Organization Details
HCRI was established in 1998 to provide support for research and training to build capacity to effectively manage coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii. It has been guided by the belief that social science provides a critical foundation to long term sustainability of natural resources.
Opportunity Details
This is an RCUH position. To be considered, please apply directly on the RCUH website by following this link: ID# 225567 HCRI Ballast Water & Biofouling Specialist
CLOSING DATE: October 31, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES: Kira Yamashita at hcri@hawaii.edu or 808-200-9554 (Oahu).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI), located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Position will work with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Ballast Water and Biofouling Program. Primary work location will be at the DAR Anuenue Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) in Sand Island, and other designated worksites on Oahu. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,583.33 - $4,750/Mon.
DUTIES: Develops inspection protocols for ballast water and biofouling inspections under the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act. Conducts research on legal aspects of inspection protocols, builds contact lists, procures equipment, and develops detailed SOPs. Builds relationships with inspection partners. Organizes trainings on new inspection protocols. Plans outreach to commercial and recreational vessels. Leads and conducts ballast water and biofouling inspections and surveys using SCUBA, snorkel, or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) around vessels for aquatic invasive organisms. Acts as the primary coordinator for inspections and surveys. Drives to field sites. Attends meetings with state, federal, national and international partners. Represents the Hawaiʻi Ballast Water and Biofouling Program in the absence of the Biologist. Directs, oversees, trains, supports and evaluates staff and establishes and monitors working schedules. Promotes staff development activities. Utilizes good judgment in reviewing timesheets and vacation leave for staff. Writes reports. Gathers, tracks, and distributes reports and project updates. Participates in conferences and workshops. Gives presentations. Assists with other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Team tasks, including field work, as needed. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Must be able to travel interisland. Must be able and willing to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, and drive to various work sites.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in marine science, natural or environmental resource planning, or maritime operations related field.
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of experience in planning, research, communication, or related work experience. Experience must include advising on planning concepts and methods, providing technical information and analyses for the formation and programming of plans; and formulation and presentation of plans and policy recommendations including alternatives and their consequences. Experience must include at least one (1) year of monitoring experience in scientific research diving and computer data entry. Experience must include leading teams.
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of marine and freshwater aquatic invasive species pathways and risks. Knowledge of State and Federal regulatory authorities. Knowledge of effective writing and communication techniques.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to speak and write clearly, including the ability to analyze and draft documents requiring minimal review and editing. Demonstrated ability to plan and facilitate small and large group meetings. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Possesses excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time. Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage team members through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to basic Open Water and meet the standards established by DAR’s diver certification process (which meets the standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration). Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment to drive to various field sites. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must obtain valid certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration and qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver before SCUBA activities begin. Must be able to obtain and maintain boat operator certification within two (2) months from date of hire (does not expire). Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Must be capable of handling all necessary diving equipment and procedures required in conducting underwater research from shore or small boats, sometimes in rough seas. Must be able to swim, snorkel, and SCUBA to conduct underwater surveys. Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Must be able and willing to work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Interisland travel may be required.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major emphasis on marine science, natural or environmental resource planning, or maritime operations. Familiarity with state and federal ballast water and hull fouling legislation and policies. Understanding of Hawai‘i aquatic environments and vessel traffic. Experience drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Experience in project management and conducting trainings. SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to Rescue Diver or higher level.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.