Chief of Marine Operations, Palmyra Atoll

About the role

The Nature Conservancy's Palmyra Preserve, located within a US Fish and Wildlife Service refuge and a protected Marine National Monument, supports scientific research and visitor and research trips. Staff are hired seasonally for about 3 months at a time, with board and lodging provided on island. The Chief of Marine Operations runs all routine marine maintenance, oversees marine operations, provides training and helps with general facilities maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Execute all routine marine maintenance
• Oversee all marine operations
• Provide training
• Assist with general facilities maintenance activities

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant marine work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid passport expiring after the term of employment, proof of good health and a current tetanus vaccination
• Eligible to work in the United States; the organization cannot sponsor a US work permit
• Ability to perform physical work and lift 50 lbs

Required skills

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, operator of uninspected passenger vessel, with 720 sea days near coast
• Rescue diver certification (NAUI, PADI or equivalent) or matching skills
• Oxygen administration for SCUBA injuries, First Aid/CPR
• Operating vessels under 40 ft and skiffs with outboard motors up to 175 hp, including deploying and retrieving divers
• Maintaining and repairing diesel and gasoline engines, and minor mechanical and electrical repairs
• Minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors
• MS Word and Excel for reports and inventories

What we offer

• Starting pay of $2,885 gross biweekly; returning staff receive higher rates
• Health care, flexible spending account, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life and disability insurance
• Board and lodging on island

Applications are submitted through the employer's online application system; the role is posted for a limited time and then closed once a strong pool is found.