Organization Overview

Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) is a nonprofit organization based in Gainesville, Florida, and is the oldest sea turtle conservation organization in the world. STC is hiring a Lighting Project Technician to work on our Beachfront Lighting Program. The Lighting Program is funded through multiple grants that all aim to mitigate the impacts of artificial light and increase sea turtle survivorship by reducing hatchling disorientation.

Key Responsibilities

The Lighting Project Technician will work as part of our lighting team, implementing sea turtle lighting retrofits and lighting surveys, and assisting with educational presentations, workshops, and other outreach initiatives to help further reduce lighting impacts on adult and hatchling sea turtles. The position involves conducting day and night evaluations at beachfront properties in Florida; developing wildlife lighting plans; compiling grant agreements with participating properties; communicating with property representatives, lighting industry professionals, and local government officials; and guiding assigned properties through all phases of the retrofit process. The technician will also collect field data during lighting surveys using established methodologies and assist with data management and analysis. In addition, the Lighting Project Technician will participate in educational presentations and lighting workshops developed for code enforcement officers, building officials, and lighting professionals. The role also includes supporting ongoing lighting outreach initiatives through information gathering, cold-calling, troubleshooting, and close collaboration with conservation partners. Responsibilities further include planning travel logistics, tracking the progression of multiple projects in various stages, data entry, and assisting with data analysis and reporting efforts. Training will be made available to the right candidate to boost knowledge about wildlife lighting. The Lighting Project Technician will work under the Lighting Program Manager. The position is based in our office in Gainesville, FL.

Travel Requirements

• Low to moderate travel required: 2 to 5 days monthly
• Occasional nights and infrequent weekends

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife conservation, environmental science, biology, or similar field
• US citizenship is required
• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to simultaneously handle and prioritize multiple tasks
• Motivated with an ability to work closely on a team, learn new skills, and follow leadership directives
• Skilled with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and familiar with ArcGIS software
• Passionate about the conservation of threatened and endangered species
• Comfortable speaking in front of various audiences and group sizes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Benefits

• Fully paid employee health and dental insurance
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation days
• Generous retirement plan initiated after 12 months of employment
• Work in a flexible, yet highly motivated non-profit environment with a close-knit team of professionals