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 MARINE ANIMAL RESPONSE COORDINATOR – ID# 226189.
CLOSING DATE: April 13, 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 (Kauai).
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 in Lihuʻe, Kauaʻi. 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: $5,416.67 - $5,833.33/Mon.
DUTIES: Plans, coordinates, and leads responses to monk seal, sea turtle, and cetacean strandings across the island. Coordinates with NOAA, DOCARE, and other partners to control crowds, ensure safety, and secure the site. Drives to emergency response sites. Answers the marine mammal and sea turtle response hotline. Reviews reports, identifies individual animals, evaluates health, and coordinates with NOAA and DLNR to plan response. Leads and assists with capture, restraint, disentanglement, vaccination, tagging, underwater photo documentation, field treatment, of marine animals and conducts large whale entanglement response in coordination with NOAA. Uses snorkel to take photos underwater. Performs beach surveys walking and via 4WD to locate, monitor, bleach-mark, tag, or collect data on seals and turtles. Records health concerns and ascertains possible pupping or nesting activity. Travels to Niʻihau, and to remote areas on Kauaʻi and on other islands in a helicopter to conduct seal surveys. Manages the Kaua’i Marine animal response volunteer network; recruits, trains, schedules volunteers. Leads and directs a team of volunteers to safely assist with animal monitoring, including the proficient use of crowding boards and providing assistance with animal capture, restraint for tagging, or transport into cages. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to HCRI protected species staff (1 FTE). Utilizes good judgment in reviewing and approving time reporting, assessing performance of direct reports by evaluating work quality and performance of specified job duties. Duties include, but are not limited to, supervision of work, personnel functions (makes recommendations to Principal Investigator for hiring, promotions, and termination actions), and managing safety of direct reports. Trains support staff that help the coordinator in the field on animal handling procedures. Participates in meetings for response planning, incident review, and protected species management program coordination. Collaborates with State and Federal agencies, landowners, and community partners. Records, analyzes, and maintains seal, turtle, and cetacean, data for NOAA and DLNR. Prepares and submits reports daily. Reviews data to ensure integrity, accuracy, confidentiality, and secure storage. Tracks and maintains response and outreach equipment and supplies. Coordinates with appropriate entities for assistance with access, equipment, signage, boat, heavy machinery, and incident support needs. Conducts outreach to schools and the public. Performs targeted messaging related to marine protected species. Creates and assists with educational content and articles for volunteers, community groups, and local media.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Master’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Marine Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related field. (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Marine Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Zoology, or a related field and an additional two (2) years of related work experience may substitute for a Master’s Degree.)
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3–5) years of progressively responsible experience in marine wildlife response, management of protected species, or relevant wildlife fieldwork in Hawaiʻi. Experience coordinating response operations across multiple agencies. Experience managing volunteers, leading field teams, and conducting protected species emergency response. Experience performing field research, tagging, monitoring, and collecting wildlife data. Experience performing public outreach and working with multicultural communities.
KNOWLEDGE: Strong knowledge of Hawaiian monk seal, sea turtle, cetacean, and nearshore marine species biology, behavior, and threats. Advanced knowledge of applicable regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of NOAA and DLNR protected species policies, reporting requirements, and emergency response protocols. Knowledge of chain-of-custody protocols (DAR, NOAA, etc.) for handling marine protected species incident evidence and data and confidential record management. Familiarity with Kauaʻi’s coastal habitats, social and cultural environment, and community networks. Knowledge of Hawaiian history and cultural importance of marine animals. Familiarity working with cultural practitioners and communities. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to speak and write clearly, including the ability to analyze and draft documents requiring minimal review and editing. Ability to use GIS applications, digital data collection platforms, and standard office applications. Possesses excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize, multitask, and adhere to deadlines. Ability to communicate, interact, and build positive relationships with others effectively. Strong ability to lead and coordinate complex field responses with multiple agencies. Excellent ability to make decisions in evolving, dynamic, and time-sensitive situations. Ability to identify and evaluate individual marine mammals’ and sea turtles’ health using photos, tracks, and behavior. Requires advanced skills in observing animals and anticipating their reactions to facilitate safe approaches, captures, or the administration of medicine and vaccines across a variety of settings. Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports 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 and evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct reports. Ability to foster a supportive and positive team environment. Must be able to lead, train, and direct a team of volunteers to safely assist with animal monitoring, including the proficient use of crowding boards and providing assistance with animal capture, restraint for tagging, or transport into cages. Must be a strong swimmer and snorkeler. Ability to travel to the neighbor islands (including car rentals) for fieldwork or meetings at short notice as needed. 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. Must be able to operate 4WD vehicles. 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 basic helicopter safety course prior to flying. Must be able to obtain NOAA response authorizations and safety certifications as required. 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 able to swim and snorkel to capture underwater photos. Must be able to work long hours outdoors in all weather, including sun, heat, wind, or rain, and walk over uneven terrain. Must be able to hike long distances over sand, rocks, and uneven terrain carrying up to 75 lbs. with assistance. Comfortable working outdoors, around seawater, and in contact with marine animals. Must be able to safely interact with marine animals under trained and authorized conditions. Must be able and willing to work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to travel by helicopter to Niʻihau.
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 conducting operations with Niʻihau, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), and US Coast Guard (USCG) partner organizations. Experience with logistics for whale entanglement response. Experience with Hawaiian cultural practices including working with practitioners, communities, fishers and coastal access factors on Kauaʻi. Experience conducting marine necropsies or coordinating veterinary attention.
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.