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. Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
HCRI MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE SPECIALIST – ID# 225696.
CLOSING DATE: December 16, 2025, 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: $5,000/Mon.
DUTIES: Provides leadership and guidance related to addressing environmental damage to marine resources, such as coral and live rock. Evaluates, develops, and/or recommends resource damage calculators, strategies and methodologies for mitigating environmental coral damages, and a tool to determine fines. Researches, compiles, and creates a library of previous coral damage cases and locations. Collates successful coral damage methodologies including response timelines. Develops training resources and hold trainings for DAR biologists and technicians that may have to participate in a coral damage response event. Coordinates within DAR to support rapid response to statewide environmental damage. Coordinates with other state and federal agencies. Drafts emergency response plan and reports for coral damage. Conducts active response to new vessel groundings, using SCUBA, snorkel, and underwater scientific survey techniques. Operates vessels and oversees boat and field equipment necessary for coral damage assessments. Drives to various field sites. Creates maps of damaged areas using GIS. Assists with evaluation and reporting. Leads meetings to coordinate activities, discuss problems and identify solutions to achieve defined targets related to coral damage. Communicates recommendations and related information with team members and various stakeholders, including but not limited to DAR managers and administrators, and Federal agency decision makers. Assists the Diving Safety Officer with keeping SCUBA diving documents for DAR divers to ensure readiness to respond to coral damage events.
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 or related field.
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of experience in scientific research diving and computer data entry. Experience must include experimental design, implementation and data analysis. Experience must also include creating a database and drafting technical protocols and reports.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with Hawaiian corals, current threats and issues, response methods, science, and trends. Must have knowledge of commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques such as digital transecting, photoquadrat collection, rugosity measurement, sediment collection, and other established survey methodologies. Must be able to identify in the field: Hawaiian corals to the species level. Must have the knowledge to evaluate and analyze the conditions, characteristics, values, and relationships of aquatic resources. Basic knowledge of biological principles, Hawaiian marine ecology, and research design is also required.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Must be proficient in the use of computers, including word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. Familiarity with database management, online data repositories, and open/reproducible science platforms. Ability to learn ArcGIS, relevant add-ons, and other geospatial software. 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, draft proposals, and draft reports requiring minimal review and editing. Ability to meet and deal effectively with various stakeholders, including the general public, and agency officials. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to Rescue Diver or higher 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 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 with addressing environmental coral damage. Experience using CoralNet, Agisoft or other photogrammetry software, and statistical analysis using software such as R or Python. Experience with underwater digital videography and photography, digital image, and non-linear editing. Working knowledge of relational and geo-database design. Advanced skills in ArcGIS such as automating tasks using ModelBuilder and scripts. Experience operating and maintaining small powerboats. Experience with outboard motors, SCUBA compressors, and repair of each. Experience in designing underwater biological and habitat surveys. Knowledge of marine mitigation tools. Knowledge of environmental law, especially related to the State of Hawaiʻi. Knowledge of Hawaiian culture and traditional resource management.
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.