Director of Facilities and Sustainability

The SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability (DFS) is responsible for capital project and routine facilities planning, project management, and maintaining Shoals Marine Laboratory’s (SML) island and shore-based facilities. The DFS will direct, oversee, and participate in building infrastructure of facilities operations for both routine and long-term projects and will plan, implement, and coordinate capital projects. The DFS will participate in hiring and training facilities staff. The DFS will supervise the Lead Engineer and facilities staff; work with the Lead Engineer and facilities staff on routine maintenance and facility upgrades; act as primary contact for SML’s Sustainability initiatives and green grid; and ensure health and environmental compliance. The successful candidate must have the ability to work well with others in a team environment and must use and promote sustainable practices and alternatives in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the full time SML staff the DFS duties include planning and implementing SML facilities opening and closing, coordinating volunteer activities at the beginning and end of the season, and ensuring proper functioning of island infrastructure and systems. The DFS will work with the Executive Director to prioritize the capital needs. The DFS will serve as key point of contact for all strategic planning pertaining to SML’s physical facilities. The DFS will proactively develop and maintain good working relations with local contractors, vendors, state and city officials, as well as user groups to promote a positive image of SML. During the operating season, the DFS is expected to spend overnight time on Appledore Island to oversee seasonal staff activities to ensure proper functioning of infrastructure and to identify areas for future upgrades. Intense and physical field and vessel-based work is part of this job.

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a remote seasonally operated field station located on Appledore Island, Maine (10 miles from our dock in Portsmouth, NH). In operation since 1966, SML is the largest and oldest marine laboratory in the country focused on undergraduate education. The SML mission is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. SML is open for programming from May through September. Our year-round office is located at UNH in Durham, NH.

Additional Job Information

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a remote seasonally operated field station located on Appledore Island, Maine (10 miles from our dock in Portsmouth, NH). In operation since 1966, SML is the largest and oldest marine laboratory in the country focused on undergraduate education. The SML mission is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. SML is open for programming from May through September. Our year-round office is located at UNH in Durham, NH.

Other minimum qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field and 5+ -years experience, or equivalent.

Demonstrated project management skills

Demonstrated ability to manage a budget

A combination of experience and training including: general construction, carpentry, diesel engines and generators, electrical and plumbing systems, drinking water, seawater and wastewater systems, vehicles, and small motors.

Ability to lead a team of seasonal and student staff in an isolated residential environment that is physically demanding involving long hours.

Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job, including heavy work (up to 75 lbs) with exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.

Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary.

Ability to set-up staging and rigging to safely access difficult locations.

Willingness to respond to off-hour calls for emergencies.

Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading, and unloading of baggage, materials, and supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.

Good communications skills, both oral and written.

Valid motor vehicle operator’s license

Required to demonstrate proficiency of knowledge of University policies and procedures surrounding project work.

Periodic background checks and successful participation in SML’s substance- abuse testing program required.

Willingness to spend 2-4 nights per week in residence on Appledore Island is expected from April – October.

Comfort with technology, computer skills, and learning new programs and software

Dedication to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Must be able to attain a Class I Water Distribution and Class II Water Treatment certifications for drinking water in the State of Maine within 1 year of hire. (SML will support training.)

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Captain license preferred (USCG 50 Ton Near Coastal or greater)

AAUS SCUBA Certification

Project management certification or equivalent

Wilderness First Aid/Responder certification or willingness to obtain

Remote field station or marine laboratory experience

Experience with institutional purchasing and procurement processes.

Salary Information

Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off. Starting salary is expected to be $85,000 +

Please learn more and apply at: https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/64099