Maintenance Technician - Palmyra Preserve

About the role

The Nature Conservancy's Palmyra Preserve, a 680-acre atoll refuge in the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is staffed seasonally for about three months to run operations, maintain facilities and support visitor and research trips. The Maintenance Technician is responsible for upkeep, construction, maintenance and repairs of all facilities and equipment, including buildings, roads, a runway, water treatment facilities, a wastewater treatment wetland and a 75kW photovoltaic grid with battery and generator backup.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out corrective and preventative maintenance to keep equipment safe and performing well, including rust abatement and mechanical troubleshooting on vehicles and heavy equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
• Monitor and maintain the renewable energy hybrid microgrid (solar PV, battery storage and diesel generator).
• Track and maintain inventory of parts and materials needed for maintenance, using Excel.
• Clean and maintain selected facilities daily and carry out other duties as assigned.

Required profile

• High school diploma and 4 years of direct experience maintaining facilities or equipment, with knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration or basic carpentry.
• Experience operating and repairing equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, tractors, backhoes, bulldozers and dump trucks.
• Experience performing corrective and preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment and engines.
• Experience with water, waste or energy systems, preferably photovoltaic, battery storage and diesel generators.
• Valid passport expiring after the term of employment, proof of good health, current tetanus vaccination and current first aid/CPR certification.
• Eligible to work in the United States; the organization cannot sponsor a US work permit.

Required skills

• MS Word and Excel for reports and inventory.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb tall ladders, work on roofs and in cramped spaces.

What we offer

• Starting pay of $26.63 per hour (gross); returning staff receive higher rates.
• Board and lodging provided while on-island.
• TNC benefits package including health care, flexible spending account, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance and disability coverage.

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