About the role
Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) is seeking an experienced and motivated Coral Lab Coordinator to lead operations in our newly established land-based Coral Lab. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in scaling up coral breeding and restoration efforts in the Dutch Caribbean. The Coral Lab Coordinator will be leading the initial setup and overseeing the daily operation of the Coral Lab ’s aquaria and semi-closed seawater system, assisting with the integration of lab- and field-based coral stock, and long-term coral propagation efforts.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive hands-on experience with aquaria, a deep understanding of coral biology, sexual propagation, and coral husbandry. They will work closely with the RRFB team to implement coral breeding and fragmentation protocols at scale, as well as contribute to experimental research and monitoring efforts that inform best practices for coral restoration.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the setup, operation, and maintenance of the land-based Coral Lab, including aquaria and semi-closed seawater system, including tanks, pumps, reservoirs, and evaporation ponds
- Conduct and oversee the daily care of corals throughout their entire life cycle—from larval rearing, to settlement, grow-out, and maintenance of mature colonies.
- Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for coral husbandry, water quality management, and lab safety.
- Monitor and maintain optimal water quality parameters, such as temperature, flow, salinity and nutrients levels to ensure coral health and growth.
- Troubleshoot biological or technical issues related to coral health, aquaria, or system performance.
- Train, mentor and provide guidance to field staff and/or volunteers involved in lab operations.
- Support the staff with the production of corals via breeding and fragmentation techniques.
- Integrate lab-grown coral stock with in-situ restoration efforts.
- Assist in experimental research design, data collection, and record-keeping to inform and refine restoration methodologies.
- Maintain records of coral stock, inventory of lab supplies, and equipment, and coordinate procurement as needed.
- Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the lab.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience working with land-based aquaria and semi-closed seawater systems, including pumps, flow regulation, and tank maintenance.
- Proven expertise in coral husbandry, sexual propagation, and larval rearing.
- Strong technical skills in the design, operation, and maintenance of aquaria and seawater systems.
- Ability to lead projects, manage schedules, and supervise technical staff.
- Supervisory or mentorship experience is an asset, particularly in training junior staff, students, or volunteers.
- Experience assessing coral health and managing coral diseases in laboratory or restoration settings.
- Strong skills in water quality monitoring and management, including familiarity with standard parameters (temperature, salinity, nutrients, pH, etc.).
- Familiarity with experimental design, data collection, and reporting.
- Experience troubleshooting biological and technical issues in aquaria or aquaculture systems.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability in a dynamic, field-based environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
- Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Dutch, Spanish, or Papiamentu is a plus
Application deadline: November 15, 2025
