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
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
HCRI DIVING & BOATING RESEARCH SPECIALIST – ID# 226285.
CLOSING DATE: May 27, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. 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). Position will work with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Primary work location will be at DAR, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. 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: $6,000 - $6,500/Mon.
DUTIES: Performs program management. Directs the statewide DAR Boating and Diving Program to support aquatic research and resource management. Leads responses to emergency situations and implements safety protocols. Maintains program compliance. Responsible for strategic planning, budget development, and grant management. Leads meetings to coordinate activities, discuss issues, and identifies solutions related to boating and diving protocols. Researches pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles, and methodologies related to diving and boating and adjusts program accordingly. Communicates recommendations to DAR leadership. Leads procurement and inventory tracking for Oʻahu-based operations and provides technical assistance to District Lead Biologists to establish satellite diving/boating facilities. Oversees renovations and maintenance of aquatic research, boating, and diving-related infrastructure and equipment at the Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center (AFRC). Manages DAR dive activities in coordination with the Dive Safety Officer and Diving Control Board to ensure strict compliance with DAR and AAUS standards. Develops and updates protocols and standard operating procedures for diving. Advises field teams on weather and oceanographic conditions. Oversees the administrative lifecycle of 80–100 divers, including medical clearances, certifications, and the implementation of digital tracking software. Reviews and approves dive plans and evaluates partner organizations for collaborative projects and recommends approval. Schedules SCUBA tank use. Establishes, maintains, and operates compressors and gas-blending stations; fills tanks. Performs annual inspections and services on open-circuit SCUBA equipment and associated gear. Establishes and oversees the DAR Boating Safety Program, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and vessel manuals and ensures content is up to date. Manages DAR’s statewide maintenance protocol and tracking system for boats, boater qualifications, trailers, and vehicles. Coordinates vessel and trailer checkouts and evaluates boating partner qualifications. Leads the maintenance and repair schedule for Oʻahu-based vessels and ensures all fleet assets are mission-ready. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Serves as the lead instructor for diving and boating safety. Conducts AAUS Scientific Diver, advanced open water, Rescue Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox certifications, check out dives, as well as First Aid/CPR/AED, Emergency Oxygen Administration, and Nitrox certifications. Provides Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) training, practice hours, and certification. Conducts specialized equipment training (e.g., lift bags, dive propulsion devices, tarping, applying chlorine). Incorporates indigenous and/or traditional knowledge where appropriate. Supports boating and diving field work, including vessel grounding response. Serves as boat captain, lead diver, or assistant diver for research and resource management projects. Operates heavy machinery, including forklifts. Manages field site logistics including vehicle transport. Drives vehicles to field sites. Conducts community engagement for the general public. Effectively communicates with external stakeholders. Must be able to travel interisland approximately five to ten (5-10) times per year for two to five (2-5) days per trip and nationally once per year for about seven (7) days per trip or internationally up to once per year for about seven (7) days per trip. Must be able and willing to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, and occasionally in and out of small boats in rough seas.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with at least two (2) years of coursework in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of experience in scientific survey research diving and marine research involving overseeing or coordinating diving and boating operations. Experience using dive management software or database tools to track diver status, equipment service intervals, and fleet maintenance. At least one (1) year of experience leading teams. Three to five (3-5) years of experience operating and maintaining small powerboats. Experience with repair of outboard motors, SCUBA compressors, and navigation technology.
KNOWLEDGE: Strong knowledge of boating and diving principles and techniques. Strong knowledge of Hawaiian oceanographic conditions to inform safe navigation and in-water work. Strong knowledge of SCUBA gear, diving, and boat maintenance. Working knowledge of compressors and gas-blending stations. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and theories and systems associated with occupational or research diving, boating, and water safety. Strong knowledge of Hawaiian aquatic species, current threats and issues, response methods, science, and trends. Strong knowledge of commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques. Basic knowledge of biological principles, Hawaiian marine ecology, and research design.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to speak and write clearly, including the ability to analyze and clearly explain data, draft proposals, and draft reports requiring minimal review and editing. Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions and information with attention to detail. Ability to provide effective and composed guidance during emergency situations. Must be proficient in the use of computers, including diver tracking software, word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. Proficient with database management, online data repositories, and open/reproducible science platforms. Ability to learn ArcGIS, relevant add-ons, and other geospatial software. Ability to meet and deal effectively with various stakeholders, including the general public, and agency officials. Ability to operate or become certified in operating a forklift or heavy equipment. Ability to provide training on specialized equipment (e.g., lift bags, dive propulsion devices, tarping, chemical application). Must hold active Instructor-level certification from a recognized SCUBA diving agency (PADI, NAUI, etc.). Previous authorization to certify others as AAUS or Rescue Diver. DAN Diving First Aid for Professional Divers Instructor and DAN Oxygen Administration Instructor certification. CPR, AED, and First Aid Instructor certification with a nationally recognized agency (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, DAN, etc.). Previous authorization as a scientific diver from an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) accredited organization with ability to provide AAUS scientific diver training and certification. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to Instructor level and meet the standards established by DAR’s diver certification process (which meets the standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration). Must possess Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) or equivalent certification. 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 complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must maintain valid certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration and qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver before SCUBA activities begin. Must obtain MOCC trainer certification within twelve (12) months. Must be able to complete forklift operator’s certification before forklift operations begin and maintain throughout duration of employment. 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 fill and move tanks and gear. 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.
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 in Marine Biology or related field. Diving experience in a leadership or supervisory role (lead diver, lead instructor, assistant Dive Safety Officer [DSO], etc.). Experience responding to emergency diving and boating situations. Certification as a Visual Cylinder Inspector. Trained repair technician for at least one (1) major brand of diving equipment. Experience using GPS and GIS. Lifeguard certification. Current forklift operator certification. Experience using Closed-Circuit Rebreathers (CCR). US Coast Guard Captain’s license: Master of Un-inspected Passenger Vessel. Experience with community engagement and indigenous knowledge as it relates to resource management in Hawaiʻi.
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) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official 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, please 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.