HCRI Invasive Soft Coral Response Biologist (Unomia)

University of Hawaii System Office

97d • $4,583 - $4,750

About The Position

CLOSING DATE: October 16, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI). Position will work with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Primary work location will be at the DAR Anuenue Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) in Sand Island, and other designated worksites on Oahu. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,583.33 - $4,750/Mon. DUTIES: This position combines scientific fieldwork, data analysis, and program leadership, offering the opportunity to directly protect the reefs of Hawai‘i while developing advanced skills in conservation and applied marine biology. Leads the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources' frontline response to the invasive soft coral Unomia stolonifera, a species with the potential to rapidly spread and smother native coral, threatening reef health, biodiversity, and cultural resources. Provides leadership and coordination for state, federal, university, and NGO partners to implement response strategies, and contributes to proposals and funding reports that sustain long-term management efforts. Directs, oversees, trains, supports, and evaluates staff and establishes and monitors working schedules. Promotes staff development activities. Oversees SCUBA and snorkel-based surveys utilizing photogrammetry, GIS, and georeferenced databases to map and track infestations. Occasional use of eDNA methods to support monitoring. Designs and leads collaborative delineation and inventory-style surveys with DAR leads. Creates and maintains databases, conducts data quality control, and backs up and stores data appropriately. Collaborates with partners to create a database for U. stolonifera in Hawai‘i with georeferenced data. Maps and analyzes spatial data. Drafts reports on deliverables, proposals, and other documents (e.g., plans). Tracks spending on equipment and supplies. Update and maintain SOPs, as needed. Operates and maintains small vessels and field equipment to support research and monitoring. Oversees technician operators using vessels for monitoring work. Trailers, launches, recovers, and operates small vessels in near coastal and inshore Hawaiian waters. Contributes to boat and field equipment and maintenance. Drives to work and field sites. Oversees outreach and education related to octocoral in Hawai'i.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Marine Biology or related field, or Bachelor's Degree with relevant experience.
• 2-4 years of monitoring experience in scientific research diving and computer data entry.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing data.
• Familiarity with invasive soft corals and current AIS issues.
• Knowledge of underwater scientific survey techniques.
• Knowledge of eDNA and biological principles.
• Ability to learn ArcGIS and relevant geospatial software.
• SCUBA certified to basic Open Water and meet DAR's diver certification standards.
• Valid driver's license and personal driver's insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with unomia.
• Experience managing subordinate staff and volunteers.
• Understanding of the resource management landscape of Hawai‘i.
• Experience in grant writing or project management.
• Previous authorization as a scientific diver from an AAUS accredited organization.
• SCUBA certified to Rescue Diver or higher level.
• Experience using ArcGIS, R Studio, and CoralNet.
• Experience with underwater digital videography and photography.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources' response to the invasive soft coral Unomia stolonifera.
• Provide leadership and coordination for state, federal, university, and NGO partners.
• Contribute to proposals and funding reports for long-term management efforts.
• Direct, oversee, train, support, and evaluate staff.
• Establish and monitor working schedules.
• Oversee SCUBA and snorkel-based surveys utilizing photogrammetry, GIS, and georeferenced databases.
• Design and lead collaborative delineation and inventory-style surveys.
• Create and maintain databases, conduct data quality control, and back up data.
• Map and analyze spatial data.
• Draft reports on deliverables, proposals, and other documents.
• Track spending on equipment and supplies.
• Update and maintain SOPs.
• Operate and maintain small vessels and field equipment.
• Oversee outreach and education related to octocoral in Hawai'i.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree