ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for people and nature. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i and an untold distance from civilization, Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra is a tiny 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. As the only refuge within 450,000 square miles of ocean, this tiny atoll has an ecological “footprint” that far exceeds its borders.
Long recognized as an ideal natural laboratory, Palmyra’s research station and camp facilities supports scientific research by major research organizations. To run the research station and camp facilities we are looking to hire staff on a rotational basis for up to 6 months at a time.
The Assistant Cook/Housekeeper is responsible for meal planning and preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner for island guests, staff, volunteers and visiting vessels. Responsible for stocking and rotation of all kitchen inventory, as well as general galley and kitchen clean-up including dishes, floors, storage areas, refrigerators and freezers. Responsible for set-up and cleaning of all field station cabins, associated living areas, and recreation areas. Responsible for laundry service, garbage disposal, composting and removal of recyclable materials and other duties as assigned by the Food Galley/Housekeeping Manager or Field Station Manager.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • BABS/AS/Technical or vocational degree and one to two years culinary experience in a professional food service environment. • Working knowledge of kitchen operations including: baking, sautéing; grilling, and the preparing and proper handling of meat, fish, assorted cold foods and possess good knife skills. • Experience maintaining a sanitary work environment. • Experience with basic housekeeping and laundry duties. • Ability to perform work that requires physical mobility, sometimes under adverse condition. • Completing tasks independently with respect to timelines. • Communicating clearly via written and verbal English. • First Responder or advance First Aid training desirable.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: • Ability to follow instructions, complete tasks within assigned timeframes, in the absence of supervision. • Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems. • Ability to utilize products and create nutritious meals in a timely manner.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: • Ability to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions. • Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgement. • Consults with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of specific instructions given.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY: • Supervises no staff, although may oversee the work of Camp Volunteers. • No financial responsibility. • Ability to work independently, to carry out instructions and self motivate. • Work as a cohesive team member with other galley staff and volunteers.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: • Strong customer service skills. • Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, field station staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information to ensure smooth operations. • Collaborates with a wide range of conservation partners to assist with research needs and support fieldwork. • Assist with training for field station staff and guests on equipment and systems use as appropriate. • Ability to interact supportively with field station visitors and scientists, and to convey basic field station information. • Ability to resolve conflicts with a positive and forthright approach.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: The Assistant Cook/Housekeeper may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions: • require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain • present frequent possibility of injury • require long hours in isolated settings • require living with a small community of people 24/7 • all island employees must be available 24 hours a day to assist in the case of unexpected events or emergencies • community chores must be done even on days off
TO APPLY: Submit cover letter outlining relevant work experience, resume and information for at least three references via email to, jeber@tnc.org. Please include the Job Title for the position you are applying for in any correspondence. Review of applications will be on-going as rotations are year round. The successful candidate must posses, or be able to obtain, a valid Passport with an expiration date later than your term of employment, proof of current health insurance, proof of a physical examination showing good physical and a current tetanus vaccination. In addition, TNC requires staff to obtain a membership in an Emergency Evacuation Service. More information on these issues can be obtained and it is expected that the successful candidate cover the costs associated with these items.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
