About the Coral Reef Alliance
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is committed to saving the world’s coral reefs. We work at local, regional, and global levels to keep coral reefs healthy, so they can survive for generations to come. As one of the largest global NGOs focused exclusively on coral reefs, CORAL has used cutting-edge science and community engagement for nearly 30 years to reduce direct threats to reefs and to promote scalable and effective solutions for their protection.
The CORAL team is dedicated, passionate, and outcome-oriented. CORAL has 30 team members across remote work sites in the US, as well as at project sites in Hawai‘i, Mexico, and Honduras. Governed by an 11-15 member Board of Directors and supported by a flourishing group of conservation leaders and donors, CORAL has an annual budget that has grown to $5.5M.
Our Work in Hawai’i
CORAL has more than a decade of experience working in the Main Hawaiian Islands on coral reef conservation. Currently, our work focuses on providing healthier conditions through clean water and sustainable fisheries for adaptive reefs to thrive. Our program emphasizes threat reduction by preventing land-based sources of pollution from entering streams and groundwater which eventually lead to the ocean. Statewide, our threat reduction efforts also focus on addressing wastewater pollution in vulnerable areas. In addition to focusing on threat reduction, our program works closely with our locally based key partners to strengthen communities so that they can better protect their reefs.
Position Summary
Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is seeking a motivated and resourceful individual to support our work in Maui Nui. The ideal candidate has one to three years of field experience in Hawaiʻi and the ability to problem solve. This role will be vital to ensuring successful execution of conservation focus areas in actionable science, threat reduction, and capacity development. The Maui Nui Field Technician will work closely with the Maui Nui Program Manager and the Maui Nui Research Coordinator in implementing a three year grant awarded by NOAA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) office to restore portions of the Olowalu Stream on Maui and restore two ancient fishponds in Molokai.
This role is primarily dedicated to implementing the monitoring plan developed by the Maui Research Coordinator and has the ability to provide feedback and advice based on expertise they bring to the team. We expect that the Maui Nui Field Technician will coordinate the research portions of the project and will support other programmatic activities outside of the NOAA CZM grant.
This position is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team working on cutting edge conservation strategies that will create lasting benefits for coral reefs in Hawaiʻi and across the globe.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Participate in field logistics and deploy/install monitoring equipment
- Conduct regular monitoring of water quality, sediment, invasive species, native plants, etc.
- Assist partners with miscellaneous outdoor tasks (e.g. removing invasive species, planting native species, sediment removal, etc.)
- Assist with literature review and research methodologies and consult experts when needed
- Maintain research equipment
- Update and maintain research databases and monitoring schedules
- Plan and prepare for events
- Assist in grant reporting and track information and deliverables
Detailed Work Plan
In partnership with community partners and the CORAL team, the Maui Nui Field Technician is responsible for the following deliverables associated with the CZM grant. CORAL is responsible for providing the Maui Nui Field Technician with the tools and means necessary to carry out these deliverables.
- Assist in scouting locations for native planting, purchase and install monitoring equipment
- Assist in aerial photography surveys and use surveys to inform restoration activities
- Basic water quality and sediment monitoring within streams, fishponds, and lo’i kalo
- Evaluate and document conditions of restoration sites after any large storm events
- Assist in bathymetric mapping of two fishponds to showcase sediment accumulation and invasive algae before and after restoration, using data to inform plan for removal
- Deploy, retrieve and process sediment traps, temperature sensors / data loggers (HOBO and Tidbits) and conduct turbidity monitoring; abide by monitoring schedule
- Assist in sediment sample analysis for quantity and composition
- Maintain databases
- Work with team in communicating results of data to partners and community
- Assist Research Program Coordinator, Program Manager, and partners with various project related tasks
Qualifications
Required
The minimum required qualifications include BA/BS degree in a physical science-related field, such as geology, marine biology, environmental science, soil science, and hydrology.
Additionally, the Maui Nui Field Technician must have:
- Authorized to work in the USA.
- 1 to 3 years of field experience working with a conservation or similar entity in Hawaii
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, including implementing research plans and coordinating with multiple collaborators.
- Resourcefulness and ability to work proactively; ability to complete tasks independently, efficiently, and in a timely manner; and the ability to work effectively with a remote team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals from a variety of disciplines, cultures and backgrounds.
- The position requires the successful candidate to have a valid U.S Driver’s license and good driving record.
- The position requires that the successful candidate be able to perform field work in hot dry and sometimes wet conditions, as well as the ability to swim, snorkel and lift 50 lbs.
- Flexibility and willingness to work in situations of flux; ability to work in a fast turn-around environment.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership for wide-ranging responsibilities while exhibiting the utmost professionalism and discretion.
- Ability to work in a home office.
- Someone based in West Maui or Molokai preferred. Must be based in Hawaiʻi.
Preferred
Essential
- Ability to think analytically and problem solve and a willingness to ask questions
- Commitment to process excellence, efficiency and accountability
- A sense of humor, commitment to candor and desire to be a part of a collaborative team
- Patience and exceptional listening skills
- Energetic, hard-working, and a team player
- Presents a positive, enthusiastic, professional image both internally and externally
- Discretion with confidential information
Working Conditions
The Maui Nui Field Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote outdoor locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, coastal and marine environments and vessels, and under physically demanding circumstances that may require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work conditions may require international and domestic travel including to remote island areas, the mainland US, neighboring and other islands or nations. Additionally, the work may be performed independently without day-to-day supervision.
Compensation and Work Schedule
This is a full-time exempt position compensated within a salary range of $52,846 to $66,492 annually.
CORAL offers a generous compensation package including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, 401k matching, unlimited paid time off packaging, paid holidays plus two week-long paid breaks, FSA, HSA, Employee Assistance Program, and more. Additionally, we offer a mileage reimbursement program for personal vehicle use.
We offer a flexible working schedule where the successful candidate can set their own working hours as long as they are able to attend necessary meetings.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter as one document to humanresources@coral.org with “Maui Nui Field Technician” in the subject line.
Please note that due to the volume of applications expected, we are not able to respond to each individual applicant. The position will be open until filled, an immediate start date is preferred.
The Coral Reef Alliance is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.