HCRI/DAR East Hawaii Habitat & Fish Monitoring Specialist

REVISED POSTING: EXTENDED CLOSING DATE

HCRI/DAR EAST HAWAI‘I HABITAT & FISH MONITORING SPECIALIST – ID# 221588.  Social Science Research Institute.  Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI) and Department of Land & Natural Resources/Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR). Primary work location will be in Hilo on Hawai‘i 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:  $3,791/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Develops and implements various underwater survey techniques and methodologies for marine waters, streams, estuaries, and anchialine pools. Researches and validates potential monitoring sites. Reviews and evaluates existing monitoring protocols and makes necessary modifications for implementation within the study area. Conducts and performs underwater fieldwork in marine waters, streams, estuaries, and anchialine pools, including, but not limited to: fish, benthic, and invertebrate data collection through underwater surveys, utilizing SCUBA, underwater scientific survey techniques such as transects, quadrats, underwater photography, and sample collection. Incorporates safety culture in program management and daily work/action plan, including applicable risk assessments. Assists with compliance for safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) and any/all work-related accident documentation. Oversees the collection of benthic data and conducts its analysis. Ensures quality assurance and maintains the organization of research data collection (e.g., digital photo transects, photo quadrats, rugosity measurement) in database. Completes monitoring data summaries, analyses, and writes reports (to support program development and update cooperators). Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates vessels and/or oversees and trains other operators using vessels for monitoring work. Work must be completed in compliance with safety protocols (including but not limited to a buddy system) and procedures. Schedules and/or oversees the use and maintenance of all survey equipment, supplies, and vessels (underwater camera equipment, SCUBA equipment, GPS units, 18’ – 30’ vessels, etc.). Writes reports, attends meetings, and develops plans. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university, with coursework in Marine Science, or related field.  EXPERIENCE:  Two to four (2-4) years of monitoring experience to have included scientific research diving and computer data entry.  Monitoring experience should include designing, implementing and analyzing data from the project. One to three (1-3) years of experience operating, trailering, and maintaining small powerboats.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Must have knowledge of commonly used underwater scientific survey techniques such as fish/invertebrate transecting, photo quadrat collection, rugosity measurement, coral health survey techniques, sediment collection, and other established survey methodologies. Must be able to identify in the field: Hawaiian reef fish, corals, algae, and invertebrates. Basic knowledge of biological principles, Hawaiian marine ecology, research design, and quantitative analyses is also required. Familiar with Microsoft Excel and Access programs. Must understand and follow oral and written instructions and information with attention to detail. Ability to speak and write clearly, including the ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly explain data and draft reports requiring minimal review and editing. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) and meet the standards established by the University of Hawai‘i’s and/or program’s diver certification process (which meets the standards set by the American Academy of Underwater Science) and hold the current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration, and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings as needed on occasion, drive to DAR Kona office or field sites, and travel the to the neighbor islands (including using car rentals) as required. 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 be able to obtain boat operator certification within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be capable of handling all necessary diving equipment and procedures required in conducting underwater research from shore or small boats. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver within three (3) months from date of hire 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:  Proficiency in CoralNet, Point Count 99, Photogrid, CPCe, or some other benthic random point analysis software and experience with Hawai‘i's coral reef monitoring program. Basic knowledge and skills using statistical programs such as R or similar software. Possess basic technical writing skills for peer-reviewed publications. Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques (QUEST) or other specific underwater monitoring training and previous authorization as a scientific diver from an AAUS accredited organization.  Experience using Geographic Information Systems. Advanced skills in MS Access, such as form and macro design. Experience with outboard motors SCUBA compressors, and repair of each. Ability to assist in designing underwater biological and habitat surveys. Knowledge of marine mitigation tools. 

INQUIRIES:  Kira Yamashita 956-4583 (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. All RCUH employees and positions are subject to the August 5, 2021 Emergency Proclamation requiring all State/RCUH employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or be subject to weekly testing for COVID-19.  All post-job offer/new hires will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated (e.g., their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) or a Negative COVID-19 Test result during the onboarding process.  Requests for a religious or medical accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccination will be handled on a post-job offer basis.  Individuals granted an accommodation will be subject to the weekly testing requirement. 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)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.  CLOSING DATE:  November 7, 2021. 

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.