Marine Conservation with The Nature Conservancy

Start Date: February 4, 2019

DEADLINE: December 31, 2018

Apply Online: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/138

(Applicant must be 17 years old or older)

You will need 2 references to submit an online form on your behalf for your application to be considered complete and ready for review. Please contact your reference before you submit your application. As soon as your application is submitted your references will be sent an automatic email to fill out a quick reference form. 

Job Description 

This experience will provide opportunities to conduct marine conservation fieldwork and will operate from a foundation of science to serve with communities, researchers, and managers to incorporate both traditional knowledge and contemporary resource management approaches.

Areas of professional development include project management, strategic planning, basic biological, climatological, hydrological and other relevant sciences, biological and sociological monitoring, the application of various marine conservation tools, technical writing skills, data analysis, leadership and organizational skills.

The candidate must be willing and able to swim in open ocean environments, with low visibility and to hike along rocky shorelines in adverse weather conditions. The environment involves prolonged sun exposure, boating, snorkeling, and diving where a commitment to safety is essential to minimize the possibility of injury.

The ideal candidate will have the preferred qualifications for this position that include: knowledge of Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems, previous experience in a marine setting, interaction with local communities and outreach events, familiarity with research data collection and management, and is a strong swimmer.

This is a full time, M-F, position. 

Expected Duties:

• Snorkel surveys
• Conduct marine resource, creel, and/or human use surveys
• Train and lead volunteers in conducting surveys
• Collect, maintain, enter, and analyze data
• Participate in scientific research, including coral reef fish and intertidal monitoring
• Support and conduct marine resource management planning
• Participate in and lead habitat restoration activities (e.g. removal of invasive plants and animals, native re-vegetation, sediment removal, etc)
• Support ecological and cultural education and outreach activities
• Monitor and sample fish and invertebrates
• Maintain tools and equipment
• Administrative duties including note-taking 

Benefits:

• Living allowance - Up to $1,600 per month
• $5,920 Education Award
• Opportunity to gain extensive knowledge about a single/handful of host sites(as members serve with one agency for the duration of the program)
• An extremely in-depth learning experience and further awareness of specific environmental issues
• Opportunity to serve side-by-side with a supervisor and potential employer who works in an environmental field you are interested in
• Child care, health care, and loan deferment available for eligible applicants
• Week-long Service Trip with other Kupu Conservation Leadership members
• Valuable career and life skills
• And most of all, the opportunity to protect Hawaii’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community

Applicant Requirements:

• Age - Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the start date of the service term (due to AmeriCorps regulations).
• Diploma – Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.  Citizenship - Applicants must be one of the following: a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien (due to AmeriCorps regulations).
• Criminal History Check – Applicants are subject to a criminal history check.
• Housing/Transportation - Applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.
• Physical & Behavioral Requirements - Due to the nature of this program, the physical and behavioral demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable members with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Able to serve extended hours on steep, rugged terrain; under extreme hot and cold weather condition
2. Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb backpack
3. Able to lift 30+ lbs, and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc)
4. Able to serve and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities
5. Able to serve closely, interact according to Kupu’s core values and expectations, and camp with agency field crews for consecutive days and weeks

• Prohibited Activities – AmeriCorps members will not participate in any prohibited activities as defined in their Member Service Agreement if hired. 

This position is made possible by Kupu, Americorps, and The Nature Conservancy.