Chief of Marine Operations, Palmyra Atoll

Palmyra Atoll, USA

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, bipartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i program has forged partnerships to manage over 2 million acres of natural lands and has grown to include Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage 14 preserves and other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we facilitate research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

The staff and facilities on TNC’s Palmyra Preserve supports 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 (USFWS) 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 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 an individual experienced in safe boating and diving operations with a strong maintenance background. 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 your term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good health and a current tetanus vaccination.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years relevant work experience in the marine field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel for master near coastal of 720 sea time days.
• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI or equivalent) or trainings, certificates and skills that match or supersede rescue diver training, as determined by the Conservancy’s Diving Safety Officer.
• Current certification for oxygen administration for SCUBA diving injuries.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Extensive current experience operating vessels less than 40ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.
• Experience maintaining diesel and gasoline engines, conducting preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs while out on the water.
• Experience troubleshooting and conducting minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors.
• Experience operating skiffs and vessels with outboard motors of up to 175hp.
• Experience with MS Word and Excel in producing reports and maintaining inventories
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

The starting pay for this position is generally $2,307.70 biweekly (gross). Returning Palmyra staff are provided higher rates due to experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

These seasonal positions are recruited for year-round when there are vacancies so you might not hear a response for a few months. Typical deployment timeframes are March - June, June - September, September - December, and December - March. Please indicate your timeframe interest in your cover letter.

To apply for job ID 54589, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 5:59 PM HST on December 31, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. The Nature Conservancy is also a “big tent” organization. We believe that all people benefit from conservation and that the cause should be inclusive of everyone regardless of their political persuasion. We work hard to make conservation a non-partisan issue through partnerships with stakeholders, elected officials, and industries that span the political spectrum.

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