Overview

We are seeking a motivated and resourceful individual to support our work on Maui as Research Officer. This role is ideally a full-time position, but we will consider candidates only available for part-time work as well. The Research Officer will ensure the successful execution of a monitoring plan that measures the impact of restoration activities designed to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution in Wahikuli and Honokōwai streams in West Maui. She/he/they will coordinate data collection activities by various parties and ensure protocols are followed to ensure data quality. This position reports to the Senior Program Manager, based on Maui.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute data collection for identified components of the monitoring plan. These are anticipated to include:
  • Monitoring sediment posts and erosion pins to measure sediment accumulation or loss from stream banks
  • Track and log in-stream turbidity data and ensure equipment is properly maintained
  • Photographic documentation of before and after pictures of installed restoration BMPs and monitoring of their performance over time
  • Recording survivorship and growth of plants
  • Collecting and analyzing video footage of streams following during storm events
  • Collecting and analyzing rain gauge and weather station data from partners
  • Collecting and analyzing photographic documentation of brown water events
  • Track satellite data from weather stations and turbidity monitors and upload to data storage website

• Conduct data analysis, and communicate and present results, both visually and verbally; collect and collate data from partners on an as needed basis
• Develop grant reports, as well as periodic reports for CORAL and stakeholders
• Plan and prepare for field events and outreach activities; lead volunteers during field events and in data collection
• Conduct literature reviews and research methodologies
• Track information and deliverables for grants

Required Qualifications

The minimum required qualifications for this position include:

• BA/BS degree in a natural science-related field, such as hydrology, geology, environmental science, soil science, or natural resources management.
• Experience with maintaining, installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting water quality monitoring instruments, including:
  • Field experience with HOBO pressure transducers, turbidity probes, telemetric instrument installation, data loggers, and ISCO sampler units
  • Experience collecting, preparing, and analyzing water quality data
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, including developing and maintaining research plans and coordinating with multiple collaborators
• Resourcefulness and ability to work proactively; ability to complete tasks independently, efficiently, and in a timely manner; 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
• Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership for wide-ranging responsibilities while exhibiting the utmost professionalism and discretion
• A positive attitude, sense of humor, patience, commitment to candor, and desire to be a part of a collaborative team
• Ability to work in hazardous steep terrain, hiking over several miles to project sites in all types of weather ranging from very hot and dry, to cold and rainy; the ability to swim, snorkel and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record
• Ability to safely drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle over steep unimproved roads
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, with willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job; ability to work with fast turn-arounds, including mobilizing on short notice in order to document and capture storm events
• Ability to work from a home office when not working in the field