POSITIONÂ SUMMARYÂ
The Conservation department implements an ambitious annual roster of field research projects to meet the goals of our institutional Conservation Action Plan and in support more broadly of the Aquarium's strategic plan, An Aquarium Without Walls. The Research Operations & Safety Manager is a critical support staff position, working across the project portfolio and playing a critical role in ensuring the success of the Research Staff during field activities. The position also oversees logistical elements of field work, management of field data, and training and supervision of seasonal fieldwork staff, including undergraduate research interns. In this capacity, this position is responsible for annual recruitment, training, mentoring, and oversight of these student interns, ensuring positive and educational field experiences while also achieving project goals. This position works closely with all research project leads to support their activities, including participating in field and lab work when needed.Â
PRIMARYÂ RESPONSIBILITIESÂ
- Manages lab and field logistics (scheduling, staffing, use of equipment, vehicles, boats, etc.)Â
- Responsible for development and implementation of safety procedures for lab and field activities, including staff training and provision of related equipment/suppliesÂ
- Manages and maintains field and lab equipment, including procurement, repairs, organizationÂ
- Oversees data, QA/QC, metadata/storage/sharing (supported by Program Assistant)Â
- Maintains laboratory records, supplies, equipment, and lab securityÂ
- Manages all samples collected for laboratory processing once onsite at TMA, including inventory, storage, and prioritization/scheduling, including procurement and maintenance of storage facilities/equipment (e.g., freezers)Â
- Supervises 1 full-time direct report (Program Assistant) and part-time/seasonal research staff (interns and technicians)Â
- Supports lab sample processing and field research, as neededÂ
QUALIFICATIONSÂ
Education and Work ExperienceÂ
- 5+years of experience in field and/or laboratory researchpreferredÂ
- Bachelor's degree in related field requiredÂ
- Experiencemanaging people and working with students requiredÂ
- Experience managing data requiredÂ
- Experience managing ecological field equipment and laboratory equipment requiredÂ
- Experience managing logistics for mid-sized teams preferredÂ
Knowledge and SkillsÂ
- Excellent written and oral communication skillsrequiredÂ
- Excellent organization skillsrequiredÂ
- Proficiencyin MicrosoftOffice (Excel,Word,Powerpoint,Outlook)requiredÂ
- Proficiency in R preferredÂ
- Knowledge of Long Island Sound species and habitatsrequiredÂ
- Must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions, includingon boatsand in mud, and able to carry 35+ pounds over uneven terrain during field research Â
- Must be ableto work collaboratively, work independently, andmulti-taskÂ
- Strong leadership skills with proven ability to accept and delegate responsibility as well as organize tasks and peopleÂ
- Must be able to reliably commute to the Aquarium and to partner meetings and field sites throughout Connecticutand New YorkÂ
The typical work schedule will be 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm, but weekend, early morning, and evening work will be required for fieldwork and other department activities with advance notice.Â
SALARY: $32-34 per hour plus benefits.Â
START DATE:Â July 1, 2026 (Negotiable)Â
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. This posting is scheduled to remain open until June 5, 2026.