Title: Research Support, Band A (Research Assistant-Monk Seal Biologist)
Position Number: 0078296T, Career Group: Research Support
Hiring Unit: Waikiki Aquarium
Location: Waikiki
Date Posted: 03/25/2024
Closing Date: 04/08/2024
Band: A
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Additional Salary Information: Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary – Not to Exceed:
Other Conditions: Annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance, program needs, and availability of funds.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manages the Hawaiian Monk Seal Program, including maintaining IACUC and APHIS quality husbandry standards. Ensures accurate and timely submission of relevant reports, permit applications and renewals, etc.
- Maintains computerized records on all aspects of the monk seal program in a timely manner. Takes digital still and video pictures of monk seals for veterinary records.
- Maintains monk seal life support system, including backwashing of sand filters, as needed.
- Conducts training and educational public monk seal presentations two to four times per day. Maintains husbandry and research behaviors of resident monk seals.
- Responsible for feeding, cleaning, training, record keeping and disease treatment of assigned fish and invertebrate organisms, in consultation with the curator and veterinarian. Travels to collect supplies, and animals for husbandry purposes.
- Monitors and performs maintenance and repairs of assigned and backup exhibits, to include cleaning, feeding, visual inspection for disease detection, water quality assessment and disease treatment.
- Supervises students, volunteers, and interns who work directly with the position.
- Interacts with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc. in a polite, courteous and professional manner.
- Ensures that supervised personnel interact with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, visitors, etc., in a polite, courteous and professional manner.
- Lifts and carries up to 50 pounds, for the purpose of transporting equipment, food stuffs and materials to service facilities or animals on site and off site.
- Complies with the OSHA program, including wearing appropriate clothing, safety equipment and respirator mask, where appropriate.
- Uses computers and word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphing programs.
- Assists with Aquarium events and activities.
- Utilizes the scientific method to conduct research, give conference presentations and publish reports.
- Uses basic instruments, equipment and/or supplies and performs measurements, adjustments and repairs, as necessary.
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences and 1 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for marine mammal training and husbandry; or equivalent education/training or experience.
- Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in marine mammal training and husbandry demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
- Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with marine mammal training and husbandry.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of marine mammal training and husbandry.
- Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
- Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
- Ability to apply the scientific method(s) and conduct research.
- One year of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or marine mammal research facility, with direct experience in the husbandry and training of marine mammals, ideally with pinnipeds.
- Knowledge of computers and proficiency with word processing, database and spreadsheet programs.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, for the purpose of transporting equipment, food stuffs and materials to service facilities or animals on site and off site.
- Previous supervisory experience, to include working with students, docents, or volunteers.
- Knowledge of OSHA programs and ability to wear a respirator.
- Ability to work at least one night per week to midnight or later. Able to work at heights, in confined spaces, and use ladders. Must be able to work some weekends, and/or holidays and flexible working hours.
- Ability to travel independently to and from meetings, events and WAQ in a timely manner, fulfilled by possession of a valid Drivers License (Class 3), or use of other means of transportation, which meets position needs.
- Experience at giving educational presentations to the public and/or conference presentations.
- Experience in report writing, and analysis and presentation of data in written and graphical formats
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in the husbandry and training of marine mammals. At least one year of experience with pinnipeds.
- Experience supervising one or all of the following groups: full-time staff, students, volunteers.
- Experience maintaining freshwater and marine fishes and invertebrates at a zoological park, aquarium,or aquaculture facility.
- Considerable knowledge of life support systems.
- Certified SCUBA diver and ability to meet University of Hawaii scientific diver certification requirements
To Apply:
Click on the Apply button on the top right corner of the screen and attach the required documents. Applicants mustsubmit (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, (2) resume, (3) names andcontact information of 3 professional references and (4) copies of transcripts with confidential identifiable information (i.e.social security number, birth date, etc.) redacted are acceptable, but official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
University of Hawaii at Manoa – Waikiki Aquarium
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Attn: Tony McEwan
Honolulu, HI 96815
Inquiries:
Tony McEwan; 808-440-9039; [email protected]