[Coral-List] Coral Larval Technician Position, US Virgin Islands (on behalf of Robin Smith)"

[Ruben van Hooidonk - NOAA Affiliate]

Dear Coral-List,

The Coral Restoration Ecology Lab at the University of the Virgin Islands
(UVI), led by Dr. Robin Smith, is seeking a Lead Technician for a 3-year
project (with possible extension) focused on Large-Scale USVI Coral
Restoration using Selective Breeding and Assisted Evolution Technologies.
The Technician will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Smith, and
assist with nearly every component of the project, including, but not
limited to coral spawning, fertilization, settlement, larval rearing, data
collection, thermal and disease transmission experimentation, training UVI
intern divers, outplanting and monitoring. The Lead Technician is
considered key personnel and critical to the successful execution of this
project.

In year 1, the Technician will play a lead role in helping construct a
state-of-the-art Larval Rearing Unit (LRU) using a 40’ ISBU shipping
container. The LRU will have the capacity to rear 13,500 coral larvae
completely independent of one another at different temperatures, PAR,
alkalinity, and feeding regimes. In years 2 & 3 (and beyond), the
Technician will supervise and manage the daily operations of the LRU.

Candidates should have a high level of mechanical skills, preferably in the
fabrication and operations of large aquaria and/or aquaculture facilities,
as well as a background in aquatic animal husbandry. Husbandry experience
of larval life-history stages, coral propagation, or both is preferred.
Candidates should also be SCUBA certified and proficient in scientific
diving (i.e. night spawning collection dives, working with tools and epoxy
underwater, etc.).

The Lead Technician will be responsible for:
1.)   Helping to construct the LRU, including ordering equipment and
supplies.
2.)   Managing operations of the LRU.
3.)   Training and supervising graduate research assistants and interns
tasked with LRU maintenance.
4.)   Collecting and supervising the collection of larval rearing data.
5.)   Helping plan and participate in fieldwork (i.e. spawning dives,
diving to outplant corals, and/or monitoring of outplants).

This is a 3-year (possible extension), full-time employee position at UVI
(St. Thomas campus) renumerated at $44,000/year. Candidates must already be
cleared to work in the U.S.A. The position is available immediately and
preference will be given to applicants with the ability to start quickly.

To apply, go to https://careers.uvi.edu/postings/6016 and include your CV
or Resume and cover letter
highlighting your expertise and interest in the project and
responsibilities described above.

For questions, please contact Dr. Robin Smith at robin.smith at uvi.edu
including “Coral Larval Technician” in the Subject line.

Regards,

Robin T. Smith, PhD
Research Assistant Professor of Restoration Ecology
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands
www.coralrestorationecologylab.com