Coral Husbandry Technician Supervisor

Job description

the employer is seeking an experienced and passionate Coral Husbandry Technician Supervisor to support the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI), one of the world's largest coral reef conservation and restoration programs. Reporting to the Coral Husbandry Specialist, the role is responsible for supervising coral husbandry operations, co-culture systems, and fish husbandry activities to maximize coral production for reef restoration. The successful candidate will oversee daily nursery operations, ensure the highest standards of coral care and aquatic husbandry, supervise technical staff, and contribute to the successful implementation of advanced coral restoration techniques. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in coral husbandry, coral sexual and asexual reproduction, aquaculture, and marine conservation, with the ability to work in remote project environments. Key Responsibilities • Supervise daily coral husbandry, co-culture, and fish husbandry operations to ensure optimal coral growth and production. • Implement advanced coral restoration techniques, including coral sexual and asexual reproduction methodologies. • Manage coral nursery operations while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, animal welfare, and operational efficiency. • Monitor coral health, identify and diagnose coral diseases, and implement appropriate corrective actions. • Supervise and support husbandry technicians to ensure compliance with established husbandry procedures and quality standards. • Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational records, and production documentation. • Coordinate daily activities with the Coral Husbandry team, management, and multidisciplinary project stakeholders. • Support the successful delivery of nursery operational readiness, commissioning, and ongoing coral production programs. • Monitor and maintain aquatic life support systems, water quality, and environmental conditions. • Participate in diving operations to support coral monitoring, maintenance, and restoration activities when required. • Attend project meetings and provide operational updates and technical input. • Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and report incidents, hazards, and near misses promptly. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance coral production, nursery operations, and restoration outcomes

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Marine Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in coral husbandry with a strong emphasis on coral sexual reproduction.
• Proven experience in coral propagation, co-culture husbandry, fish husbandry, and aquaculture operations.
• Strong understanding of aquatic life support systems, coral health management, and marine husbandry practices.
• Experience supervising technical teams in marine, aquarium, aquaculture, or coral restoration environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and digital documentation systems.
• Excellent communication, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience working in remote or project-based environments is highly desirable.
• Middle East experience and Arabic language skills are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Willingness to relocate to a remote project location and participate in diving activities as required.

Skills