#221627 CIMAR PIFSC Marine Turtle Field Camp Research Assistant

CIMAR PIFSC Marine Turtle Field Camp Research Assistant​ #221627

To apply, please visit the job posting on the RCUH website and search for Job ID #221627: https://hcmweb521.rcuh.com/psp/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant

Deadline to apply: December 1st, 2021 11:59 PM HST

Job Summary

(2) Regular, Full-Time, Approximately four to ten (4-10) months in duration, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR), 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. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $2,573/Mon.

DUTIES:  Under the guidance of the field camp leader and/or project personnel, works with the Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program (MTBAP) to assist with camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of green sea turtle (honu) data at the Lalo, or the French Frigate Shoals atoll, within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM), which resides approximately 500 miles northwest of the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) .  Primarily works at night to collect nightly census data of nesting females, and identifies individual turtles through mototool of an alpha-numeric number on carapace, inserting passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags into flippers and Inconel metal flipper tags contributing to a long-term dataset and life history of individuals. Excavates nest remains and records hatching success to aid in ongoing honu population studies.  Collects tissue samples from honu of all life-stages for genetic and sex determination studies. Takes thorough photographic documentation of individual turtles, their activities, and the island environment.  Assists with Hawaiian monk seal field camp activities as assigned, and conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and cleanup of field equipment and supplies at the end of the field research season, and with the processing of field data.  When not deployed in the field, the employee may be required to maintain field camp equipment, process field data, or perform other programmatic activities (e.g., MHI fieldwork, necropsies, rehabilitation). 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. 

EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings, handling or working with wildlife or other animals, and collecting or entering data. 

ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Proficient in word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word).  Advanced skills with spreadsheets and databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access). Working knowledge of GPS units and cameras. Knowledge of conservation issues. Must be able to meet and maintain the United States (U.S.) Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location.  Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must be able to meet U.S. 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.  Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including wilderness first aid training before being deployed to remote islands. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be able to complete NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training) within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Also, for positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, may need to pass NOAA in-water kayaking test and snorkeling/swim tests within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must have the ability to swim and to pull oneself into a small boat from deeper water. Must be prepared to work in remote locations for extended periods of time of longer than four (4) months with very limited communication. Must be able to work long hours in the sun and high heat.  Must be able to work long hours through the night. Must be able to walk long distances each day (up to ten (10) miles) in the sand carrying twenty-five to thirty-five (25-35) pounds of field gear unassisted.  Must be able to lift seventy-five (75) pounds assisted. 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 or be tested for infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) 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:  Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Biological Sciences, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or Animal Sciences, or equivalent experience conducting sea turtle research.  Prior field experience in a Hawaiian ecosystem. Good understanding of conservation issues in Hawai‘i. Experience conducting biological or conservation related research.  Prior field experience working with sea turtles in or outside of Hawai‘i.  Prior experience working in a field camp with sea turtles, monk seals, or other protected species.  Prior experience in field data collection, handling sea turtles or other live animals, and data entry.  Possess prior experience operating small boats or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats.  Knowledge and familiarity of Hawaiian waters.  Experience or comfort spending up to six (6) months in a remote field camp location with limited communication.  Applicants interested in pursuing a career in conservation or related field are preferred.    Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.  Preference will be given toward applicants that have experience as a cultural liaison or cultural practitioner within the Hawaiian Islands. 

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. 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.  

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