[Coral-List] [Job Posting] The Nature Conservancy: US Virgin Islands Coral Manager

[Joseph Pollock]

The Nature Conservancy is recruiting a Coral Manager to join our team in the US Virgin Islands (details below).

To apply visit careers.nature.org and search for job number 46782. All applications must be submitted by September 3, 2018. 

POSITION TITLE: USVI Coral Manager

LOCATION: St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The USVI Coral Manager provides technical leadership and strategic planning coordination of the Caribbean Division’s coral conservation activities in the US Virgin Islands.  She/he serves as liaison and supports other programs within the Division with the development and implementation of coral reef conservation and restoration activities. The Coral Manager uses innovative approaches towards achieving conservation outcomes, working closely with local and international partner organizations from universities, research institutes, government agencies, and the private sector.  The Coral Manager identifies, applies for, and manages relevant funding opportunities and identifies, pursues, and formalizes synergistic partnerships. The Coral Manager supervises via direct or dotted-line relationships USVI coral conservation staff, ensuring alignment of activities with the strategic goals of the Division.  The Coral Manager reports to the Caribbean Coral Strategy Director.

SUMMARY

The USVI Coral Manager provides technical expertise to TNC staff and external partners related to coral reef ecosystems conservation and restoration in the US Virgin Islands.  She/he is a strategic liaison and works in close partnership with external partners and other programs of the Caribbean Division carrying out coral conservation and restoration activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

•    Lead implementation of coral-related projects in the US Virgin Islands.
•    Lead and support groups of staff and volunteers carrying out coral reef conservation, restoration, and monitoring activities.
•    Supervise via direct or dotted line relationships coral conservation staff, with responsibility for performance management, training, and career development of direct reports.
•    Support the creation of tools and other materials for sharing within TNC and globally.
•    Work in close coordination with Coral Strategy Director and team members to ensure project activities are executed on schedule.
•    Provide hands-on strategic guidance and technical oversight for coral activities in the USVI to staff and volunteers.
•    Identify areas where additional support is needed from TNC technical experts and coordinate their inputs in collaboration with the Coral Strategy Director and Division leadership.
•    Gain cooperation with outside partners and manage day-to-day relations with partners, checking that activity implementation is on track and any routine problems are resolved.
•    Coordinate field activities and notify the Coral Strategy Directory and Division leadership of any problems that may impede effective activity implementation.
•    Obtain all necessary permits to legally carry out coral work, including permits to collect, rear, and outplant a diverse array of coral species.
•    Provide leadership, technical advice and site-level support, as needed, to other TNC Caribbean seascapes on coral restoration, monitoring and management, and community capacity building.
•    Financial responsibility will include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development.   
•    Maintain project records and ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
•    Complete grant and donor reports.
•    Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
•    Maintain a working knowledge of safety guidelines for boat operation and follow all state, local and federal regulations specified for the operation of motorized watercraft.
•    Perform field work on SCUBA or snorkel as a leader and member of the TNC dive team including coral nursery work, reef monitoring and donor and staff excursions. 
•    Network with diverse groups, including conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to encourage support for TNC initiatives and goals.
•    May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
•    Due to location in USVI and program needs, may perform field work on SCUBA or snorkel as a part of larger TNC dive team, including coral nursery work, reef monitoring, and donor and staff excursions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    BA/BS Degree and 5 years' experience in science, conservation, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Experience working in natural marine systems.
•    Experience negotiating complex agreements.  
•    Experience training and supervising staff and/or volunteers in conducting field research.
•    Experience communicating with the public, scientific community and/or media both in writing and verbally.
•    Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
•    Working knowledge of coral reef biology and conservation strategies.
•    Experience performing physical work while snorkeling or diving in open water or from the shoreline for 1-2 hours at a time in challenging weather conditions. Repetitive diving may occur.
•    Valid driver's license and good driving record.                 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Master's Degree and 5 years’ experience or PhD in science, conservation, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Current qualifications to meet AAUS Dive Safety Standards (www.aaus.org). Scientific diving experience preferred.
•    Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
•    Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
•    Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.    
•    Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partners.
•    Ability to safely operate and trailer a small powerboat (less than 30 feet).
•    Current CPR, First Aid and Oxygen First Aid Certifications.
•    Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 
•    Coral restoration field experience and knowledge of Caribbean stony corals species, survey experience, and ability to identify critical threats to coral reef ecosystems.
•    Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field. 
•    Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
•    Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
•    Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.


F. Joseph Pollock, PhD    
Coral Strategy Director | Caribbean Division | The Nature Conservancy