OVERVIEW In 2014, The Marine Mammal Center opened Ke Kai Ola (“The Healing Sea”), a hospital and education center dedicated to caring for injured, ill, and orphaned Hawaiian monk seals and returning them to the wild, and to be a place where children and the community learn to care for this beautiful marine mammal. The goal of Ke Kai Ola is to promote Hawaiian monk seal recovery through 1) a science-based rehabilitation program; 2) a highly trained and well-managed volunteer stranding response network; and 3) coordinated community efforts and partnerships to inspire the local community to protect, care for, and ensure the future of this endangered species. ROLE DESCRIPTION The Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist leads the Marine Mammal Response Program for Hawai’i Island, which responds to reports of Hawaiian monk seal sightings to ensure a safe environment for both people and seals. This role provides communication, administration, coordination and training of response and community engagement volunteers. This role is responsible for executing Ke Kai Ola’s community outreach strategy, and will work closely with the Center’s Education department to ensure community outreach will be consistent. This position reports to the Hospital Director, with direct support from the Manager of School and Youth Programs (based in Sausalito, CA). The Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist requires self-direction and initiative. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES -Recruit, train and develop Ke Kai Ola Response and Community Engagement volunteers to maintain a thriving volunteer corps, in collaboration with the Center’s Volunteer Engagement department -Coordinate all Hawaiian monk seal responses on Hawai’i Island, which vary between occasional sightings and highly intensive events like births or molts -Actively facilitate communications between partner agencies, volunteers, staff and the public during a response -Manage 24hr Response Hotline to respond to public reports, questions and concerns about sighted animals -Maintain animal records and database, and provide required reporting to NOAA -Lead community campaigns and events such as partner meetings, fundraisers, and business outreach, in collaboration with the Center’s Education department -Support Education team members by representing Ke Kai Ola in community fairs, on-site tours, and school and youth programs -Maintain Ke Kai Ola vehicle fleet -Provide support to other Ke Kai Ola programs (Education, Animal Care) in times of high intensity KNOWLEDGE + ABILITIES -Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members (familiarity with Hawaiian communities, culture and customs is highly desirable) -Strong interpersonal skills -Excellent oral and written communication skills -Knowledge of current rescue techniques and partner agencies -Knowledge of Hawaiian monk seal history throughout the state of Hawaii -Demonstrated ability to direct and train staff and volunteers to advance their knowledge of Hawaiian monk seals -Strong administrative, organizational, and presentation skills -Ability to record, manage, and report volunteer data -Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite of programs, and web-based programs (e.g. Google Drive) -Adept at detail-oriented work -Ability to multi-task -Ability to delegate effectively -Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team -Competent use of independent judgment -Demonstrated capability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional manner when dealing with the public, volunteers and/or difficult situations QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE -Bachelor’s degree -Background and/or relevant experience in public education and outreach -Prior volunteer management experience highly valued -Experience handling wild monk seals highly desirable -Grant writing and/or some fundraising experience highly desired -Valid Hawaiian driver’s license and a clean driving record -Must submit to and pass background check ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS -Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds -Ability to stand/walk up to 3 hours in extreme weather conditions without a break -Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer screen, walking, and climbing stairs -Hospital environment with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways -Limited exposure to zoonotic diseases FURTHER INFORMATION Location: Ke Kai Ola Hospital, Kailua-Kona, HI Hours: This role is full-time typically working at least 1-3 weekends a month, and may be required to shift schedule to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays, depending on program or facility needs Reports To: Hospital Director Direct Reports: None To Apply: Visit http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ to learn more, and to apply via Recruiterbox. [page1image1697456] Claire Simeone, DVM Hospital Director, Ke Kai Ola The Marine Mammal Center 73-731 Makako Bay Drive Kailua Kona, HI 96740 simeonec@tmmc.org<mailto:simeonec@tmmc.org> (808) 326-7325 KeKaiOla.org If you spot a Hawaiian monk seal, call our 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765.
