[Coral-List] Temporary Coral Reef Scientific Diver (F/T - 2 vacancies)

[Sotka, Erik]

Temporary Coral Reef Scientific Diver (F/T - 2 vacancies)*

One or two scientific divers are needed for a National Park Service-funded project entitled “Genotyping corals for restoration and rescue at multiple coral reef parks.” The divers will collect specimens of eight coral species from within and near National Park Service territories, in cooperation with the NPS and University of Virgin Islands. See additional details at https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/11493

Minimum Requirements
- B.S. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university
- A valid US driver’s license
- AAUS-certified diver, or have the ability to become certified by May 2022

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- An adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Comfort with diving off small boats several miles from shore
- Ability to identify Caribbean stony corals
- Ability to work outdoors, for long hours, in tropical climate
- Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required
- Normal hours are 8 hour work days M-F; however, weekend and evening hours may be required at times
- Ability to move on a monthly basis from one island to another
- Willingness to share an apartment with others

Location: Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John) and possibly Dry Tortugas in Florida Keys

Job Duties
Activity
- Perform 2 to 3 shallow water SCUBA dives a day for up to 5 consecutive days per week, collecting dozens of coral specimens per dive
- Collect GPS data, take photographs and tag each coral colony
- Digitize and organize metadata
- Process coral specimens and preserve DNA for genetic work at the College of Charleston
- Prepare and ship coral samples to the College of Charleston
- Additional various duties related to outreach and education activities as needed

Employment Status: *Full-time for 4-5 months (in May – September 2022)

Expected Salary: $3,000 per month. Flights to and transportation within islands as well as lodging will be provided.

Interested applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, on or before December 31, 2021. For questions, contact Dr. Erik Sotka (SotkaE at cofc.edu)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category.


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Erik Sotka
Professor of Biology
College of Charleston
sotkae.people.cofc.edu<http://sotkae.people.cofc.edu/>