Maintenance Technician, Palmyra Atoll

The Nature Conservancy; Palmyra (Lebanon County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is actively seeking a Maintenance Technician for their Palmyra Preserve in Lebanon County, United States. This role involves upkeep, construction, and repairs of facilities and equipment, playing a critical part in supporting conservation efforts.

Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience, particularly in preventive maintenance and repairs. Competitive pay starts at $26.63 per hour, with additional compensation for returning staff.

Qualifications

• Four years of direct experience maintaining facilities or equipment.
• Applied knowledge in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, or carpentry.
• Experience with mechanical equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Upkeep and maintenance of all facilities and equipment.
• Support preserve operations including construction and repairs.
• Monitor renewable energy hybrid microgrid performance.

Skills

Preventive maintenance

Construction

Equipment repair

Mechanical troubleshooting

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Excel

Lawn mowers

Chainsaws

Backhoes

Tractors

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The staff and facilities on 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, Palmyra is a 680‑acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is located within a US Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge within a protected Marine National Monument. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates a Preserve at Palmyra to care for this special place while learning and developing innovations to improve ecosystem health and resilience and enhance biodiversity. Supporting research and management at Palmyra is a rewarding challenge for the right applicant (see nature.org/palmyra).

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for upkeep, construction, maintenance and repairs of all facilities and equipment, supporting preserve operations. The facilities include buildings, roads, a runway, water treatment facilities, a wastewater treatment wetland, and a 75 kW photovoltaic grid with battery and generator backup. The position is also responsible for corrective and preventative maintenance designed to improve and maintain the performance and safety of the equipment, including rust abatement and miscellaneous mechanical troubleshooting on all vehicles and heavy equipment such as tractors and backhoes. The technician will monitor and maintain the renewable energy hybrid microgrid consisting of a solar photovoltaic system, battery storage, and diesel generator. Responsibilities also include tracking and maintaining inventory of parts and materials for maintenance operations using Excel, daily cleaning and maintenance of selected facilities, and any other duties as assigned.

We’re Looking for You:

We’re looking for someone experienced in preventive maintenance, construction, and repairs of facilities and equipment. If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports terrestrial and marine conservation, apply today!

The successful candidate 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, a current tetanus vaccination, and a first aid/CPR certification that is current throughout the assignment.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma and four years of direct experience maintaining facilities or equipment with applied knowledge in electrical, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, or basic carpentry.
• Experience operating and/or 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 basic maintenance of water and waste systems or energy systems, preferably photovoltaic, battery storage, and diesel generators.
• Experience with MS Word and Excel in producing reports and maintaining inventories.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work and lift up to 50 pounds, sometimes under adverse conditions including climbing tall ladders, working on roofs, and in small cramped spaces.

The position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy‑owned or 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for this position is generally $26.63 per hour. Returning Palmyra staff receive higher rates due to experience. This position requires candidates to already be authorized to work in the United States.

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.

We are 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.