Job Description
The Coral Restoration Specialist will oversee the operations of Coral Vita’s land-based coral farm and reef restoration activities in Freeport, Grand Bahama. They will work with Coral Vita’s Executive Team to grow and out-plant corals in the Bahamas in an ecologically and scientifically-sound manner to restore the health of local reefs. This person should be comfortable supervising other staff members/interns and to take initiative during situations in lieu of Executive Team.
The Coral Restoration Specialist will be responsible for managing restoration operations, including work at the Freeport coral farm, local outplanting sites, monitoring efforts, and facility maintenance. Along with Coral Vita’s Executive Team, the Coral Restoration Specialist will lead and participate in monitoring trips, set up experiments at farm and restoration sites, and submit restoration impact reports. They will serve as field-based team leader responsible for executing coordinated restoration efforts. This includes (but isn’t limited to): handling permitted corals, building structures for coral growth, research, or facilities support, coordinating dive team, and mechanical repairs.
The role requires strong leadership skills, scientific abilities, and enthusiasm for working in a startup environment. This person should be passionate about taking a central role in shaping the vision and direction of a groundbreaking mission-driven company’s first coral farm. A strong entrepreneurial spirit, being comfortable in dynamic and changing situations, and a demonstrated ability to engage in innovative problem-solving is critical. A successful candidate must have experience in coral propagation and coral nursery/aquarium maintenance.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology/Aquaculture or related field
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Coral Reef Biology/Ecology (preferred)
- 3–5 years’ experience with coral propagation (ex-situ experience preferred)
- Experience with plumbing and life support systems (preferred)
- SCUBA certified (Rescue Diver or greater preferred)
- First AID and DAN O2 certified (preferred)
- Experience with boating (Coast Guard certified captain or international equivalent preferred).
- Ability to move to the Grand Bahama starting early 2019
- Proficiency in MS Office, GIS, and Stata or equivalent (preferred)
Required Experience / Skills
- A successful track record in coral husbandry/aquaculture
- An entrepreneurial spirit with a desire to help build an impact-driven company
- A team-oriented and creative thinker capable of envisioning projects to create change
- Dynamic self-starter with a drive for results and ability to motivate others to do their best
- Demonstrable ability and enthusiasm for identifying, setting, and meeting critical deliverables
- Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders in the ocean community
- Ability to remain calm and focused during complex diving situations
- Comfortable with physical exertion/strain and exposure to various weather elements
- Willingness to adapt to flexible work hours
- Commitment to ethical scientific standards and practices