Aquaculture Associate

What We Can Achieve Together: The Aquaculture Associate (AA) works in TNC’s Coral Innovation Hub on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, providing support with building projects, and general assistance to program staff working toward the achievement of coral reef protection, restoration, and monitoring goals. The AA, working in close collaboration with the aquaculture team, maintains coral aquaculture systems and chemical manipulation of coral systems for the purpose of propagation of various coral species. The AA is responsible for routine seawater chemistry testing, trace element manipulation, chemistry equipment upkeep , day-to-day system maintenance, and overall husbandry required of the coral aquaculture facility. They provide aquarist technical assistance on restoration tasks, and/or general assistance to program staff, partners, and facility users. Under the guidance of the aquaculture team, the AA will aid in the cleaning of tanks, life support systems upkeep and propagation of various coral species. The AA will keep comprehensive and accurate logs of system parameters, coral health evaluations, and coral system maintenance. The AA will also assist and complete manual labor projects including plumbing, digging, and the extensive use of power tools. 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 USVI 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 a force for our planet. Our team consists of a dedicated group of people who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. The ideal candidate should have experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry and seawater testing, as well as proficiency using a variety of power tools. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting and shaping the work of our Coral Innovation Hub! What You’ll Bring: BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in aquaculture or natural sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with organizational, communication, and time management skills. Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery. Experience with saltwater aquariums or coral husbandry. Basic knowledge of seawater chemistry and water parameter testing. Experience in principles of coral ecology and familiarity with Caribbean coral species and biology. Experience maintaining coral life support systems including water quality, heath checks, and routine maintenance and cleaning protocols. Willingness to work outside of normal scheduled hours (i.e. weekend days, holidays, special events, after-hour system related activities or emergencies). Position requires a valid driver’s license and maintaining a good driving record. Desired Qualifications Experience with commercial aquaculture systems including maintaining and installing commercial grade filtration systems. Proficiency in general chemistry, marine chemistry, stability, and upkeep. Basic plumbing experience. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff. Exposure in the operation of automated control systems. Experience effectively following directions, observing and remembering details, and making independent decisions based on training. Experience analyzing, adapting, and performing tasks safely and efficiently in a high stress environment and/or emergency situation. Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers). Experience working effectively with limited or no supervision and maintaining a work ethic supporting TNC’s mission and goals. Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is appreciated. 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 . 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. 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. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of USD $23-25/hr. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, specific skills, and experience. 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. Who We Are: The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor . One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.” What We Bring: Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here . We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ. Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.