About CWORI:
Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located on St.
Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). CWORI is dedicated to conserving marine habitats and
wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, restoration, research, and public education that empowers others. CWORI’s initiatives include coral reef conservation, sargassum research, education and outreach, and animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Purpose of Position:
The purpose of this position is to advance marine and terrestrial conservation in the U.S. Virgin Islands through community outreach, public education and animal rehabilitation. This position will primarily aid efforts to bridge public awareness with hands-on conservation and provide community-focused education opportunities that connect diverse audiences to the natural environment. Additionally, the position will support the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife and foster community engagement in restoring ecologically, economically, and culturally beneficial reef sites around the islands of St. Thomas and St. John in the USVI.
Job Summary:[GU1]
The Conservation, Education, & Rehabilitation Technician will work closely with the Education & Outreach Coordinator and conservation staff across numerous grant-funded projects to support the public engagement and animal care efforts at CWORI. The successful candidate will participate in designing and delivering educational programming, public community events, and daily husbandry of rehabilitating wildlife. They[GU2] will also lead and mentor participants in the workforce development program, as well as support interns and volunteers. This position is entirely grant-funded, and continuation of work beyond current grant agreements is subject to funding availability and CWORI management discretion.
Additional responsibilities may include, but not limited to, supporting sargassum-focused research and marine invertebrate rearing, as needed. The technician may also assist with land-based and in-water coral restoration activities, which consists of general coral husbandry, propagation, and nursery maintenance. This position will be responsible for being knowledgeable about all the projects and grants at CWORI to ensure the work is being communicated to the public and is accurately reflected in education and outreach content and initiatives. [GU3] Duties may change over time due to changes in project goals and funding, or at the discretion of the Education and Outreach Coordinator, Conservation Managers, and Executive Director.
Essential Duties:
Education & Outreach:
· Assist the Education & Outreach Coordinator in creating and delivering interactive presentations and community event programming for a wide variety of audiences.
· Support outreach initiatives by compiling educational materials, photos/videos of work at CWORI and scientific data for public distribution and digital platforms.
· Lead independent educational tours, school presentations, and public community outreach events.
· Assist with fundraising
· Mentor and guide participants through CWORI’s workforce development program
· Utilize diverse teaching techniques to engage audiences of all ages and adapt presentations to match different learning styles
· Support intern and volunteer program
· Meet regularly with the Education & Outreach coordinator.
Animal Husbandry:
· Provide regular daily husbandry, feeding, and cleaning for birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife in the rehabilitation department under the direction of project staff.
· Learn to safely handle wildlife and assist with intake assessments and administration of medications
· Record keeping and data management.
· Assist with veterinary medical treatment[GU4]
· Monitor and respond to the CWORI Animal Rehabilitation Hotline
Other:
· Assist the Education & Outreach Coordinator and Conservation Manager(s) with compiling (writing, data analysis, etc.) reports and presentations as needed
Potential Duties:
· Assist coral restoration staff with husbandry and life support system procedures for corals, including cleaning algae from raceways, feeding, and micro-fragmentation assistance.
· Support conservation staff with Sargassum data collection.
· Collect, propagate, and translocate keystone herbivorous invertebrate species such as urchins, snails, and/or crabs as needed
Qualifications & Skills:
REQUIRED:
· Enthusiasm for/knowledge of wildlife, conservation, and community education.
· Strong public speaking capability and skill in translating complex marine science concepts into approachable, inspiring language.
· Experience working with young people, and/or adults in an informal or formal educational setting.
· Comfort around wildlife and knowledge of proper animal handling techniques.
· Ability to foster an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for individuals of varying backgrounds and abilities.
· Able to think on your feet, handle unexpected questions with poise, & keep learners curious & engaged.
· Ability to arrive on time for assigned shifts and complete tasks in a timely manner.
· Ability to take and implement instruction and critical feedback.
PREFERRED:
· A degree in a related science field (biology, marine biology, etc.)
· Experience with animal handling and restrain[GU5] t
· Familiarity with Virgin Islands flora and fauna and/or local cultural knowledge[GU6]
· SCUBA certification.
· Bilingual skills (English/Spanish).
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to see and hear; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and animals safely; stand for extended periods; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. Working outdoors in various coastal weather conditions (heat, rain) is required. SCUBA diving safety is essential for those participating in dives.
Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes to personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
