Become part of Hawaii’s conservation story
Research Support (Research Associate)
Full Time
Waikiki Aquarium
Duties and Responsibilities
- Based in Live Exhibits Department, supervised by Curator. Serves as lead biologist in coral propagation and research programs.
- Monitors and performs maintenance and repairs of assigned and backup aquarium exhibits; husbandry duties include, but are not limited to, cleaning, feeding, visual inspection for disease detection, water quality assessment and disease treatment.
- Participates in the design, creation and installation of renovated and new exhibits that are ecologically realistic and of the highest public viewing standards.
- Collects animals for exhibits and research; assists with the collection of algae, invertebrates, fishes, live rock and food organisms, using SCUBA, snorkeling, netting, and hook-and-line methods.
- Observes and assesses animal health and behavior, and reports observations to appropriate supervisor.
- Maintains extensive records on field and exhibit animals.
- Writes grant and permit applications and reports as required.
- Maintains life support equipment, e.g., water and air pumps, chillers, protein skimmers, lights, etc.
- Uses computers and word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphing programs.
- Performs shift work, including late night, holiday and weekend duties and other specialized work assignments.
- Makes presentations, teaches classes, and interacts with the public, docents, and volunteers. Assists with Aquarium events and activities.
- Works at heights and in confined places.
- Lifts objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Complies with OSHA requirements, including wearing appropriate clothing, safety equipment and respirator mask, where appropriate.
- Interacts with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc. in a polite, courteous and professional
- Supervises student aquarists and volunteers. Ensures that supervised personnel interact with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc., in a polite, courteous and professional manner.
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences and 2 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for previous experience at a Public Aquarium or Zoological Park; or equivalent education/training or experience.
- Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in Aquarium Biology or Aquaculture demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
- Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with public aquariums.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the public aquarium field.
- Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
- Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university in biology, zoology or related field. Ability to apply the scientific method and conduct research.
- Two years professional experience at a public aquarium, zoological park or equivalent, to include experience employing the basic principles of freshwater and marine aquarium keeping and life support systems, and a proven record of achievements.
- Proven experience and expertise in husbandry, life support systems and public aquarium display of corals.
- Demonstrated specialst knowledge, experience and ability in husbandry, life support systems and public aquarium display of marine invertebrates (except corals) and fishes.
- Proven experience in the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of public aquarium exhibits.
- Proven record of willingness to follow instructions, and a timely response/result, and a record of producing innovative solutions to work-related problems.
- Previous experience with public presentations, teaching classes, working with students, docents and volunteers.
- Proven record of being able to work independently, be self-motivated and show initiative.
- Knowledge of computers and proficiency with word processing, database and spreadsheet programs.
- Certified SCUBA diver and ability to meet the University of Hawaii Scientific Diver certification.
- Willing and able to comply with OSHA requirements, including wearing appropriate clothing, safety equipment and respirator mask, where appropriate.
- Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 40 pounds, for the purpose of transporting Live Exhibits-related materials, equipment and specimens to/from/within the Aquarium.
- Able to work at heights, use ladders and work in confined spaces.
- Must be able to work some weekends, late nights, and/or holidays and flexible working hours, as needed.
- Ability to travel independently to and from meetings, events and WAQ in a timely manner, fulfilled by possession of a valid Drivers License (Class 3), or use of other means of transportation, which meets position needs.
- Able to travel off island/out of state/internationally.
Desirable Qualifications
- Three or more years professional experience in a public aquarium, zoological park, or equivalent
- Hands-on experience with field collecting techniques using snorkel and Scuba.
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
To Apply:
Submit cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications,
UH Form 64A (attach resume) or
UH Form 64B (enter credentials including education, experience, etc.), detailed resume (see UH Form 64 for sample format), 3 current letters of professional recommendation, and official transcripts (copies accepted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire) to the address below. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. All materials must be postmarked or date-stamped by the Waikiki Aquarium no later than the closing date for an application to be considered. Electronic submissions will be considered and email to apply@waikikiaquarium.org Materials submitted become property of the University of Hawaii and will not be returned.
Address:
- Waikiki Aquarium - Attention: Gwen Lentes
- 2777 Kalakaua Ave.
- Live Exhibits
- Honolulu, HI 96815
Inquiries:
- Gwen Lentes; 808-440-9039; gwedow@hawaii.edu
