Ocean Career: TNC Coral Conservation Education Associate

The Coral Conservation Education Associate (CCEA) works in The Nature Conservancy (TNC’s) Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, providing support with educating the public, students, and community members about coral reef restoration and conservation. The CCEA is pivotal in our educational outreach, delivering engaging classroom presentations and organizing field trips that bring coral restoration to life for students. The CCEA, under the supervision of the Science Engagement Coordinator, participates in public education, classroom presentations and field trips, tours and coral husbandry. This position will represent our program at community events and through written communications. Additionally, the CCEA will support the maintenance and care of our aquaculture facility, ensuring the health of our coral species and achieving a high level of familiarity with the program for effective communication of our work.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.

By joining our Caribbean Division’s US Virgin Islands team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people and communities, and a force for our planet.  This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting the work of our Coral Innovation Hub and educating our community on the importance of coral conservation!

 What You’ll Bring:

  • Undergraduate degree in Aquarium Science and/or a life sciences related field (i.e. Environmental Science, Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Oceanography) plus one-year experience in aquaculture or natural sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience communicating with a variety of members of the public.
  • Experience with public education associated with conservation projects or closely related fields.
  • Experience in principles of coral ecology and familiarity with Caribbean coral species and biology.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in public speaking and education and writing and/or editing publications and related materials.
  • Experience in aquaculture or aquaria systems.
  • Experience with public education associated with marine science or conservation projects.
  • Ability to organize time, manage diverse activities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate ideas to a variety of people and interest groups.
  • Ability to work occasional weekends for events.
  • Experience working and living in the US Virgin Islands.
  • Experience snorkeling or scuba diving.
  • Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
  • Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.

Additional Information

  • This is a term-limited position, with an anticipated end-date June 30, 2027. Depending on funding, there may be the possibility of an extension.
  • Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered. Unfortunately, The Nature Conservancy is unable to provide support for a work permit for this position.
  • Position requires a valid driver’s license and maintaining a good driving record.


This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $24.00 – $26.50/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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