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 WEST HAWAIʻI CORAL RESTORATION & MONITORING TECHNICIAN – ID# 225150
CLOSING DATE: March 25, 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 at hcri@hawaii.edu or 808-200-9554 (Hawaiʻi).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI), located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Primary work locations will be at the Division of Aquatic Resource (DAR), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park; and Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority (NELHA) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi and designated worksites on Hawaiʻi 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: $3,416.67/Mon.
DUTIES: Conducts underwater fieldwork. Performs fish and benthic surveys utilizing SCUBA, underwater scientific survey techniques such as fish and invertebrate transects, timed surveys, photo quadrat collection, collection of imagery for photogrammetric 3D modeling, and other established methodologies. Identifies and collects coral specimens for in situ transplantation or transportation to the coral nursey. Assists with coral transplantation, reattachment, and out planting, as well as assessment of impacts to coral health. Assists with post-processing and species annotation of survey images. Inputs fish survey data, conducts basic data quality control, and backs up and stores all data appropriately. Organizes digital files with guidance from lead biologist and monitoring biologist. Assists with daily husbandry operations of the coral nursery at HOST, NELHA, adhering to DAR standards and protocols. Conducts meticulous scientific procedures involved with tissue-level interactions with coral animals and algal plants, husbandry of living cultures and settlement of corals up through colony stages. Conducts effective propagation techniques and basic water chemistry procedures involved with maintenance of live coral and cultures. Assists with the day-to-day maintenance, repair and minor fabrications related to the aquaculture facility. This includes, but not limited to indoor lab and nursery facilities (e.g. fragmentation, grow-out, and coral holding areas, seawater supplies, and source cultures) and outdoor microcosm pools and raceways. Cleans and maintains saltwater aquaria, outdoor aquaculture tanks, and raceways in a manner that ensures the maintenance, growth, and reproductive viability of the contained marine life. 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. Performs basic maintenance and/or schedules mechanical repairs and maintenance for all underwater survey equipment, boats, vehicles, etc. Prepares for fieldwork by gathering and loading all necessary data sheets and other survey supplies/equipment, ensures vehicles and vessels are set-up for the necessary work, helps organize survey schedules, and completes necessary dive and float plans.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: At least two (2) years of college level coursework from an accredited college or university which includes Marine Science courses.
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience with recreational or scientific SCUBA diving.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiar with Microsoft Excel and word processing. Familiar with commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques such as fish and invertebrate transects, timed surveys, photo quadrat collection, sediment collection, and other established survey methodologies. Willingness to learn to identify in the field Hawaiian reef fish, corals, algae and invertebrates. Willingness to learn species level identification and specific coral polyp taxonomy.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Proficient in Microsoft Excel (including Data Analysis Tools add-on), Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and precision. Ability or willingness to learn standard laboratory culturing and aquaculture techniques for live rock and coral and seawater chemistry maintenance. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) as an Open Water Diver and meet the standards established by DAR’s science diver authorization process (which meets the standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration). Must be willing and able to work long field days, in addition to weekends and evenings as needed on occasion, and drive to DAR Hilo office or field 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 employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. 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 boat operator certification within six (6) months from date of hire (does not expire).
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 be able to swim, snorkel, and SCUBA to collect coral, outplant, and stabilize coral colonies. 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:
Associate’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with coursework in Marine Science. Familiarity with Hawaiian reef fish, corals, algae, and invertebrates. Familiar with species level identification and specific coral polyp taxonomy. Basic knowledge of biological principles and Hawaiian marine ecology. Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques (QUEST) or other specific underwater monitoring training. Experience working with corals. 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 working from small vessels. Experience operating a boat. Experience performing standard laboratory culturing and aquaculture techniques for live rock and coral and seawater chemistry maintenance. Experience maintaining saltwater aquaria. Some experience maintaining large open or closed saltwater systems. Knowledge of proper disposal and handling techniques for household hazardous waste. Experience in minor construction and plumbing.
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.