Aquaculture Associate

VIR The Nature Conservancy; United States Virgin Islands; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in the US Virgin Islands seeks an Aquaculture Associate to join the Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix. You will maintain coral aquaculture systems, perform seawater testing, and support restoration and monitoring goals alongside the aquaculture team.

Ideal candidates have saltwater aquarium or coral husbandry experience, basic seawater chemistry knowledge, and proficiency with power tools. This is a field-oriented role with weekend and after-hours requirements.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in science-related field and 1 year aquaculture or natural sciences experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience operating and repairing equipment and machinery.
• Experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry.
• Basic knowledge of seawater chemistry and water parameter testing.
• Understanding of coral ecology and Caribbean species.
• Ability to maintain life-support systems and routine maintenance.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours and drive when needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain coral aquaculture systems and perform seawater chemistry testing.
• Support propagation of coral species and aqua husbandry tasks.
• Log system parameters and coral health evaluations accurately.
• Assist with maintenance, cleaning, and life-support upkeep.
• Support manual labor tasks including plumbing and using power tools.
• Provide technical assistance to staff, partners, and facility users.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Aquarium maintenance

Coral husbandry

Seawater chemistry knowledge

Field/crew collaboration

Equipment operation/repair

Driver's license

Education

BA/BS in science

Tools

Word

Excel

Web browsers

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Aquaculture Associate (AA) works in TNC’s Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, providing support with building projects, and general assistance to program staff working toward the achievement of coral reef protection, restoration, and monitoring goals. The AA, working in close collaboration with the aquaculture team, maintains coral aquaculture systems and chemical manipulation of coral systems for the purpose of propagation of various coral species. The AA is responsible for routine seawater chemistry testing, trace element manipulation, chemistry equipment upkeep, day-to-day system maintenance, and overall husbandry required of the coral aquaculture facility. They provide aquarist technical assistance on restoration tasks, and/or general assistance to program staff, partners, and facility users. Under the guidance of the aquaculture team, the AA will aid in the cleaning of tanks, life support systems upkeep and propagation of various coral species. The AA will keep comprehensive and accurate logs of system parameters, coral health evaluations, and coral system maintenance. The AA will also assist and complete manual labor projects including plumbing, digging, and the extensive use of power tools.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. By joining our Caribbean Division’s USVI team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with, a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet. Our team consists of a dedicated group of people who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. The ideal candidate should have experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry and seawater testing, as well as proficiency using a variety of power tools. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting and shaping the work of our Coral Innovation Hub!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in aquaculture or natural sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry.
• Basic knowledge of seawater chemistry and water parameter testing.
• Experience in principles of coral ecology and familiarity with Caribbean coral species and biology.
• Experience maintaining coral life support systems including water quality, heath checks, and routine maintenance and cleaning protocols.
• Willingness to work outside of normal scheduled hours (i.e. weekend days, holidays, special events, after-hour system related activities or emergencies).
• Position requires a valid driver’s license and maintaining a good driving record.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with commercial aquaculture systems including maintaining and installing commercial grade filtration systems.
• Proficiency in general chemistry, marine chemistry, stability, and upkeep.
• Basic plumbing experience.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Exposure in the operation of automated control systems.
• Experience effectively following directions, observing and remembering details, and making independent decisions based on training.
• Experience analyzing, adapting, and performing tasks safely and efficiently in a high stress environment and/or emergency situation.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Experience working effectively with limited or no supervision and maintaining a work ethic supporting TNC’s mission and goals.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is appreciated.

Driver and Auto Safety Program:

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. 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.

Additional Information:

This is a term-limited position, with an anticipated end-date June 30, 2027. Depending on funding, there may be the possibility of an extension. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of USD $23-25/hr. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered. Unfortunately, The Nature Conservancy is unable to provide support for a work permit for this position.

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. 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.

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.

What We Bring:

• 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 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.

If 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 [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.