PRELIMINARY INFORMATION REGARDING UPCOMING 2025 FIELD TEAM RECRUITMENT:

The official job posting will go LIVE on January 31, 2025. A link to the job application page will be added at that time.

POSITIONS HIRING: MARINE DEBRIS TECHNICIAN I

Full Time, Short Term, Non-Exempt

Application Period:                  January 31 - February 17, 2025

Employment Period:               June 2 - October 31, 2025

Pay Rate:                                     $16.00/Hour Regular Time (RT); $24.00/Hour Overtime (OT)

Work Location:                        PMDP HQ: 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. #5017, Kailua, HI 96734

Travel:                                         Yes; up to 60 days in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Remote:                                      No

Benefits:                                     HMSA Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurances; Federal Holiday Pay

Supervisor:                                James Morioka, Executive Director, james@pmdphawaii.org

Application Requirements:

Submit the following: 1) Resume/CV, 2) Cover Letter, and 3) Three Professional References.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Summary:

IBSS is hiring up to eight (8) Marine Debris Technicians (Level 1), to support the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) in conducting large-scale marine debris cleanup operations across remote coral reefs, islands, and atolls within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).

This short-term, full-time position spans approximately five months (June 2 - October 31, 2025) and involves two 30-day field missions to the PMNM, tentatively scheduled for August 14 - September 12, 2025, and September 22 - October 21, 2025. The Marine Debris Technicians will support all phases of PMDP operations, including field equipment preparation, safety and operational training, field work execution, and post-mission demobilization.

Key Responsibilities:

●           Participate in up to 60 days of marine debris cleanup missions within the PMNM, serving as a small boat operator and freediver to remove derelict fishing gear and other debris from shallow coral reefs (0-30 foot depths) and shorelines.

●           Prepare, purchase, maintain, and organize field equipment, including inflatable boats, outboard engines, dive gear, safety equipment, and rigging gear.

●           Complete required training programs, including:

○           Dive Physical Examination

○           CPR, First-Aid, and AED Certification

○           Oxygen Administration Certification

○           Austere First-Responder Training

○           Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC)

○           Open-Water Module (OWM)

○           Swim Fitness Test: 500m swim in under 15 minutes, 25m breath-hold swim, 30-minute water tread

○           Freediver Certification: 20m breath-hold dive and 3-minute static breath-hold

○           Marine Debris Specialized Task Endorsement (STE) Training

○           Crane Signal-Calling and Rigging Certification

○           Cultural, Wildlife and Permit Access Briefings

●           Assist in mission planning, including small boat, dive, and marine debris removal operational strategies.

●           Collect and document in-water data on marine debris types, local flora, and fauna.

●           Conduct data QA/QC, process findings, and assist in preparing reports and presentations.

●           Drive and operate pick-up trucks to transport boats, equipment, and marine debris.

●           Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors or managers.

Required Qualifications:

●           U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien.

●           Basic Open-Water SCUBA certification through an accredited institution.

●           Hawaii Boating License (boatus.org/hawaii).

●           Valid Driver’s License.

Desired Qualifications:

●           Bachelor’s degree in marine sciences or related field.

●           1-3 years of experience conducting remote island or at-sea fieldwork.

●           1-3 years of experience in small boat operations and in-water surveys.

●           Experience working with wildlife and sensitive habitats.

●           Proficiency in freediving and open-ocean swimming.

●           Familiarity with power and hand tools for equipment maintenance.

●           Strong written and verbal communication skills.

●           Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Required Personal Dive Equipment:

●           Wetsuit (2-4-mm)

●           Mask and snorkel

●           Fins

PMDP-Provided Equipment:

●           Personal Flotation Device (PFD/Lifejacket)

●           Hard-hat

●           Gloves

●           Biosecurity clothing

●           Dive weight belt and weights