The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Operations Manager for the Palmyra Program who is a collaborative leader with strong technical skills, the interpersonal savvy to build and maintain effective relationships with partners, and proven ability to remotely manage people and facilities in a challenging environment.
The Operations Manager is based in The Nature Conservancy’s Honolulu office, and is responsible for ensuring that all operations on Palmyra are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Operations Manager is responsible for oversight and management of all of the Conservancy’s station facilities and equipment on Palmyra, including maintenance buildings, research facilities, aircraft runway, renewable energy system, food preparation facilities, fuel farm and lodging and housekeeping facilities. The Operations Manager supervises the Field Station Manager, and may supervise other staff as appropriate. Primary job responsibilities include:
• Ensuring continuity of operations and facility management by Palmyra program staff on the atoll;
• Working with program staff to develop and ensure all station standard operating procedures, protocols and guidelines are up to date, organized and properly implemented;
• Identifying and prioritizing maintenance needs, and developing and implementing a long-term maintenance and facilities plan for the research station;
• Working closely with the Palmyra program director and Hawai‘i human resources manager to recruit and hire qualified staff dedicated to the successful management of the Palmyra research station and facilities;
• Ensuring all TNC station staff have applicable and up-to-date training and certifications;
• Developing and cultivating professional skills in staff;
• Developing and supporting effective, embraced solutions for atoll management;
• Providing a clear example of collaborative leadership for island staff;
• Overseeing purchases, invoice payments and expense reimbursements, and tracking expenditures according to the approved budget;
• Coordinating contract development with legal department, and tracking payments, and progress on deliverables;
• Creating regular up-to-date budget analyses to keep the Palmyra program director informed of expenses and budget status;
• Assisting Palmyra project manager and program director with research station logistics, including communicating with travelers about trip requirements, and provisioning and packing the aircraft;
• Maintaining a positive, collaborative relationship with USFWS and PARC through regular interaction and up to date reporting of project plans and station operations;
• Serving as the primary point of contact for the PARC Operations committee and ensuring alignment of facilities and research needs;
• Identifying needs of the Palmyra program that can be filled by volunteers, and soliciting, screening and selecting suitable volunteers;
• Assessing the technical advisory needs of the Palmyra operations program, and recruiting and maintaining a volunteer advisory council; and
• Maintaining a flexible schedule to include mainland travel, some weekend and evening work, and travel to Palmyra to assure proper operation of the research station, and to maintain relationships with TNC staff, USFWS staff, PARC members and others.
Please complete an online application at www.nature.org/careers and upload a resume and cover letter by October 13, 2015. Cover letter must specify how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined below.
• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in facilities or operations management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to remotely manage staff in an inclusive and empowering manner that ensures safe and efficient operations of facilities and equipment.
• Advanced working knowledge and understanding of facilities management, and infrastructure and equipment maintenance, including buildings, energy (traditional and renewable), fresh water, sewage, boating, diving, and other systems.
• Experience effectively managing multiple complex projects under high-stress situations.
• Experience managing complicated budgets, workloads, transportation, and logistics.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to keep track of calendars, financial data, and other information.
• Experience communicating directions or tasks and collaborating with a team of professionals to ensure that goals are met and projects accomplished on time and on budget.
