Honolulu
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY: Salary commensurate with qualifications.
DUTIES: Conducts research focused on creating innovative analyses in support of bycatch reduction in pelagic fisheries. Assists in the design and execution of bycatch reduction research projects for sharks, sea turtles, and pelagic fishes commonly caught in commercial fisheries. Prepares funding proposals to support such surveys and experiments, and manages awarded project activities and budgets. Collaborates with other investigators of the Fisheries Research and Monitoring Division (FRMD), University of Hawai‘i (UH), and other government and non-government agencies on the preparation of funding proposals. Manages and analyzes movement and behavior data from marine animal telemetry and post-release survivorship studies. Prepares manuscripts, progress reports, and data reports for presentations and publications. Fulfills requirements regarding wildlife permits. Works closely with partners across regional jurisdictions and research institutions to build strong collaborative relationships. Must be able to travel to workshops, conferences, and meetings to gather information and to present the results of the project to interested parties. Performs research tasks at sea or in different locales for up to 150 days per year.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: PhD from an accredited college or university in Ecology, Marine Biology, or Zoology with an emphasis on quantitative analyses of fishery data, and modelling of environmental and telemetry data. (Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Marine Ecology, Fisheries Science, or Marine Biology with at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in population modeling, quantitative fisheries, or ecological studies may substitute for a PhD). EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of experience working with interdisciplinary research teams conducting physiological, ecological, and behavioral experiments of highly migratory species. Experience managing and analyzing complex datasets, and in using advanced statistical procedures to model animal telemetry and remotely sensed environmental data to predict habitat use. Experience coordinating with partner agencies concerned with research, conservation, and management of fisheries. Experience at-sea aboard large research or fisheries vessels for extended periods and working in remote locations. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of experimental design, population dynamics, ecological modeling/simulation, and other advanced statistical procedures for marine animal telemetry data analyses. Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices in the fields of biometrics, population biology, conservation biology, fisheries biology, and natural resource management. Proficient knowledge base in ecology of marine organisms. Complex knowledge base in marine ecology. Must be able to meet and maintain the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Proficient and proven application of robust statistics and scientific writing skills. Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Proficiency with R and other advanced statistical software packages. Proven ability to integrate remotely sensed data into ecological models. Proficiency with basic office productivity software tools (e.g., word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software). Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills to write scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and make presentations that are suitable for a range of audiences. Possesses strong interpersonal skills to work with Principal Investigators, researchers, resource managers, and administrators. Ability to work and make decisions independently and meet programmatic requirements within schedule and budgetary constraints. Ability to independently plan, implement, and manage projects. Ability to coordinate with agencies concerned with research, management and protection of fishery resources, and build strong collaborative working relationships with potential partners in local management, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and industry and research communities. 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 to transport self and supplies to fishing operations. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to meet US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to lift and carry sharks, sea turtles, or tunas weighing up to 65 pounds assisted. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of gear and equipment unassisted. Ability to work long hours outdoors at various captive facilities and remote locations with high exposure to sunlight, aboard research vessels, and aboard small boats (15-30’) in coastal and oceanic waters. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, and maintain throughout duration of employment. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. 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: Prior experience with pelagic animal telemetry data and database management. Skills in handling sharks, sea turtles, tunas, or other pelagic fishes. Experience instructing participating graduate assistants and co-workers and in developing program objectives. Proven record of successful completion of pelagic animal movement physiology or behavior studies, including at least two (2) first author publications.
INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory 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_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.
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