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.
MAKAI WATCH ASSOCIATE – ID# 226568.
CLOSING DATE: October 1, 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 (Hawai‘i).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the College of Social Sciences, Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI). Position will work with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). Primary work location will be at the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) DOCARE and designated worksites on Hawai‘i Island. 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: $4,000 - $4,120/Mon.
DUTIES: Collaborates and coordinates with DOCARE officers to plan and participate in public events. Coordinates logistics for in-person, hybrid, and online community engagement related to natural resources rules, regulations, laws, and pono practices, and DOCARE’s role. Develops and maintains working relationships with government agencies, partners, and communities. Participates in site visits and community workdays. Participates in in-person and virtual meetings with DOCARE, the community, and others related to communities, pono practices, and enforcement of natural resources rules, regulations, and laws. Drives to attend events and meetings. Facilitates and convenes workshops and trainings for agency staff, including enforcement officials. Provides support to DOCARE-directed initiatives for the community. In collaboration with the Makai Watch statewide coordinator, updates Makai Watch program materials. Records resource concerns shared by Makai Watch communities. Drafts reports. Must be able to attend weekend and after-hours travel for meetings/workshops/events. Must be able to travel to attend community outreach events on Hawaiʻi Island at least twice a month (same day travel). Must be able to travel interisland, approximately once or twice per year for two (2) days per trip.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. (Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college and two (2) years of work experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.).
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience with community programs and public awareness initiatives in Hawai‘i. Includes experience with natural resources management, public engagement strategies, and cross-cultural communication.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with natural resources rules, regulations, and laws. Working knowledge or willingness to learn and understand federal, statewide, regional, island-based, and community-based fishing regulations. Knowledge of community engagement techniques, and cross-cultural communication. Knowledge of proper public contact and online meeting etiquette. Understanding of local nearshore fishing practices and culture.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Office and online meeting platforms. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally. Good oral and written communication including spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills. Ability to organize community engagement events. Ability to tailor information to target audiences. Ability to meet changing priorities and responsibilities and complete assignments on a timely basis. Ability to work with diverse user groups, cultures, and personalities. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, staff from other agencies, stakeholders, volunteers, fishermen, communities, and the general public. Ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. Ability to identify issues and problem solve effectively. 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. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) 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: Comfortable working outdoors, including along the shoreline. Ability to work long hours outdoors in all weather conditions and walk over uneven terrain. Must be able to bend, lift, and carry objects weighing up to thirty (30) 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:
Expertise in Hawai‘i’s aquatic resource rules, regulations, and best practices. Experience working with multicultural stakeholders in Hawai‘i, particularly on Hawai‘i Island.
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.