Conservation Technician II

The purpose of this position is to collect and propagate native coral species and help restore coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This will be accomplished primarily using microfragmentation and coral nurseries to rear corals to viable outplanting and reintroduction sizes. This position will directly aid in restoring Coki Beach, working towards 10-year restoration targets outlined in the U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef Restoration Plan. This position is entirely grant-funded and continuation of work beyond current grant agreements is subject to funding availability and CWORI management discretion.

Conservation Technician IIs in this program will operate and expand coral nursery structures on Coki Point adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park. Conservation Technician IIs assist with the daily husbandry of all corals in human care at Coral World Ocean Park intended for Coki Beach restoration purposes. Conservation Technician IIs will assist the Conservation Manager with source coral collection activities, daily cleaning, feeding, and care of coral stock, propagation of corals using asexual (microfragmentation) methods, regular health assessments of nursery-reared corals, and in-water nursery structure maintenance, and coral outplanting as needed. Additional responsibilities may include herbivorous invertebrate propagation and transplantation to assist in reef restoration efforts. Technician IIs will assist in all requisite data collection, curation, and analysis for CWORI’s coral conservation programs with assistance from Conservation Technician I(s) and the Conservation Manager.

1. Meet husbandry and nursery needs for corals slated for Coki restoration in nurseries at CWORI with assistance from Conservation Technician I(s) and oversight from Conservation Manager

2. Provide regular maintenance of coral tables/trees (cleaning algae and other encrusting organisms from coral raceways 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 land-based and in-water nurseries

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

6. Aid in the creation of and meet regular (daily, weekly, monthly) coral propagation quotas if established by the Conservation Manager

7. Perform routine minor repairs of coral tables, trees, and other structures in coral nurseries

8. Produce coral pucks as needed for in-water nursery coral growth

9. Construct, install, and maintain land-based and in-water nursery structures

10. Stock and maintain corals in nurseries on a regular basis

11. Conduct inventory of coral nursery stock in in-water nurseries

12. Collect, propagate, and translocate keystone herbivorous invertebrate species such as urchins, snails, and/or crabs as needed

13. Develop plans for and implement ex-situ coral monitoring and collection activities as needed

14. Help lead in nursery-reared coral outplanting efforts as needed

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

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

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)

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

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

· Ability to meet daily requirements and deadlines

· 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

· Possession of a SSI, 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 (preferably Caribbean stony coral species)

· Boating experience

· Advanced dive certifications

· Familiarity with AAUS scientific dive standards

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.

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: $24.00 - $26.00 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