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 OUTREACH & HYBRID MONITORING TECHNICIAN I – ID# 226181.
CLOSING DATE: April 7, 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 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 Hilo, 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: $3,416.67/Mon.
DUTIES: Conducts fieldwork including surveys in marine, fresh, brackish and other waters of the state (e.g., streams, reservoirs, estuaries, and anchialine pools) to collect data on the flora and fauna (e.g., vertebrates, benthic habitats, invertebrates). Performs data collection surveys utilizing snorkel, SCUBA, and castnets. Conducts underwater scientific survey techniques, such as fish transects, timed fish surveys, digital transecting, photoquadrat collection, rugosity measurement, sediment collection, and other established methods. Conducts fishing effort interview surveys. Gathers biological samples. Supports coral reef restoration. Assists with water quality surveys to identify physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Collects water samples for environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) testing. Deploys and recovers scientific instruments. Develops and maintains working relationships with government agencies, NGOs, partners, volunteers, and the community. Participates in meetings related to communities and marine protected species and resource management. Creates, collaborates, coordinates, and conducts outreach events and content with natural resource managers. Recruits, coordinates and maintains DAR volunteers for sea turtle and other marine animal response and outreach efforts. Documents event data and material distribution. Evaluates outreach messages, activities, products, approaches and outcomes from outreach events. Compiles semi-annual summary reports. Drives to attend events. Assists in emergency response efforts for marine species, such as monk seal and sea turtle, strandings or entanglements under the direction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and DLNR DAR, which may involve handling and/or safely transporting animals. Uses project vehicles to transport supplies associated with emergency response efforts. Collects monitoring data on species and shoreline condition. Compiles annual summary statistics. Conducts data entry, data quality control, and backs up and stores all data appropriately. Organizes and backs-up digital imagery files and assists with image analysis. Assists with basic descriptive analysis as directed. Performs basic inventory, maintenance, and/or schedules mechanical repairs and maintenance for all survey equipment, boats, vehicles, etc. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Drives to work and field sites. Work must be completed in compliance with safety protocols and procedures. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee’s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: At least two (2) years of college level coursework from an accredited college or university. (High School Diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant work experience may substitute for college level coursework.).
EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of compensated employment or volunteer service involving education and community programs in Hawai‘i. Experience must include aquatic connected fieldwork, natural resources management, public or cultural education, outreach techniques, or cross-cultural communication.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiar with natural resources management, public or cultural education, outreach techniques, and cross-cultural communication. Knowledge of proper public contact and telephone etiquette.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Willingness and ability to learn aquatic science-related research protocols, methods, and tools; use of computers/computer software for data entry and processing; and other various administrative procedures associated with scientific research projects. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally. Ability to work with diverse user groups, cultures, and personalities. Must possess an understanding of the social and cultural environment of the locality. Ability to be a positive team player. Ability to remain resilient under varying circumstances while effectively meeting deadlines. Ability to be flexible with changing aspects and needs of job. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, staff from other government agencies, stakeholders, volunteers, fishermen, and the general public. Ability to perform job duties under minimal supervision. Ability to work as part of a team. Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings as needed on occasion, and drive to various work sites. 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 complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must obtain Open Water Diver certification (NAUI, PADI, etc.) by date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must obtain valid certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration; meet the standards established by DAR’s diver certification process (which meets the standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration); and qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver before SCUBA activities begin. Rescue Diver certification is required to qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver. Must be able to obtain and maintain boat operator certification within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout period 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. Must have the physical stamina and agility to work in marine, streams and estuarine environments, which involves walking and climbing along rocky stream and coastal areas and exposure to changing weather conditions (e.g., sun, wind, rain, and temperature ranging between 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to eight hours. Must be able work long hours outdoors in all weather, standing or sitting for extended periods, and walking over uneven terrain. Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds.
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:
Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Knowledge of nearshore fisheries in Hawai‘i. Experience working with multicultural stakeholders. Familiarity with Hawaiian fish, algae, and invertebrates. Familiar with at least one (1) Hawaiian aquatic ecosystem: marine waters, streams, reservoirs, estuaries, and anchialine pools. Familiar with commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques such as fish transects, timed fish surveys, digital transecting, photo quadrat collection, rugosity measurement, sediment collection, and other established survey methodologies. Previous authorization as a scientific diver from an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) accredited organization. Knowledge of and experience using castnets and other types of fishing gear.
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.