Job Posting: Research Technician for Pacific Whale Foundation (Maui, USA)

The research department at Pacific Whale Foundation is recruiting for the newly created position of Research Technician, to report directly to our Research Manager, Dr. Shannon Barber-Meyer. 

Pacific Whale Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to protecting the ocean through science and advocacy and inspiring environmental stewardship. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 40 years. The long-term goal of our research program is to identify and assess major threats to whales and dolphins around the world and develop science-based solutions to mitigate these problems.

The Research Technician will be responsible for supporting and assisting with our long-term humpback whale and dolphin research in Hawai’i. The focus will be on UAS (drone) related research, but will also include collecting ID photographs, behavioral observations, and associated data from a dedicated research vessel. Data are expected to be processed daily and in a timely manner.

The successful Research Technician candidate works at the direction of the Research Manager and will hold an FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System – Remote Pilot License or be able to obtain one upon hire. They will also possess a Bachelor of Science degree (or higher) or extensive relevant work experience and have a working knowledge of marine mammal field techniques, including photo-identification procedures and methodologies.


This is a regular, full-time (40 hours per week), hourly, exempt, position based out of Ma’alaea Harbor, Maui, Hawai'i. The successful candidate must possess the ability to work a flexible field schedule that may include weekends, evenings and holidays as fieldwork is heavily weather dependent. The team often works above the standard 40 hours per week when the weather permits, and time off in lieu is given to account for this. Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States of America. 


Pay starting from $47,000 per year, based on skills and experience. 


Apply online at: https://1.adp.com/97rPnPCRBss


Applications will only be accepted through the above link (no phone calls or drop-ins please).


To read more about Pacific Whale Foundation's research, visit our website https://www.pacificwhale.org/research/


The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification.  It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.  Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description at any time.  Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer in support of efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.


Research Program

Pacific Whale Foundation

300 Ma‘alaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku HI, 96793, USA

Telephone: +1 (808) 856-8305

Fax: +1 (808) 856-8363