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Marine Protected Areas Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (safety glasses, masks, goggles, etc ... Ability to physically transit all areas of the facility and go in and out of boats. REQUIRED SKILLS:

MARINE MECHANICS

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (safety glasses, masks, goggles, etc ... Ability to physically transit all areas of the facility and go in and out of boats. LOCATION:

... protect personnel, vessels, facilities, and mission activities and prevent unauthorized maritime ... Patrol designated harbor grids, shipping berth perimeter areas, fuel piers, recreational vessel ...

The Marine Superintendent will work closely with the Project Manager, other discipline ... personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This ...

Marine Painter

Fort Lauderdale, FL ยท On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Prep and apply primers and top coats as needed to areas of vessels as instructed * Prep for paint ... Wear personal protective equipment - dust masks, eye protection, ear plugs, paint suits, paint ...

Marine Outfitter

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Ability to work safely in confined spaces, vessel compartments, elevated areas, and active shipyard ... Must be able to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves ...

Lead by example and place Quality, Health & Safety, Security, and the protection of the Environment ... Maintain operational readiness of assigned equipment and work areas. * Travel and work offshore ...

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Marine Protected Areas information

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How much do marine protected areas jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine protected areas in the United States is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are marine protected areas?

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are sections of the ocean or coastal waters where human activity is more strictly regulated than the surrounding waters to protect natural or cultural resources. These protections can range from limiting fishing and other extractive activities to restricting access entirely, depending on the area's goals. MPAs are established to conserve biodiversity, replenish fish stocks, and support ecosystem health. They can also provide economic benefits through tourism and sustainable resource management. The specific rules and level of protection vary by country and individual site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine protected areas manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Protected Areas Manager, you need expertise in marine biology, environmental science, and resource management, often supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data analysis tools, and regulatory frameworks such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act is typically required. Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution skills are vital for managing diverse teams and collaborating with local communities. These skills ensure effective conservation strategies, regulatory compliance, and sustainable ecosystem management in complex marine environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in marine protected areas, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) often encounter challenges such as balancing conservation goals with the interests of local communities, enforcing regulations in remote or large areas, and securing consistent funding for ongoing management. Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including fishers, tourism operators, and governmental agencies, are essential for resolving conflicts and building support. Utilizing technology for monitoring, fostering community involvement, and pursuing diverse funding sources can help address these challenges and contribute to the long-term success of MPAs.

What is the difference between Marine Protected Areas vs Marine Biologists?

AspectMarine Protected AreasMarine Biologists
Primary FocusDesignating and managing protected marine zonesStudying marine life and ecosystems
Required CredentialsEnvironmental science, marine policy, conservation certificationsMarine science, biology degrees, research experience
Work EnvironmentField sites, government agencies, conservation organizationsResearch labs, fieldwork, academic institutions
Industry UsageEnvironmental protection, marine conservation policiesResearch, academia, environmental consulting

Marine Protected Areas focus on establishing and managing protected zones to conserve marine ecosystems, while Marine Biologists conduct research to understand marine life. Both roles are vital for marine conservation but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

More about Marine Protected Areas jobs

What job categories do people searching Marine Protected Areas jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Protected Areas jobs are:

Infographic showing various Marine Protected Areas job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,953 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Environmental Planner - Marine Protected Area Planning & Evaluation

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC

Honolulu, HI โ€ข On-site

$85K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Location: NOAA Inouye Regional Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Status: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt, Salary
Pay: $85,000 - $94,000 annually, depending on experience
The Pacific Island Region (PIR) of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries manages the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Sanctuary, and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. The PIR staff are located across multiple islands. The work is accomplished with personnel with varying responsibilities, including sanctuary management, education, outreach, research, resource protection, facility operations, and administration.
We are looking for an Environmental Planner (Marine Protected Area Planning & Evaluation) to provide various planning and evaluation support tasks for the team, working primarily in Honolulu, Hawaii, at NOAA's Inouye Regional Center.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Support the continued development of the site evaluation strategy and other site management plans;
  • Implement and test existing evaluation strategy methods;
  • Coordinate with partner agencies in the collection and analysis of identified metrics for evaluation;
  • Coordinate with partners and Sanctuary staff to incorporate program information in the Sanctuary Management Plan tracking tool;
  • Support the development and production of the annual review of Sanctuary Management Plan implementation;
  • Support the preparation of a five-year Sanctuary Status Report based on information in annual reports, monitoring results, and evaluation efforts;
  • Support meetings with partner agencies to identify changes and updates needed to the Sanctuary Management Plan;
  • Support managers with the development of management plans and the management plan review process, including writing environmental impact statements, reviewing and drafting responses to public comments, staffing public meetings, developing focal area plans for key action areas (such as outreach, education, interpretation, and
  • research plans), and developing site resource requirements;
  • Support the development of PIR site step-down plans called for in the Management Plan;
  • Support site leadership and the Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) to plan and carry out quarterly SAC meetings;
  • Support site leadership in policy development and implementation and assess potential impacts; and
  • Support the region and sites in coordinating the review and clearance of necessary processes with headquarters and other partners.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) from an accredited college or university in conservation biology, environmental sciences, geography, environmental planning, physical or marine biological sciences, social sciences, or other related fields.
  • Three to five (3-5) years' experience supporting natural resources planning efforts, including but not limited to writing evaluation documents, and supporting the developing of management plans.
  • Experience working with multiple agencies, organization of projects and effectively communicating complex ideas and issues to managers and other staff.
  • Ability to work with site managers and partner agencies in the development of focal area and strategic plans, such as outreach and education, and research coordination plans for one or more sites in the PIR.
  • Knowledge of project tracking, evaluation and monitoring techniques and tools.
  • Understanding of issues with data collection and analysis.
  • Working knowledge of principles of natural resources or cultural resources management.
  • Working knowledge of the practices and principles of planning and the development of planning documents.
  • Ability to implement and manage projects.
  • Excellent Microsoft (MS)Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
  • Outstanding English verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, organization and time management skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly and gain new skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to work under short deadlines and changing priorities.
  • Comfortable working as part of a team, and ability to multitask.

AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$85,000 - $94,000/year, depending on experience