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 using the link below to be considered for the position.
HCRI INVASIVE SOFT CORAL RESPONSE BIOLOGIST (UNOMIA) – ID# 225131
CLOSING DATE: March 23, 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 808-200-9554 (Oahu).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI). Primary work location will be at the Division of Aquatic Resources (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: Provides leadership and guidance related to addressing invasive soft coral (Unomia). Leads meetings to coordinate activities, discuss problems and identify solutions to achieve defined targets related to unomia. Coordinates with state and federal agencies and NGOs. Directs, oversees, trains, supports and evaluates staff and establishes and monitors their work schedules. Participates in human resources management, space utilization, policies and procedures. Promotes staff development activities. Utilizes good judgment in reviewing timesheets and vacation leave for staff. Oversees marine survey and data collection using SCUBA, snorkel, and eDNA sampling. Designs and leads collaborative delineation and inventory-style surveys. Creates and maintains databases, conducts data quality control, and backs up and stores data appropriately. Collaborates with partners to create a database for Unomia in Hawaiʻi with georeferenced data. Maps and analyzes spatial data. Drafts reports on deliverables, proposals, and other documents (e.g., plans). Tracks spending on equipment and supplies. Update and maintain SOPs, as needed. Operates vessels and/or oversees other operators using vessels for monitoring work. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Contributes to boat and field equipment and maintenance. Drives to work and field sites. Oversees outreach and education related to octocoral in Hawaiʻi.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Marine Biology or related field. (Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with at least two (2) years of coursework in Marine Biology, plus one to three (1-3) years of experience, may substitute for a Master’s Degree.)
EXPERIENCE: Two to four (2-4) years of monitoring experience in scientific research diving and computer data entry. Monitoring experience should include designing, implementing and analyzing data. Experience must include leading teams.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with invasive soft corals, current AIS issues, response methods, science, and trends. Must have knowledge of commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques, such as digital transecting, photoquadrat collection, rugosity measurement, and other established survey methodologies. Must have knowledge of eDNA. Must have the knowledge to evaluate and analyze the conditions, characteristics, values, and relationships of aquatic invasive species. Basic knowledge of biological principles, Hawaiian marine ecology, and research design is also required. Working knowledge of performing master database updates.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to learn ArcGIS, relevant add-ons, and other geospatial software. Ability to use Excel and learn Microsoft Access. Must understand and follow oral and written instructions and information with attention to detail. Ability to speak and write clearly, including the ability to analyze and clearly explain data and draft reports requiring minimal review and editing. Ability to meet and communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including the general public, fishermen, and agency officials. 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:
Experience working with unomia. Experience managing subordinate staff and volunteers in a field setting. Understanding of the resource management landscape of Hawai‘i. Experience in grant writing or project management. Previous authorization as a scientific diver from an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) accredited organization. SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to Rescue Diver or higher level. Experience using ArcGIS, R Studio, and CoralNet or photogrammetry (e.g., Agisoft). Experience with underwater digital videography and photography, digital image, and non-linear editing. Working knowledge of relational and geo-database design. Experience operating and maintaining small powerboats, including outboard motors, SCUBA compressors, and repair of each. Ability to assist in designing underwater biological and habitat surveys. Knowledge of marine mitigation tools. In-water eradication and control work.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. 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/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ 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.