Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the College of Social Sciences, Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI), which is based in Honolulu. The position works with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) Marine Protected Species Program (PSP). Primary work location is DLNR DAR in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island, with regular in-person work at the Kona and Hilo offices, field sites, and on other islands as needed. Monthly salary is $5,150.

Duties: Conducts research on oceanic whitetip sharks and oceanic manta rays through photo-identification, data collection, and population assessments. Conducts research on reducing lighting threats to turtle hatchlings. Compiles sighting and interaction reports of pelagic protected species, and project data. Photographs ESA-listed species during opportunistic encounters from boat and land. Performs data entry and quality control, and maintains digital imagery and photo-identification files. Tracks and compiles data for reporting and research, and enters DAR PSP team data for grant reports. Writes progress and final reports and drafts proposals. Leads training across the state and at sea for tour operators, fishers, and DAR staff on identifying false killer whales, oceanic whitetip sharks, and giant manta rays for reporting systems and photo-ID tracking. Develops informational content, targeted messaging, and social media draft content. Recruits and mentors student interns. Supports improvements to commercial marine license (CML) reporting forms and the distribution of identification guides, videos, research information, and hotline numbers to CML holders. Co-manages the NOAA marine animal reporting hotline for pelagic protected species. Answers the marine animal response hotline and coordinates with partners to manage crowds, keep people safe, and secure response sites. Documents responses, collects samples and data, and submits reports per NOAA protocols. Conducts invasive predator removal to protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings, using self-resetting, kill, and live traps for rats, mongoose, and feral cats, and records and reports catch data. Tracks and maintains equipment and supplies. Uses project vehicles to transport supplies for response efforts. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Performs underwater scientific survey techniques using SCUBA. Drives to various field sites.

Primary qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Marine Science, Biology, Natural Science, or related field. Three to five years of experience in community engagement, stakeholder training, or natural resources work in Hawaiʻi, including at least one year of recreational or scientific SCUBA diving, and including fieldwork and boat operation. Experience designing, developing, or delivering technical training protocols, workshops, or facilitation sessions. A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience. Knowledge of Hawaiʻi's marine protected species, particularly false killer whales, oceanic whitetip sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals. Familiarity with the ESA, MMPA, and NOAA marine wildlife stranding and response protocols, and with underwater survey methods (e.g., quadrat and transect sampling, timed resource surveys, SfM photogrammetry). Proficient in Microsoft Office, digital data-collection platforms, basic GIS or mapping tools, and social media. Must be SCUBA certified to at least basic Open Water (NAUI, PADI, etc.) and meet DAR's diver certification standards. Valid driver's license. Willing to travel between Kona and Hilo and to other islands for training and response. Must be able to do emergency response work from shore or watercraft, sometimes in rough seas, lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted, and help restrain or move larger marine animals as part of a response team. Must be available for occasional after-hours protected species emergencies, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Secondary qualifications: Experience leading teams or volunteers. Understanding of Hawaiʻi's resource management landscape. Familiarity with the conservation needs of endangered Main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whales. Experience delivering training or engagement across multiple islands, and experience with marine protected species. Experience with the NOAA marine wildlife stranding and response network, with invasive predator control or trapping, creating social media content, and mentoring students, interns, or volunteers, including from underrepresented groups. Prior AAUS scientific diver authorization. SCUBA certified to Rescue Diver or higher. Experience working with communities on marine resource management in Hawaiʻi, and basic understanding of and respect for Native Hawaiian traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices.

Post-offer conditions: Criminal background check. CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications, and qualification as a DAR Scientific Diver, before SCUBA activities begin. Boat operator certification within 6 months of hire. Required protected species response training (including sea turtle and Hawaiian monk seal protocols) and NOAA response authorizations. UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within 2 weeks of hire.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer.