilities include:

• SCUBA dives and snorkels from shore or from a boat to complete conservation and restoration activities, including installing, maintaining, cleaning, and stocking field-based coral nurseries; collecting coral fragments to stock the land-based and field-based nurseries; outplanting coral fragments and arrays; conducting monitoring surveys at outplant sites; and participating in coral gamete collection events.
• Records, organizes, analyzes, and reports on restoration data.
• Plans and leads field days to successfully execute restoration and conservation projects.
• Constructs and improves design of coral nursery structures and other structures and tools used in restoration projects.
• Maintains, organizes, inventories, and purchases field equipment and supplies.
• Assists with coral husbandry and propagation in the land-based nursery.
• Participates in community engagement and outreach events.
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct work groups, including staff, interns, or volunteers.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• May require long hours in isolated settings.
• Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• May work under infrequent supervision.

• BA/BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field and 1 year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of Open Water Diver certification.
• Minimum of 30 logged dives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of reef ecology.
• Experience working, volunteering, or interning in a field setting.
• Willingness to dive and work in a marine field setting 2-3 days per week.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.

Desired Qualifications

• 1 – 2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) certification.
• Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
• Experience identifying Caribbean coral, fish, and common benthic species and conducting coral reef ecological monitoring surveys.
• Some experience managing volunteers or interns
• Excellent organizational, communication and time management skills.
• Experience living and working in the US Virgin Islands.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
• Passion for coral reef conservation and high level of motivation to conduct restoration at scale.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.