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. Board and lodging is provided while on-island.
Responsible for field station maintenance and assists with field station operations. This full-time position is responsible for upkeep and repairs of all camp facilities including buildings, roads and runway; maintenance of water, plumbing and electrical systems; vehicle maintenance including boats, trucks, & tractor; trouble-shooting including rust abatement and painting; maintenance and repairs for diesel, gasoline and outboard engines, as well as all motorized and non-motorized equipment and any other duties as assigned by the Field Station Manager or Palmyra Program Deputy Director.
This is a rotational position that can be up to 6 months in length, with the opportunity to return for future employment based on performance. Rotations require residence on Palmyra Atoll with no option of leaving until rotation is complete; transportation, room and board provided.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years relevant work experience in broad scale maintenance and repair of facilities, equipment and machinery or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Ability and willingness to follow guidelines, instructions and protocols, and to innovate solutions as needed, and complete tasks within assigned timeframes. • Ability to communicate and work closely with fellow staff on-island and via telephone, and with scientists, guests and volunteers. • Ability to drive and operate heavy machinery and equipment. • Knowledge of current trends and practices in construction, plumbing and electrical systems, vehicle maintenance, repairs of diesel, gasoline and outboard engines. Knowledge of marine electrical and related systems. Welding and hydraulics experience desirable. • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). • Ability to maintain records of all repairs, track quantities of critical supplies, and monitor system capacities (water tanks, fuel tanks, septic systems). • Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages • First responder or advanced First Aid training desirable. • Boat handling skills and a Captain’s license desirable.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: • Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes • Interprets guidelines, evaluates information and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances • Compiles data, resolves disparities, and modifies processes to generate plans. • Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems • Cultivates and develops creative ideas to improve conservation strategies • Applies diversified knowledge of construction and maintenance principles and practices to a variety of assignments
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: • Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment . • Performs tasks with minimal supervision, but consults with supervisor in the event of any unusual circumstances or problems that require a non-standard approach.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY: • Supervises no staff and no financial responsibility. • May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff and volunteers.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: • Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, field station staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information to ensue 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 Maintenance Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions: • requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain • exposure to petroleum products, paint, and fuels • present frequent possibility of injury • require long hours in isolated settings • requires 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.
