Conservation Technician I

Purpose of Position:

The purpose of this position is to aid in the development and continuation of the CWORI Coral Genetic Rescue and Propagation Ark for the purposes of coral rescue, rehabilitation, and restoration in the face of ongoing SCTLD outbreaks and other climate-induced stressors in the USVI. This position will aid in the rescue of highly susceptible coral species and the transference of such corals to permanent holding systems at CWORI. The position will further assist with the gene banking and sexual propagation of corals in human care for future outplanting initiatives around Coki Point and other key restoration sites. This position is entirely grant-funded and continuation of work beyond current grant agreements is subject to funding availability and CWORI management discretion.

Job Summary:

Conservation Technician Is will assist in the development of, and work in, the CWORI Coral Genetic Rescue and Propagation Ark. On land, Conservation Technician Is assist with the daily husbandry of all corals and other affiliated invertebrate species in human care through CWORI at Coral World Ocean Park. Conservation Technician Is will assist Conservation Technician II(s) and the Coral Scientist with daily cleaning, feeding, and care of coral stock, sexual propagation and assisted fertilization of coral stock (spawning), regular health assessments of brood stock corals, and holding tank and life support system maintenance as needed. In water, Conservation Technician Is may assist Coral Technician II(s) and the Coral Scientist with coral operations as needed. To perform in-water work, dive certification is required. Conservation Technician Is who start working in the land-based facility may obtain on-the-job dive training to progress to in-water work. Involvement in in-water activities for this role will be at the discretion of the Conservation Manager. Technician Is will assist in all requisite data collection, curation, and analysis for CWORI’s coral conservation programs with assistance from Conservation Technician II(s) and the Coral Scientist.

Essential Duties:

1. Assist the Conservation Manager and Conservation Technician II(s) with all husbandry and life support system needs for corals and associated organisms within the CWORI Coral Genetic Rescue and Propagation Ark

2. Provide regular daily maintenance of coral raceways/aquaria (cleaning algae and other encrusting organisms from coral tanks and fragment racks)

3. Provide regular daily maintenance of corals and coral fragments (removing algae from corals and fragment plugs)

4. Conduct regular coral health assessments of all corals in the Ark

5. Perform emergency care to corals such as coral dips, amputations and or other interventions to unhealthy corals and coral fragments as needed

6. Meet regular (daily, weekly, monthly) coral propagation quotas if established by the Conservation Manger and Technician II(s)

7. Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of coral holding tanks, raceways, and other life support systems

8. Regularly collect and upload data on fragmentation, health, growth, outplanting, etc. to shared, online databases and assist with all required curation

9. Assist the Conservation Manager and Conservation Technician II(s) with all aspects of coral sexual reproduction including gamete collection, fertilization, and larvae care

Potential Duties if Qualified:

10. Construct, install, and maintain coral aquaria in the Ark

11. Participate in ex-situ coral rescue activities as needed

12. Participate in rehabilitated and/or propagated coral outplanting efforts as needed

13. Assist the Conservation Manager with the writing of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports as needed

Qualifications & Skills:

REQUIRED:

• B.S. or B.A. degree (exceptions will be made for those with a high school diploma who have substantial experience working in the coral husbandry/aquarium industry)
  

· Ability to learn new skills quickly and accomplish tasks without substantial oversight from Conservation Manager

· Experience working in the coral restoration field

• Experience in coral restoration (coral collection, transportation, treatment, fragmentation, outplanting) procedures
  

· Ability to meet daily requirements and deadlines set by Coral Technician II(s) and the Conservation Manager

• Ability to solve problems quickly and effectively
  
• Proficiency working with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Teams
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and in larger teams
  
• Ability to take and implement instruction and critical feedback
  
• Ability to lift at least 60 pounds
  
• For in-water work, possession of a PADI (or equivalent) Open Water Certification
  

PREFERRED

:

· Ability to identify Caribbean coral species to the scientific name

· Ability to identify common Caribbean coral diseases and health impairments such as coral bleaching and paling

• Experience with stony coral husbandry both on land and in-water (preferably Caribbean stony coral species)
  
• Boating experience
  
• Advanced dive certifications
  

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to see and hear; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 60 pounds. Ability to dive safely if working in open water.

Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (example: emergencies, changes to personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
  
• 401(k) matching
  
• Dental insurance
  
• Employee assistance program
  
• Employee discount
  
• Health insurance
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Vision insurance
  

Work Location: In person