Chief of Marine Operations, Palmyra Atoll

The Nature Conservancy; Palmyra (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with an 8% employer match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Palmyra, Virginia is seeking a Chief of Marine Operations to oversee marine operations, ensure vessel maintenance, and support diving activities. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, USCG Merchant Mariner Credential, and extensive marine field experience. The position offers a starting pay of $2,885 biweekly and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5 years relevant marine field experience or equivalent.
• Current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential required.
• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization.
• First Aid/CPR certification needed.
• Experience operating vessels under 40 ft.
• Experience maintaining diesel and gasoline engines.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Execute all routine marine maintenance.
• Oversee all marine operations and training.
• Assist with general facilities maintenance.

Skills

Safe boating operations

Diving operations

Marine maintenance

Physical work capability

MS Word and Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The staff and facilities on TNC’s Palmyra Preserve support scientific research by TNC, USFWS, and world‑renowned research institutions. Staff are hired seasonally for about 3 months to run operations, maintain facilities, and support visitor and research trips. Board and lodging are provided while on‑island.

Overview

Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth, located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i. TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is within a USFWS Refuge and protected Marine National Monument, and the Preserve cares for this special place while developing innovations to improve ecosystem health and resilience.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Marine Operations executes all routine marine maintenance, oversees all marine operations, provides training, and assists with general facilities maintenance activities.

We’re Looking For You

We’re looking for an individual experienced in safe boating and diving operations with a strong maintenance background.

Applicants must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid passport with an expiration date later than the term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good health, and a current tetanus vaccination.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years relevant marine field experience, or equivalent combination.


• Current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential—Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel for master near coast, 720 sea time days.


• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI, or equivalent) or comparable training.


• Certification for oxygen administration for SCUBA diving injuries.


• First Aid/CPR certification.


• Extensive experience operating vessels <40 ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.


• Experience maintaining diesel and gasoline engines, conducting preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs out on the water.


• Experience troubleshooting and performing minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors.


• Experience operating skiffs and vessels with outboard motors up to 175 hp.


• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel for producing reports and maintaining inventories.


• Ability to perform physical work and lift 50 lb.

Salary Information

The starting pay for this position is $2,885.00 biweekly (gross). Returning Palmyra staff receive higher rates due to experience. Only applicants currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered. Applicants must confirm residency in a U.S. state or territory for tax withholding and workers' compensation reasons. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete the employment eligibility verification upon hire.

Benefits

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8 % employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work well‑being benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.