Maintenance Technician, Palmyra Atoll

The Nature Conservancy; Palmyra (VA); On-site; USD 30,265 - 43,105; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) plan with 8% employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Facilities Maintenance Worker at its Palmyra Preserve in Virginia. This position is seasonal, requiring 4+ years of experience in facility maintenance. Key responsibilities include maintaining and repairing buildings and equipment. The position offers a starting pay of $26.63 per hour along with comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, a 401(k) with employer match, parental leave, and more. Applicants must have a valid driver's license and complete a background screening process.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of hands-on experience in maintaining facilities and equipment.
• Experience with various types of heavy machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge in water, waste, or energy systems is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair facilities and equipment, including buildings and roads.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
• Monitor the renewable energy hybrid microgrid.

Skills

Facility maintenance experience

Mechanical systems troubleshooting

Use of Excel for inventory

Physical strength for demanding work

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Dump trucks

Two-way radios

Job description

Job Overview

The staff and facilities at TNC’s Palmyra Preserve support scientific research by TNC, the USFWS, and world-renowned research institutions. Staff are hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to run the operations, maintain the facilities, and support visitor and research trips. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.

Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth, located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i. The Preserve is a US Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge within a protected Marine National Monument. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates the Preserve to care for this special place while improving ecosystem health and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, construct, and repair all facilities and equipment, including buildings, roads, runway, water treatment facilities, wastewater treatment wetland, and a 75kW photovoltaic grid with battery and generator backup.
• Perform corrective and preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment, including rust abatement and troubleshooting of mechanical systems on all vehicles and heavy equipment such as tractors and backhoes.
• Monitor and maintain the renewable energy hybrid microgrid consisting of solar photovoltaic system, battery storage, and diesel generator.
• Track and maintain inventory of parts and materials for maintenance operations using Excel software.
• Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of selected facilities.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least 4 years of direct experience maintaining facilities or equipment with knowledge in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, or basic carpentry.
• Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, tractors, backhoes, bulldozers, dump trucks, and two-way radios.
• Experience performing corrective and preventative maintenance of mechanical equipment and engines.
• Experience with water, waste, or energy systems—preferably photovoltaic, battery storage, and diesel generators.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel for reports and inventory management.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing tall ladders, working on roofs, and in small, cramped spaces.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
• Valid passport with an expiration date later than the term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good health, current tetanus vaccination, and first aid/CPR certification.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary: Starting pay is generally $26.63 per hour; returning Palmyra staff receive higher rates due to experience.

Benefits include health care, 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, and additional well-being benefits.

Additional Requirements

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." 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.

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 cultures. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Accommodations

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the 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.