Mechanic/Boat Captain Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID 40208)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

TNC

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for people and nature. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawaii, Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra is a 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. Palmyra is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Refuge out to 12 miles and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns Cooper Island, and manages the atoll in partnership with the USFWS and the Palmyra Atoll Research Consortium (PARC).

Palmyras research station supports scientific research by world renowned research institutions (see www.palmyra-research.org ). Staff are hired for a 3 month assignment to run the research station and camp facilities. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.

The Mechanic/Boat Captain is responsible for the maintenance of a 25 Dive Boat and skiffs with outboard motors. This position will lead on the routine maintenance and repair of all marine equipment (boats, outboards, scuba compressor and gear), and other gasoline and diesel powered equipment and vehicles at the field station. This includes diesel generators, tractors, and a variety of heavy equipment. This position generally spends no more than 40% time acting as boat captain, which includes the safe navigation and operation of a 25 Dive Boat, while deploying and retrieving divers. The Mechanic/Boat Captain also operates skiffs with 20 hp outboard motors, and trains and observes station users for independent operation of skiffs. This position generally spends 60 - 75% time on maintenance/mechanical duties, as well as other duties to assist with station maintenance and improvements as assigned by the Chief of Marine Operations or Field Station Manager.

This is a seasonal assignment with the opportunity to return for future assignments based on performance. Assignments require residence on Palmyra Atoll with no option of leaving until season is complete.

TNC

• High school diploma and 4 years direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.
• Minimum 360 days documented record of underway boating service on USCG Small Vessel Sea Service Form or similar documentation.
• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI or equivalent) or trainings, certificates and skills that match or supersede rescue diver training, as determined by the Conservancys Dive Safety Officer.
• Experience withtrouble shooting and conducting minor repairs on SCUBA gear and compressors.
• Extensive current experience operating vessels less than 40ft while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.
• Current experience operating skiffs with outboard motors of 20-150hp.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
• Minimum four years of experience performing mechanical and electrical repairs on equipment.
• Four years of experience maintaining diesel inboard/outboard engines and gasoline outboard engines, and conducting preventative maintenanceand trouble-shooting mechanical repairs while out on the water.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 4 years direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.
• Minimum 360 days documented record of underway service on USCG Small Vessel Sea Service Form or similar documentation. USCG Captains license (25 ton or higher) preferred.
• Current Rescue Diver certification from a qualified organization (NAUI, PADI or equivalent) or must possess trainings, certificates and skills that match or supersede rescue diver training, as determined by the Dive Safety Officer.
• Extensive knowledge of SCUBA gear and compressors.
• Extensive current experience operating vessels less than 40 ft while deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers during drift dives.
• Current experience operating skiffs with 20-150 hp outboard motors.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certified.
• Experience operating VHF radios, Sounders, Compass and GPS Chartplotter.
• Minimum four years experience performing mechanical and electrical repairs on equipment and trouble-shooting mechanical repairs while out on the water.
• Minimum four years experience maintaining diesel inboard/outboard engines and gasoline outboard engines and conducting preventative maintenance.
• Experience repairing and servicing diesel and gasoline driven vehicles and equipment.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of American Boat and Yacht Council standards.
• Factory certifications, marine trade education certification or ABYC certification in gasoline diesel marine engines preferred.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, two-way radio, etc)
• Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid drivers license.
• Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical, pump, steering and other boat systems.
• Ability to apply marine safety to decision-making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in marine safety and marine sciences.
• Sport fishing skills including rigging, filleting and processing fish desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Mechanic/Boat Captain will work 6 days per week, in variable weather conditions (hot, humid, wet), at a remote location, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
• exposure to petroleum products, paint and fuels
• require living with a small community of people 24/7 with no option to leave for 3 months
• require employees to be on call on 48 hour shifts to allow for 24 hour a day emergency coverage
• require employees to assist with community chores even on days off

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

TNC