Position Overview: The Conservation Seagrass Coordinator is a new position on the Restore Our Shores (ROS) team. Most of the work will be focused on growing, transplanting and monitoring seagrass throughout the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). This position will also assist with the Zoo’s clam and oyster projects, and other restoration projects, as assigned. Field to office ratio is expected to be 80/20, but will fluctuate seasonally. Time will be spent in and around the Indian River Lagoon, so comfort with water is required.
Responsibilities:
· Oversee the Zoo’s seagrass nurseries (one currently with 1-2 more planned for 2023)
o This involves acquiring seagrass fragments, growing them to planting size/condition, and maintaining the nurseries for optimal growth. The seagrass nurseries in our pipeline currently span from Melbourne Beach to Rockledge, meaning this position will be expected to work throughout Brevard County, and will be expected to drive Zoo vehicles daily.
· Oversee the Zoo’s seagrass planting of nursery-grown fragments
o This involves overseeing the cultivation, transportation and planting of seagrass planting units at restoration sites throughout the IRL.
· Conduct site evaluations for habitat suitability
o This involves visiting potential restoration sites throughout the IRL and evaluating what features would make the site successful/unsuccessful for an oyster reef/clam bed/seagrass bed, allowing the process to move forward or removing the site from consideration. Some of this process requires walking or snorkeling transects in the lagoon.
· Record water quality data and other environmental conditions at sites throughout the IRL
o Water depth, salinity, fetch, sediment composition, along with other data will be collected
· Participate in the creation, preparation and maintenance of restoration project materials, including but not limited to gabions, oyster shell bags, nets, habitats, seagrass nursery, herbivore excluder devices
· Participate in the construction and installation of Zoo’s clam and oyster restoration projects throughout the IRL
o This involves planting clam beds and building oyster reefs, as well as constructing materials for all conservation department restoration projects
· Participate in the maintenance and monitoring of restoration projects throughout the IRL
o Regular maintenance and monitoring are a feature of restoration including, but not limited to, replacing and repairing nets, cleaning nets, removing algae, removing predators, etc. This position is responsible for conducting both maintenance and monitoring at regularly scheduled intervals.
· Work from land/water/boat on a regular basis
· Interact and build rapport with property owners and partners
· Work as part of the larger, Brevard Zoo team, working cooperatively with other Zoo staff
· Operate work vehicles regularly
· Other duties as assigned
Position Requirements:
· Ability to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, weekends and holidays as needed
· Education the field of horticulture, biology, or marine sciences
· Ability to work outside in FL for extended periods of time with the associated hazards – severe heat and humidity, rain, mosquitos, stingrays, etc.
· Experience working with seagrass is preferred
· Ability to work professionally and efficiently with partners
· Knowledge of the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s flora and fauna, including seagrass species, is preferred
· A minimum of two years of field work experience is preferred
· Strong communication skills
· A positive, flexible, and proactive attitude
· Ability to take initiative, multi-task, work independently
· Ability to work to work long hours on a boat in normal wind and wave conditions
· Ability to swim and snorkel in the lagoon
· Ability to work independently and in a team environment
· Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
· Willingness to obtain any/all certification/license necessary
· Ability to lift 50 lbs.