Show Project Manager, Maui

In the midslope region of Wahikuli and Honokowai Watersheds of West Maui, CORAL and partners are restoring streams to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients flowing into the ocean.

Project Manager, Maui

Reports to: Maui NuiProject Manager

Status: Full-time, exempt employee

Position Location: Maui – must be located on Maui, or on another Hawaiian island and able to travel to Maui intermittently

About the Coral Reef Alliance
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a non-profit, environmental NGO focused on saving the world’s coral reefs. CORAL combines science-based solutions with effective community-driven conservation. CORAL is actively expanding the scientific understanding of how corals adapt to climate change and using that information to develop conservation strategies to give corals around the world the best chance of surviving climate change. To discover more about CORAL’s work to save the world’s reefs, click around our website.

Our Work in Hawai’i
CORAL has more than a decade of experience working in the Main Hawaiian Islands on coral reef conservation. Currently, our work focuses on our Clean Water for Reefs Initiative, with an emphasis on preventing land-based sources of pollution from entering streams and groundwater which eventually lead to the ocean.

In West Maui, our work focuses on restoring natural filtration processes within watersheds. We take a “ridge to reef” approach to restore the natural function of an ahupua‘a (watershed) to filter stormwater and absorb nutrients, sediments and other chemicals. At the shoreline (makai), we provide guidance to shoreline property owners, the tourism industry, and Maui County on how to implement reef-friendly landscaping using low impact design (LID) to naturally filter stormwater before it reaches the ocean.  .

CORAL has received NOAA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) funding to expand our work in Maui Nui. The project includes expanding CORAL’s work to mitigate land based stressors in Maui Nui through stream restoration in Olowalu with local partner Kipuka Olowalu and fishpond restoration in Molokai with local partner Ka Honua Momona. Through these partnerships, CORAL will build local community capacity to address these stressors in the long-term while minimizing immediate threats to two significant reef tracts. The Project Manager will be primarily responsible for overseeing this project from planning to execution.

Position Description
Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is seeking a motivated and resourceful individual to support our work in Maui Nui. The ideal candidate is a highly organized systems thinker who has the ability to work collaboratively with partners and community groups. This role will be vital to ensuring successful execution of conservation strategies within the Clean Water for Reefs Initiative. The Maui Project Manager will work closely with the Maui Program Manager and partner organizations in implementing a three year grant awarded by NOAA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) office to restore portions of the Olowalu Stream on Maui and restore two ancient fishponds in Molokai. 

This role has responsibility over the research portions of the project and should provide input based on expertise they will bring to the team. The Project Manager will oversee a Research Officer for additional support in implementing the work.

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team working on cutting edge conservation strategies that will create lasting benefits for coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and across the globe.

General Responsibilities

1. Timely development of periodic reports for NOAA CZM office
2. Develop grant reports, track information, and deliverables for grants
3. Oversee Maui Research Coordinator
4. Manage the project budget and advise on annual program budget
5. Work directly with community partners to ensure project deliverables are being met on time
6. Work with the Development team on grant deliverables and external communications related to the project

Detailed Work Plan

In partnership with community partners and the CORAL team, the CZM Project Manager is responsible for the following deliverables associated with the CZM grant. CORAL is responsible for providing the Project Manager with the tools and means necessary to carry out these deliverables.

• Oversee that community partners Kipuka Olowalu and Ka Honua Momona have the resources needed and meet all restoration deliverables
• Retain consultants necessary by creating contracts and taking bids to determine the best fit for the project needs
• Oversee the implementation of monitoring equipment and provide feedback on monitoring schedule with the Research Coordinator
• Secure the necessary equipment and supplies needed for the teams and partners to complete their tasks including disbursing and processing payments through CORAL billing department
• Convene partners and experts as needed to inform the project from cultural and local perspectives
• Oversee the Maui Coordinator and Field Technicians when extra capacity is needed
• Participate in training of community partners in federal grant processes and reporting
• Advise on the methodology for monitoring program with local partners and the Maui Research Coordinator
• Compile documents to share lessons learned and next steps with partners, local organizations, and community stakeholders

Required Qualifications and Skills

The minimum required qualifications include BA/BS degree in a physical science-related field, such as geology, marine biology, environmental science, soil science, and hydrology. 

Additionally, the CZM Project Manager must have:

• Previous experience (1 – 3 years) working with federal and/or state grants and funding with the awareness of the complex administrative requirements and deliverable expectations
• Previous experience working with large multi-million dollar budgets
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, including developing and maintaining research plans and coordinating with multiple collaborators.
• Resourcefulness and ability to work proactively; ability to complete tasks independently, efficiently, and in a timely manner; and the ability to work effectively with a remote team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures and backgrounds.
• The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid U.S Driver’s license and good driving record.
• The position requires that the successful candidate be able to perform field work in hot dry and sometimes wet conditions, as well as the ability to swim, snorkel and lift 50 lbs.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in situations of flux; ability to work in a fast turn-around environment.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership for wide-ranging responsibilities while exhibiting the utmost professionalism and discretion.
• Self-motivated and proactive working remotely in a home office.
• Someone based in West Maui or Molokai preferred. Must be based in Hawaiʻi and familiar with cultural norms and respects communities and local culture and knowledge
• Authorized to work in the USA

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to think analytically and problem solve and a willingness to ask questions
• Commitment to process excellence, efficiency and accountability
• A sense of humor, commitment to candor and desire to be a part of a collaborative team
• Patience and exceptional listening skills
• Energetic, hard-working, and a team player
• Presents a positive, enthusiastic, professional image both internally and externally
• Discretion with confidential information

Working Conditions
The CZM Project Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote outdoor locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, coastal and marine environments and vessels, and under physically demanding circumstances that may require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work conditions may require international and domestic travel including to remote island areas, the mainland US, neighboring and other islands or nations. Additionally, the work may be performed independently without day-to-day supervision.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter as one document to jobs@coral.org with “CZM Project Manager” in the subject line.

Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, we are not able to respond to each individual applicant. The position will be open until filled, an immediate start date is preferred.

Compensation and Work Schedule
This is a full-time exempt position compensated within the salary range of $6,333 – $7,166.  Benefits include robust Medical benefits, 401k matching, generous PTO package, 12 holidays, Employee Assistance Program, and more. Additionally, we offer a mileage reimbursement program for personal vehicle use.

We offer a flexible working schedule where the successful candidate can set their own working hours as long as they are able to attend necessary meetings.

The Coral Reef Alliance is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.