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 position will work with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).
This is an RCUH position. To be considered, please apply directly on RCUH's careers page. The posting can be viewed by searching for the Job ID# 225706.
CLOSING DATE: December 19, 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 (Hawai‘i).
(2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI), located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. This position will work with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Primary work location will be at the Coral Nursery within the Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority (NELHA) in Kailua-Kona 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: $3,666.67/Mon.
DUTIES: Assists with various fieldwork techniques and methods for coral collection, transport, outplanting, and health surveys. Follows protocols for field operations to provide efficient workflow and data collection for restoration activities. Assists with fieldwork supplies preparation. Assists with the maintenance of survey equipment, supplies, and vessels as needed. Updates SOPs related to coral nursery work and fieldwork. Conducts and performs underwater fieldwork related to, but not limited to: fish, benthic, and invertebrate data collection through surveys, utilizing SCUBA, underwater survey techniques such as transects, quadrats, underwater photography, SfM, coral restoration techniques such as collection, transport, and outplanting of live coral specimens. Incorporates safety culture in program management and daily work. Assists with organization of data collected from fieldwork (e.g. field photos, SfM files, survey datasheets, coral collection datasheets). Assists with coral nursery activities such as inventory of coral specimens, fragmentation of coral colonies, cleaning and maintenance of tanks, and associated data entry. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates vessels. Assists in the maintenance, fueling, and operation of vehicles and vessels. Assists in the ordering of supplies for field and nursery work.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: At least two (2) years of college-level coursework from an accredited college or university.
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of experience with recreational or scientific SCUBA diving.
KNOWLEDGE: General knowledge of Hawaiian reef fish, corals, algae, invertebrates, and Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystem. Familiar with spreadsheet and word processing programs.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Must possess good written and verbal communication skills, such as following instructions, interpreting materials, and selecting pertinent information. 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. Ability to perform job duties under minimal supervision. Ability to work as part of a team. Must be certified as an Open Water SCUBA Diver through an accredited entity (NAUI, PADI, etc.) and be able to meet the requirements to achieve authorization as a DAR Scientific Diver (DAR Diving Safety Program meets the standards set by the American Academy of Underwater Science). 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 complete certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration within one (1) month from date of hire and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must obtain SCUBA Rescue Diver certification through an accredited entity (NAUI, PADI, etc.) to qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must also obtain boat operator certification (DLNR Hawai‘i Boater course) within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
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 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 college or university with coursework in a science. Ability to identify Hawaiian reef fish, corals, algae, and invertebrates in the field. Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques (QUEST) or other specific underwater monitoring training. Experience working with corals underwater. Previous authorization as a scientific diver from an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) accredited organization. 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/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.