Job Summary
Regular, Full-Time, 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.
MONTHLY SALARY: Salary commensurate with qualifications.
DUTIES:
Conducts analysis of survey data to improve understanding of coral reef ecosystems in U.S. Pacific Islands. Implements underwater visual survey programs to assess and monitor coral reef communities and benthic habitats. Applies data management and advanced statistical techniques to analyze coral reef and related benthic ecological data. Prepares technical reports and scientific manuscripts summarizing results of these analyses, and presents findings at national and international meetings. Works closely with partners in local jurisdictions and research institutions to build strong collaborative relationships. Leads and provides overall management and direction of the Project’s benthic and monitoring functions, including conceptualization and identification of research priorities and directions, proposal writing, administrative functions, and direction of junior personnel. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to CIMAR Staff. Participates in research cruises and marine ecosystem surveys to assess and monitor coral reefs of the U.S. Pacific Islands. Fieldwork will typically requires a significant amount of time at sea (typically 30 days per year).
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING: PhD from an accredited college or university in Marine Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Fishery Science, or related field involving studies of coral reef fish ecology. (Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Marine Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology or Fishery Science and at least five (5) years of relevant work experience in coral reef fish ecology may substitute for a PhD.).
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of experience in coral reef ecosystem research including projects utilizing underwater coral reef census survey methodologies. Experience with the design and implementation of integrated ecosystem assessment and monitoring, and with quantitative field survey methodologies. Experience training and leading field survey teams for ecological studies. Experience managing and analyzing large complex databases and in using advanced statistical procedures. Experience with carrying ecological research projects to completion and publishing results, including first authorship on at least two (2) peer-reviewed journal articles. Experience producing technical reports and successful funding proposals. Experience leading interdisciplinary research teams. Experience coordinating with partner agencies concerned with research, conservation, and management of ecosystems. Experience at-sea aboard large research or fisheries vessels for extended periods. At least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
KNOWLEDGE: Advanced knowledge of benthic, biological, physical, and ecological processes, particularly in tropical coral reef ecosystems, including coral bleaching disease, and population dynamics as the relate to coral resiliency. Working knowledge of sampling theory and experimental design. Knowledge of and ability to identify Indo-Pacific reef corals species and to quantify abundances implementing underwater visual survey techniques. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: 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 U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Proficiency with R, R Studio, and GitHub advanced statistical coding software packages. Proficiency with using advanced analytical procedures including multivariate analysis, spatial analysis, statistical modeling, time series analyses and other quantitative techniques. Ability to coordinate the integration and management of large and complex relational databases and spatial databases. Ability to research and develop advanced technology approaches for collecting and extracting data from digital images of the coral reef benthos. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications. Proficiency with basic office productivity software tools (word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software). Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills to write scientific manuscripts and technical reports, and to make presentations that are suitable for a range of audiences. Ability to work and make decisions independently and to meet programmatic requirements within schedule and budgetary constraints. Ability to independently plan, implement, and manage projects. Ability to lead, train and supervise research assistants in field and data handling procedures as well as statistical analyses and scientific writing. Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work and evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct reports. Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to direct the activities of staff. Ability to coordinate with agencies concerned with research, management and protection of coral reef ecosystems and build strong collaborative working relationships with potential partners in local management, NGO and research communities. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, AAUS, etc.) to basic Open Water and Rescue. Must possess good free diving skills. Must have a minimum of forty (40) logged SCUBA dives. Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration are preferred. Post Offer/Employment Condition: 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 complete NOAA diving certification, which includes meeting the physical, watermanship, academic, and experience requirements, and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to pass all training requirements, including but not limited to, First Aid, CPR, AED, and O2 Provider certification and training courses within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to work effectively on research vessels for extended periods at sea. Ability to work for long hours, outdoors at various captive facilities and remote locations with high exposure to sunlight, aboard research vessels and aboard small boats fifteen to twenty (15-20) feet in coastal and oceanic waters. Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds of scientific instruments, scuba gear and equipment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for NOAA diving requirements as well as 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/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: 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:
Experience with underwater benthic ecological survey methods; experience with scientific SCUBA diving and underwater photography on coral reefs. Experience with marine ecosystem, particularly coral reef ecosystems. Experience handling small boats around Pacific atolls. Experience participating in coral reef research cruises on large vessels. Working knowledge of software packages such as Microsoft Office, SigmaPlot, Endnote, SAS, and Adobe Photoshop. Proficiency with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS 9. Experience with programming and scripting languages. Experience with the design and development of relational databases and spatial databases. Knowledge of U.S. marine resource management policies, including management strategies for coral reef ecosystems. Experience in supervising Post-Doc and PhD level staff and developing program objectives.
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:
- Cover Letter,
- Resume,
- Supervisory References,
- 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)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.
Further information can be found here.