Marine Restoration Officer (Applicants to be based in Antigua, W.I.)

AnuBlue (previously Elkhorn Marine Conservancy or EMC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the resilience and local stewardship of Antigua’s marine ecosystems. Since early 2021, the organization has undertaken an ambitious coral restoration project, aimed at restoring and preserving the reefs within Antigua’s North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) and Cades Reef. Working closely with local stakeholders, partners and funders, AnuBlue strives to restore marine ecosystem benefits, raise awareness and advocate for their protection.

AnuBlue’s culture is based on a mutual respect for the environment and a common goal to create positive change for the ocean and the local communities that depend on it. Our team thrives on inclusion, embracing team members from various backgrounds and fields of expertise. Our work culture is heavily grounded in trust and autonomy. We believe in completing deliverables effectively and within deadlines, but embrace flexible work hours, conducting desktop and field work based on weather and availability. We collaborate amongst ourselves and with other like-minded groups, to learn, share and inspire.

AnuBlue is seeking an adaptive and motivated Marine Restoration Officer to join a growing team.

Responsibilities

Coral restoration:

• Assist coral nursery maintenance crew with bi-monthly nursery cleanings and repairs
• Assist with nursery expansions, including building and installing nursery structures, collecting coral fragments and populating coral nursery structures
• Assist with outplanting corals onto degraded reefs
• Oversee monthly coral nursery maintenance checks

Monitoring & data management:

• Collect and input data, GPS coordinates, and photos for collected, outplanted, and nursery corals
• Assist the scientific team with the collection, storage, and processing of photomosaic data
• Manage and print identification tags for nursery and outplanted corals

Scientific research:

• Assist scientific team with reviewing documents, developing reports, and writing papers when appropriate
• Conduct monthly water quality monitoring testing and manage the corresponding data
• Assist in laboratory maintenance, cleaning and animal husbandry during planned ex-situ research or engagement projects
• Participate in various grant project applications,

Outreach, education & other:

• Develop communications and organize engagement meetings with fisherfolk, tour operators and other primary stakeholders relevant to restoration and research programs
• Build presentations or documents when required to support restoration, conservation and science related initiatives
• Assist in other miscellaneous tasks as needed to support the team

Requirements

• Must have a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, biology or related
• Must have experience with data entry and management, and be a proficient writer
• Must be able to work independently or with a team to meet deadlines
• Must be adaptive and efficient, with a willingness to work outside of a typical 9-5 schedule when required
• Must be reliable, organised, and have a positive mindset
• Must have a valid SCUBA certification and a minimum of 10 dives
• Must have access to personal computer and internet, as well as wetsuit, mask and fins and access to a car to travel to work sites
• Must be capable of lifting a full dive tank (approx. 30-40lbs)
• Must be a strong swimmer/snorkeler with good insurance and be comfortable spending multiple hours working in the ocean
• Must have respect for the ocean and environment, and be willing to learn new skills