Coral Nursery Technician

Are you an aquarist who does coral husbandry for a public or private aquarium? Ever wanted to use your skills for coral restoration at a land-based coral nursery applied to one of the world's most unique coral reefs?
The State of Hawaii's Coral Restoration Nursery located at the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center on Sand Island, across the harbor from downtown Honolulu, is looking to hire two full-time Coral Nursery Technicians. These contract positions are equivalent in major job duties to a coral aquarist at a public aquarium but include field collection and restoration activities along with applied research and development. Monthly salary is $3,333 plus full benefits. Coral Nursery Technicians assist with daily husbandry operations of the Hawaii Coral Restoration Nursery, adhering to State of Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) standards and protocols. Conducts meticulous scientific procedures involved with tissue-level interactions with coral animals and algal plants, husbandry of living cultures and settlement of corals up through colony stages. Conducts basic water chemistry and aquaculture procedures involved with maintenance of live coral animals and colonies, cultures, and settlement of corals up to colony stages. Assists with the day-to-day maintenance, repair and minor fabrications related to the aquaculture facility and live systems. This includes, but not limited to, indoor lab and nursery facilities (e.g. fragmentation and grow-out areas, seawater supplies, and source cultures) and outdoor microcosm pools and raceways. Cleans and maintains saltwater aquaria, outdoor aquaculture tanks, and raceways in a manner that ensures the maintenance, growth, and reproductive viability of the endemic and rare corals under our care. Participates in field coral activities at small boat harbors, reefs, and other sites; identifies/collects coral specimens; and transports appropriate colonies to the nursery for fragmentation and grow-out. Conducts outplanting of nursery-grown corals into pre-approved reef sites.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with coursework in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Aquaculture or Conservation Biology. (Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Biological Sciences and at least two (2) years of experience in aquaculture or aquarium maintenance (public or private) may substitute for a Bachelor's Degree). EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of experience culturing live rock or coral. At least one (1) year of experience maintaining saltwater aquaria. Some experience maintaining large open or closed saltwater systems in public or private facilities. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Familiar with standard laboratory culturing and aquaculture/marine aquarium techniques as applied to specific marine organisms, such as stony corals. Familiar with the use of seawater chemistry monitoring techniques. Familiar with Microsoft Excel and Access. Familiar with commonly used aquaculture tank cleaning and maintenance techniques and procedures. Knowledge of proper disposal and handling techniques for household hazardous waste. Must possess good written and verbal communication skills, such as following instructions, interpreting materials, and selecting pertinent information. Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and precision. Must be able to prioritize work to meet/set deadlines and produce written documents in a timely fashion. Ability to perform job duties under minimal supervision. Ability to work as part of a team. Must be SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) and meet the standards established by DAR'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 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 complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must possess Certification in Advanced Open Water and Rescue (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within six (6) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to qualify as a DAR Scientific Diver and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to swim and snorkel to collect coral specimens. Must be capable of handling all necessary diving equipment and procedures required in conducting underwater research from shore or small boats, sometimes in rough seas. Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Comfortable working outdoors, around seawater, and in contact with marine organisms. Must be able and willing to work long and irregular hours, including weekends and evenings. Interisland travel may be required. 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: Experience in minor construction and plumbing related to coral or live rock aquarium maintenance. At least one (1) additional year of experience culturing live rock and coral. At least one (1) additional year of experience maintaining saltwater aquaria, including experience in aquaculture/aquarium tank fabrication and maintenance, and experience maintaining large open and closed saltwater systems, including the use of protein skimmers and refugia. Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Ability to identify Hawaiian corals, algae, and invertebrates in the field.

CLOSING DATE: 11:59 pm (HST) December 8, 2021.

TO APPLY: 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. New Hires will not be allowed to start work until their COVID-19 Vaccination or Test Results have been reviewed as in compliance. 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. NOTE: Effective January 3, 2022, all RCUH recruitments and new hires will require compliance with the RCUH COVID-19 Policy. Applicants may request information on this policy from the contact person listed on this recruitment. 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.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $3,333.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All staff and visitors must wear a face covering while on property. All staff must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a negative COVID-19 test weekly. All visitors must either be fully vaccinated or have a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Coral or live rock husbandry: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location