About the Role:

MUST KNOW ENGLISH AND SPANISH - Local Puerto Rican Preferred.

The Coral Nursery is seeking a Coral Biologist / Aquaculture Technician to lead our coral restoration initiative at our land-based coral nursery located at The Palmas Academy in Humacao, Puerto Rico. This position will be responsible for the care and maintenance of our live coral stock, overseeing all aspects of our aquaculture systems, and ensuring the health and growth of corals used for reef restoration.

As the lead biologist on-site, you will also be the primary point of contact for college interns, guiding them through daily coral health monitoring and restoration activities. Additionally, since our facility is located within a school, you will play a role in teaching and delivering marine biology curriculum to K-12 students, integrating hands-on learning experiences with our conservation efforts.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about coral restoration, aquaculture, and education, looking to make a tangible impact on Puerto Rico’s marine ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities: Coral Restoration & Aquaculture Management

Oversee the daily maintenance and health monitoring of live coral stock in our land-based aquaculture systems.
Maintain optimal water quality and system functionality, including filtration, water flow, and temperature control.
Conduct routine cleaning, feeding, and propagation of coral specimens using microfragmentation and other restoration techniques.
Identify and mitigate coral health issues such as disease, bleaching, and predation.
Track coral growth and survival rates, maintaining detailed records and data analysis to support restoration efforts.

Intern & Volunteer Coordination

Serve as the lead mentor and point of contact for college interns participating in our coral restoration program.
Train and oversee interns in daily coral husbandry, data collection, and aquaculture system maintenance.
Facilitate hands-on learning experiences for interns to build practical skills in coral propagation, monitoring, and research techniques.

Education & Outreach

Assist in implementing marine biology and conservation curriculum for K-12 students at The Palmas Academy.
Develop and lead interactive lessons, workshops, and field activities to engage students in ocean science and coral conservation.
Participate in community outreach and educational events to promote marine conservation awareness.

Additional Responsibilities:

Maintain inventory of equipment, supplies, and live coral stock.
Work closely with The Coral Nursery’s leadership team to support research collaborations, grant reporting, and restoration goals.
Ensure compliance with all environmental and aquaculture regulations related to coral husbandry and restoration.

Qualifications & Skills:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience working with land-based aquaculture systems and coral restoration techniques.
Strong knowledge of coral biology, husbandry, and water quality management.
Experience with marine fieldwork, research methods, and data collection.
Ability to train, mentor, and manage interns in a hands-on work environment.
Passion for marine conservation and education, with some experience in teaching or outreach preferred.
Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead an impactful coral restoration initiative while engaging the next generation in marine conservation. As part of The Coral Nursery, you will play a critical role in preserving Puerto Rico’s reefs, mentoring future marine scientists, and educating the community about the importance of ocean conservation.

If you are passionate about coral restoration, aquaculture, and hands-on education, we’d love to hear from you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance

Work Location: In person

The Coral Nursery jobs

Senior Coral Biologist and Aquaculture Technician

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