Chief of Marine Operations, Palmyra Atoll

What We Can Achieve Together

The staff and facilities on TNC’s Palmyra Preserve support scientific research by TNC, the USFWS, and world‑renowned research institutions. Staff are hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to run the operations, maintain the facilities and support visitor and research trips. Board and lodging are provided while on island. Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth.

Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, Palmyra is a 680‑acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is located within a US Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge within a protected Marine National Monument. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates a Preserve at Palmyra to care for this special place while learning and developing innovations to improve ecosystem health and resilience and enhance biodiversity.

Supporting research and management at Palmyra is a rewarding challenge for the right applicant (see nature.org/palmyra).

The Chief of Marine Operations executes all routine marine maintenance, oversees all marine operations, provides training, and assists with general facilities maintenance activities.

We’re looking for an individual experienced in safe boating and diving operations with a strong maintenance background. If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports terrestrial and marine conservation, apply today! The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid Passport with an expiration date later than your term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good health and a current tetanus vaccination.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years relevant work experience in the marine field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel for master near coast of 720 sea time days.
• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI, or equivalent) or training, certificates and skills that match or supersede rescue diver training, as determined by the Conservancy’s Diving Safety Officer.
• Current certification for oxygen administration for SCUBA diving injuries.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Extensive current experience operating vessels less than 40ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.
• Experience maintaining diesel and gasoline engines, conducting preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs while out on the water.
• Experience troubleshooting and conducting minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors.
• Experience operating skiffs and vessels with outboard motors of up to 175hp.
• Experience with MS Word and Excel in producing reports and maintaining inventories.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

The starting pay for this position is generally $2,885.00 biweekly (gross). Returning Palmyra staff are provided higher rates due to experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. Unfortunately, The Nature Conservancy is unable to provide support for a work permit for this position. Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered.

Applicants are required to confirm residency in a U.S. state or territory where TNC is registered for tax withholding and workers’ compensation insurance purposes. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.