Restoration Lead 

 

SALARY RANGE:      Commensurate with experience

LOCATION:                 Tavernier/Key West, Florida 

SUPERVISOR:             Restoration Program Manager 

JOB STATUS:              Full Time, Exempt plus occasional special events  

SUBMISSION:            Email application materials to phanor@coralrestoration.org      

 

 

APPLICATION MATERIALS  

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1.     Cover letter that speaks to your interest in being a part of CRF™ conservation mission and what you can bring to this dynamic team (limit 1 page).  

2.     Resume presenting related experience concisely and directly addressing items in this position description (limit 2 pages).  

3.     Please provide contact information and the relationship to the applicant for two references. Please note that if applicants were formerly associated with CRF™, references should come from outside the current CRF™ Team. 

  

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ABOUT THE POSITION 

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The Restoration Lead will be pivotal in supporting and leading the Restoration team. This position is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our day-to-day restoration activities by overseeing field activities, planning and managing logistics, and ensuring compliance with monitoring needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in field-based coral restoration, project management and logistics, and the ability to lead a diverse team. 

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Project Coordination: 

  • Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of coral restoration projects. 

  • Assist with managing project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful completion. 

  • Serve as the primary point of contact between the Restoration Program and other CRF programs. 

  • Facilitate team meetings, providing updates on project progress, challenges, and solutions. 

• Field Operations Management: 

  • Participate in fieldwork, including coral nurseries maintenance, outplanting, and monitoring. 

  • Ensure all field activities adhere to safety protocols and best practices in coral restoration. 

  • Troubleshoot operational issues and provide hands-on support as needed. 

• Data Management and Reporting: 

  • Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of restoration data. 

  • Prepare regular progress reports for the Restoration Program Manager and stakeholders. 

  • Ensure data integrity and contribute to the development of research publications and presentations. 

• Resource Management: 

  • Manage equipment and supplies necessary for restoration activities. 

  • Coordinate logistics, including transportation, dive operations, and fieldwork schedules. 

  • Assist in securing permits and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field.  

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in field-based coral restoration or marine conservation, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. 

• Strong project management skills, with experience in coordinating complex field projects and logistics. 

• Proficient in data management. 

• SCUBA certified by an internationally recognized training agency with a minimum of 100 open water dives; a minimum of 50 of those dives as ocean dives and a minimum of 30 boat dives.   

• Current certifications for First Aid, CPR and O2 Provider with the certification issued from an internationally recognized agency.  

• Demonstrated experience in safe small boat (6-pax vessels) handling and boat trailering experience.  Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. 

• Ability to work in challenging field conditions and adapt to changing priorities. 

• Knowledge of U.S. regulations related to marine conservation and restoration. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word with a strong understanding of general computer technology 

• Agent of change – eager to improve self, business process, data quality and business performance 

• Deep integrity, with an unwavering commitment to ethical behavior 

• Consistently demonstrate professional, positive, and approachable attitude/demeanor and discretion. 

 

Preferred Skills and Knowledge 

• Advanced degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. 

• Experience in statistical analysis and GIS. 

• Preference to MOCC Certified or Coast Guard Licensed Captains. 

• Knowledge of international regulations related to marine conservation and restoration. 

 

CORE VALUES

 

The chosen candidate should embody the core values of CRF™. This includes the ability to be  team-oriented, and able to work with a diverse group of staff, interns, volunteers, donors, and community members. 

 

TEAM WORK AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS 

CRF™ operates with a small staff of 30 people and relies on our seasonal interns as well as local volunteers to accomplish our mission and work effectively on the water. We are a lean operation, and teamwork is crucial to our success. Being an effective team member means not only having the ability to work with your fellow staff members but also to be a positive example to our interns and volunteers (both on the water and off). Interested candidates should be able to work well with and communicate with a diverse group of people including fellow staff, interns, volunteers, the public, donors and partners. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT 

This position involves working in a complex underwater environment, operating vessels 28’ and less, and maintaining high safety standards while often managing 3-5 additional (sometimes relatively inexperienced) divers. You must achieve and maintain a high level of spatial awareness, for divers’ safety and to complete restoration tasks seamlessly.  

 

Work requires high levels of physical exertion and/or physical strain. Must be able to carry 65 pounds and able to lift 35 pounds overhead. This position is expected to perform 3 shallow-water SCUBA dives for up to 5 consecutive days per week. The work environment involves frequent exposure to various elements (sun, heat, wind, rain, cold, etc). Typical work week is 9am-5pm, 5 days a week, including weekends. Additionally, a willingness to travel and work flexible hours is essential. CRF™ requires Covid Vaccination (subject to applicable federal/state guidelines) to join our team. 

 

 

Coral Restoration Foundation™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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