Conservation Field Technician

Position: Conservation Field Technician

Status: Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt

Department: Conservation

Reports to: Conservation Manager (ROS)

Located along the Space Coast in Melbourne, Florida, the Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse collection of over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. It is also home to the Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation of wild marine turtles. Brevard Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation ethic and unique attractions, such as kayaking through the Africa area, giraffe feeding, and rhinoceros and various other animal encounters.

Conservation Field Technicians are responsible for assisting with the construction, maintenance, and monitoring activities for the Conservation Department, primarily the Restore Our Shores (ROS) team. Most of the work will be focused on oyster reef construction, seagrass restoration, and clam and oyster gardening projects. This is a field-based position with little to no office time. Times will be spent in and around the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).

REQUIRED:

• Education and/or experience in the field of shellfish aquaculture, biology, conservation, environmental sciences, oceanography, or marine sciences
• Experience participating in environmental field work

Preferred/Desired

• Experience working with volunteers and partners
• Experience collecting and organizing environmental and biological data
• Experience driving a boat
• Experience operating equipment (skid steer, flat‑bed truck, forklift)

Essential Functions:

• Conduct site evaluations for habitat suitability – visiting potential restoration sites throughout the IRL and evaluating what features would make the site successful/unsuccessful for an oyster/clam/seagrass restoration project. This process requires walking and snorkeling in the IRL.
• Record water quality data and other environmental conditions at sites throughout the IRL: water depth, salinity, fetch, sediment composition, along with other data.
• Perform pickups for the oyster shell recycling program, Shuck & Share, one to two days a week – driving a 16‑ft flat‑bed truck to Brevard and Central Florida area restaurants to collect recycled oyster shell to be used in restoration projects. This requires carrying buckets of shell and rolling bins of shell which can weigh up to 400 lbs.
• Participate in the creation, preparation, and maintenance of restoration project materials, including but not limited to oyster gabions, nets, gardening habitats, and seagrass nurseries.
• Participate in all aspects of oyster reef construction – operating equipment, moving supplies to restoration sites, placing reef materials in the water in compliance with permits, and leading groups of staff and volunteers who are assisting in these tasks.
• Participate in the installation of other restoration projects throughout the IRL – planting clam beds, seagrass beds, and living shorelines.
• Participate in the maintenance and regular monitoring of restoration projects throughout the IRL, including cleaning and replacing project materials such as clam bags, nets, and seagrass predator exclusion devices.
• Lead outreach opportunities within the zoo, in the community, and at schools, both as formal presentations and tabling events.
• Participate in the upkeep and care of the seagrass nurseries and the seagrass growing in those nurseries.
• Work from land/water/boat on a regular basis.
• Operate a flat‑bed truck, skid steer, forklift, boat, and boat trailer as part of regular job duties.
• Work as part of the larger, Brevard Zoo team, working cooperatively with other Zoo staff.
• Assist with onsite conservation construction projects, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work outside in Florida for extended periods of time with the associated hazards – severe heat and humidity, rain, mosquitos, stingrays, etc.
• Ability to work confidently with volunteers and community members.
• Strong communication skills.
• A positive, flexible, and proactive attitude.
• Ability to take initiative, multi‑task, work independently.
• Ability to work long hours on a boat in normal wind and wave conditions.
• A…