The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works closely with The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii, and will be accepting applications for the upcoming 2010 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife.  Behavior data are also collected at some sites.  In addition, researchers will periodically handle, weigh, and administer de-worming medication to immature seals at some sites in an effort to increase seal condition and survival by removing parasite loads.  For general information about the program, visit this website:

http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/

Employment will be from mid-April to early September, though some positions will continue until mid/late September.  The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. 

The first 3 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data.  Travel to Honolulu and food and lodging while in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation between Honolulu and the field site, and food and lodging in the field are provided.
 
Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps.  Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings at the various sites.  All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane.  Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited.
 
Employment will be provided by JIMAR, which hires its program and scientific staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH).  To search and apply for RCUH positions, refer to the following website:
 
http://www.rcuh.com/
 
*NO LATER THAN JANUARY 18 (OR JANUARY 21 DEPENDING ON POSITION) BUT SOONER IS BETTER*
 
IMPORTANT:  Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, and boating skills.  The job postings for the JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Assistant recruitment (for Field Camp Assistant) and JIMAR PIFSC Biological Technician recruitment (for Field Camp Leader) are below.  Each position needs to be applied for separately.  Please apply directly to RCUH Human Resources following the methods stated in the posting by the appropriate closing date (January 18 or January 21). 



JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT – ID# 29558. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research.  (11) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $1,730/Mo. DUTIES: Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals.  Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls.  Assists with return, repair, and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp.  PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:  EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent. EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.  Good communication and team skills.  Ability to perform data entry. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.  Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear.  Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds).  Must be able to obtain medical clearance 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.  Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed.  Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote islands. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field.  For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats.  Possess NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training) to work at multiple-island atolls.  INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process.  Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date.  If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100.  CLOSING DATE: January 18, 2010. EEO/AA Employer.



JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – ID# 29587. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (6) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds.  MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $1,871.00. DUTIES:  Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals.  Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:  Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography or other related field.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings.  Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals.  Experience handling monk seals. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.  Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills.  Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must meet the US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed.  Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time.  Must be able to work long hours in the sun.  Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to obtain medical clearance 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. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp.  Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field.  Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats.  INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax (808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date.  If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-3100. CLOSING DATE: January 21, 2009. EEO/AA Employer.

 
-- 
Thea Johanos
Lead, Monk Seal Population Assessment Program
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1110
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700

808-944-2174 office
808-941-0307 fax