Preserve Manager, Palmyra Atoll

Palmyra Atoll, USA.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i program has forged partnerships to manage over 2 million acres of natural lands and has grown to include Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage 14 preserves and other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we facilitate research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

The staff and facilities on TNC’s Palmyra Preserve supports scientific research by TNC, the USFWS, and world-renowned research institutions. Staff are hired on a seasonal basis for approximately 3 months at a time to run the operations, maintain the facilities and support visitor and research trips. Board and lodging are provided while on-island.

Palmyra Atoll is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth. Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, Palmyra is a 680-acre atoll with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is located within a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Refuge within a protected Marine National Monument. The Nature Conservancy owns and operates a Preserve at Palmyra to care for this special place while learning and developing innovations to improve ecosystem health and resilience and enhance biodiversity. Supporting research and management at Palmyra is a rewarding challenge for the right applicant (see nature.org/palmyra).

The Preserve Manager (PM) is responsible for the overall management, supervision of seasonal staff and volunteers, and safety of the Preserve operations and staff. The PM is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of Preserve facilities and equipment including generators, marina & boats, photovoltaic, runway, and the oversight of kitchen and housekeeping services. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong facilities management and project management skills and experience, and the proven interpersonal savvy to build and maintain effective relationships with staff, partners, and guests (donors, researchers, visiting vessel’s crews & passengers). The PM will report to the Field Operations Manager who is based in Hawaii.

We’re looking for an individual experienced in managing and running a remote facility while supporting a diverse and effective team. If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports terrestrial and marine conservation, apply today!

The successful candidate must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid US passport with an expiration date later than your term of employment, proof of a physical examination showing good health and a current tetanus vaccination and a first aid/CPR certification current throughout assignment.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ experience in facilities management and operations or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Cumulative 1-year experience working in a confined community such as aboard a ship, field camp, or remote field station.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff to support the smooth running and safety needs of a facility. Ability to set objectives, manage performance, and motivate team members.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing the construction or maintenance repairs of a building or facility, including working knowledge of maintenance and repair of diesel and gasoline engines; generators; outboard motors; water filtration and plumbing systems; hydraulics; refrigeration systems; energy systems, preferably experience with photovoltaic and battery storage, and a working knowledge in use of common hand and power tools.
• Experience overseeing food preparation, housekeeping, and inventory control services.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to lift 50lbs.
• Experience with MS Word and Excel in producing reports and maintaining inventories.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Must have valid driver's license.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for this position is generally $3000.00 biweekly (gross). Returning Palmyra staff are provided higher rates due to experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Unfortunately, The Nature Conservancy is unable to provide support for a work permit for this position. Only applicants who are currently eligible to work in the United States will be considered.

Applicants are required to confirm residency in a U.S. state or territory where TNC is registered for tax withholding and workers' compensation insurance purposes. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

These seasonal positions are recruited for year-round when there are vacancies so you might not hear a response for a few months. Typical deployment timeframes are March - June, June - September, September - December, and December - March. Please indicate your timeframe interest in your cover letter.

To apply for job ID 54592, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 5:59 PM HST on December 31, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.