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Assistant Volcano Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Volcano Observatory information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant at a Volcano Observatory, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant at a Volcano Observatory, you need a background in geology, earth sciences, or a related field, with strong analytical and observational skills. Familiarity with monitoring equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools is typically required, and relevant certifications or lab safety training are advantageous. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills enable accurate data collection, ensure safety, and support efficient collaboration during critical volcanic events.

What is the difference between Assistant Volcano Observatory vs Geologist?

AspectAssistant Volcano ObservatoryGeologist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or related fields; some positions may need specialized training in volcanologyRequires a bachelor's degree; advanced roles often need a master's or Ph.D. in geology or earth sciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at volcano sites, monitoring stations, and laboratoriesFieldwork, laboratory analysis, research institutions, and academic settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by volcano observatories, government agencies, and research institutionsEmployed by universities, research institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms

While both roles involve earth sciences and fieldwork, an Assistant Volcano Observatory focuses on supporting volcano monitoring and data collection, often under supervision. A Geologist has broader responsibilities, including research, analysis, and interpretation of geological data across various environments. The Assistant Volcano Observatory role is more specialized in volcanology, whereas a Geologist's scope is wider within earth sciences.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an Assistant at a Volcano Observatory?

As an Assistant at a Volcano Observatory, your daily tasks may include monitoring seismic activity, maintaining scientific equipment, collecting and analyzing samples, and assisting with data entry or fieldwork. You may also support senior volcanologists in preparing reports and communicating findings to relevant authorities. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team—often including geologists, technicians, and emergency managers—is common, and flexibility is important as priorities can shift quickly in response to volcanic activity.

What qualifications do I need to be a volcanologist?

To become a volcanologist, a bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced research roles. Relevant skills include fieldwork experience, knowledge of volcanic activity monitoring tools, and strong analytical abilities; certifications in safety and hazard assessment can also be beneficial.

What is an Assistant Volcano Observatory and what do they do?

An Assistant Volcano Observatory is a support role within a volcano observatory, where professionals help monitor volcanic activity and assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Their duties often include operating scientific instruments, maintaining databases, preparing reports, and supporting senior volcanologists in fieldwork or response efforts. They play a crucial part in early warning systems and public safety by ensuring accurate information about volcanic hazards is gathered and communicated. This position is ideal for those interested in earth sciences, research, and public safety.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Volcano Observatory job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 90% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Gordon A. Macdonald Professor (or Assoc Prof) of Volcanology & Hawai'i State Volcanologis...

Gordon A. Macdonald Professor (or Assoc Prof) of Volcanology & Hawai'i State Volcanologis...

University of Hawaii

Honolulu, HI

Other

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description Title: Associate Professor/Professor, Gordon A. Macdonald Professor of Volcanology and Hawai'i State Volcanologist Position Number: 85535 Hiring Unit: University of Hawai'i at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Earth Sciences Location: Manoa campus Date Posted: November 5, 2025 Closing Date: Continuous recruitment - application review begins December 31, 2025. Applications received after this date may be considered.

Salary Information: F4-9 or F5-9, salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Monthly Type:9 Month Tenure Track: Tenure track Full Time/Part Time: Full-time Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Other Conditions: Nine months of state funding annually. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, or as mutually agreed.

Pending position clearance. The University of Hawai'i at Manoa is a globally recognized research institution located in the Pacific, with a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and climate resilience. SOEST is home to world-class Earth, ocean, and environmental scientists and supports interdisciplinary collaboration across its departments and centers.

This position aligns with the university's status as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning and its strategic vision to strengthen place-based research and education. Our campus welcomes all students but given our responsibilities to the community in which we operate, as part of our strategic mission, we strive to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, a place that is committed to integrating Native Hawaiian language, culture and/or values into its academic and campus environment. Duties and Responsibilities for Associate Professor (F4) Perform consistently at a highly effective professional and productive level in the assigned areas of teaching, scholarship, and research.

Maintain expertise in current discipline content and methodologies. Undertake research/scholarly or creative projects consistent with the goals of the Earth Sciences Department and the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences. Maintain expertise in current discipline content and methodologies in the understanding of student needs; creatively contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in volcanology and related topics that align with curriculum requirements.

Develop and maintain a strong externally funded research program. Supervise undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, providing mentorship and guidance in their academic and professional development. To serve as chair or member of committees in charge of candidates for advanced degrees.

Consult, upon request, with state officials, departments, and agencies concerning volcanism and volcanic hazards in Hawai'i. Maintain and strengthen relationships with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the State of Hawai'i Civil Defense. Render service to the professional or lay community which is relevant to the individual's academic specialty.

Engage with faculty, staff, and students in a collaborative fashion that supports Indigenous values and whose personal and professional perspectives enriches the University, SOEST, the Department, and the broader communities served by the UHM. Provide individual leadership to colleagues within the discipline and work with colleagues in other disciplines to facilitate student learning. Initiate, coordinate, and participate in discipline-related projects at the campus or system level to include significant program or curricular modification.

Provide significant service to the college and community outside of the area of primary responsibilities and that sustain involvement in professional and self-development activities. Serve as Division or Department Chair when appointed and demonstrate leadership through involvement in program review and other assessment and planning activities for the campus. Duties and Responsibilities for Professor (F5) Same as Associate Professor duties and responsibilities with the addition of the following duties and responsibilities: Scientific leadership recognized at the international level.

Serve as Division or Department Chairs when appointed and exhibit leadership through involvement in program review, serving on institutional assessment and planning groups on the campus and system levels. Other duties as assigned. Associate Professor (F4) Minimum Qualifications Ph.D

or equivalent terminal degree from a college or university of recognized standing and in Earth Sciences, Geology, Volcanology, or a closely related field. A minimum of four years of service as Assistant Professor, or equivalent. Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.

Record of nationally recognized research accomplishment in volcano science. Demonstrated excellence in professional written and oral communication. Examples include, but are not limited to, publications in peer reviewed scientific journals, technical reports, public- focused communications, and presentations at professional meetings.

Capacity to establish extramural funding for the development of a research program. Expertise in field geology. Ability and interest in working with people of diverse perspectives and experiences, and supporting Indigenous approaches, values, and knowledge with respect and cultural sensitivity.

Demonstrated capacity for excellence in teaching and mentoring, including creative approaches for enhancing student learning, and engaging students in research, and preparing students for work after they earn their degrees. Demonstrated achievement of creative, high-quality research and a record of scientific leadership including making transformative advances in the field. Expressed interest in establishing a research and teaching program that contributes to the UH mission of becoming a Native Hawaiian place of Learning (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/nhpol/)

Professor (F5) Minimum Qualifications Same as Associate Professor minimum qualifications with the addition of the following qualifications: 1.A minimum of four years of service as Associate Professor or equivalent. 2.Record of internationally recognized research accomplishments and service to the professional and scholarly communities. Desirable Qualifications Expertise integrating geological field data and observations with analytical, experimental and/or modeling techniques Demonstrated commitment to preparing students for employment in the public-and private-sector workforce or as continuing researchers

Research skills and interests that complement and enhance the research activities in Earth Sciences and other units at University of Hawaii as well as State and Federal agencies in Hawaii. Experience working in collaborative partnerships with Indigenous and other communities across the Hawaiian Islands or elsewhere in the broader insular Pacific region. To Apply To apply, submit the following: A one-page cover letter addressing how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications and fit.

Curriculum vitae with a publication list and record of research funding if applicable A two-page (maximum) Statement of research interests, accomplishments to date, and future research plans. A two-page (maximum) Statement describing experiences in, approaches to, and philosophy of teaching and mentoring students. A statement describing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment in teaching, mentoring and collaboration.

This statement should also describe how the candidate plans to contribute to the University's mission of becoming a Native Hawaiian place of learning Names and contact information for three references willing to provide professional reference letters. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account. Applications received by December 31, 2025 will receive full consideration.

The position will remain open until filled. For inquiries, contact: Dr. Julia Hammer; jhammer@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status

For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/


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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907