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Ocean Cleanup Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Ocean Cleanup information

See Hawaii salary details

$8

$20

$34

How much do ocean cleanup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for ocean cleanup in Hawaii is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.26 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do ocean explorers make?

Ocean explorers' salaries vary widely depending on their experience, funding sources, and the organization they work for. Entry-level positions may earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced researchers or specialists can earn over $100,000. Many ocean explorers also seek grants, sponsorships, or work for research institutions that provide additional funding and resources.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in Ocean Cleanup efforts?

In an Ocean Cleanup role, you can expect to spend your days participating in on-water collection of marine debris, operating cleanup equipment, recording findings, and helping sort or analyze collected waste. Team members often rotate between field work and data entry or reporting, depending on project needs. Collaboration with scientists, engineers, and local community organizations is common, with regular briefings to align goals and safety protocols. Many positions also include public education or outreach components, helping to raise environmental awareness. This variety ensures a dynamic workday and offers opportunities to develop a diverse skill set while making a tangible environmental impact.

What is the highest paying ocean job?

The highest paying ocean jobs typically include offshore drilling engineers, marine captains, and specialized research scientists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience working in challenging marine environments.

What is an Ocean Cleanup job?

An Ocean Cleanup job involves working to remove plastic waste and debris from oceans, rivers, and coastal areas to protect marine life and ecosystems. Professionals in this field may work on research, engineering, logistics, advocacy, or hands-on cleanup operations. Roles can vary from scientists studying pollution impact to technicians operating cleanup equipment. Many organizations, including nonprofits and environmental agencies, offer these positions. The goal is to reduce ocean pollution and promote sustainable waste management solutions.

How do I get involved in ocean cleanup?

Ocean cleanup jobs involve participating in projects that remove plastic and debris from oceans and waterways. To get involved, you can volunteer with organizations, pursue relevant skills such as environmental science or engineering, and look for employment or internship opportunities that focus on marine conservation and cleanup efforts.

Is ocean cleanup working?

Ocean cleanup efforts, including roles focused on removing plastic waste from oceans, have shown progress with the deployment of cleanup systems and increased debris collection. However, the scale of ocean pollution remains large, and ongoing work is needed to significantly reduce plastic in marine environments. Jobs in this field often require technical skills, environmental knowledge, and the ability to operate specialized equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Ocean Cleanup position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Ocean Cleanup role, strong knowledge of environmental science, marine biology, or engineering—often supported by a relevant degree—is essential. Familiarity with aquatic debris removal technologies, GPS mapping systems, and small vessel operation certifications (such as boating licenses) is typically required. Teamwork, adaptability, and a proactive attitude are critical soft skills for success in this field. These qualifications enable employees to ensure safe, effective, and environmentally responsible removal of ocean pollutants while maintaining smooth operations in dynamic, team-based settings.

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Cleanup jobs in Hawaii? For Ocean Cleanup jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ocean Cleanup jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Ocean Cleanup jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Ocean Cleanup job openings in Hawaii as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,154 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Pilot Plant Operator - Technician

Sea Dragon Energy

Kailua Kona, HI

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Pilot Plant Operator-Technician

Job Type: Full-time rotating shifts, overtime expected

Work Location: Sea Dragon Energy at the Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Park, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Pay: $30-$40/hour

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement program with matching
  • Flexible PTO policy including 12 company holidays and 1 floating holiday

About Us

Sea Dragon Energy is a commercial startup and veteran-owned company developing a process to generate sustainable aviation fuel. This project combines breakthrough technologies that extract carbon dioxide and hydrogen from seawater to synthesize jet fuel in distributed units while requiring no crude oil input.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Maintain a safe working environment with chemical process equipment. Follow all safety standards and wear appropriate PPE when required to do so, including flame resistant clothing, work gloves, and masks/respirators.
  • Operate chemical process skids as directed by the Site Manager, including interacting with valves, PLC screens, pumps, compressors, electrolyzers, and reactors.
  • Monitor chemical process skid operation. Identify problems or defects during process operation. Make process adjustments and attempt to independently troubleshoot process parameter deviations.
  • Acquire chemical samples from the process skids and analyze them in the site quality laboratory.
  • Perform maintenance checks on equipment. Perform basic repairs of equipment such as fixing small leaks or changing out broken pumps. For more advanced repairs, work with equipment vendors to assist in the repair.
  • Respond to spills and cleanup with appropriate corrective action.
  • Operate a forklift as required. Previous forklift experience is not required.
  • During chemical operating campaigns work rotating 12 hour shifts. Night shifts will be required during operating campaigns.

Minimum qualification requirements:

  • High school diploma/GED or higher.
  • Three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing, pilot plant, or laboratory environment.
  • Proactive communication in alerting others to issues around the pilot plant.

Additional qualifications that would help you succeed further:

  • Associates degree or similar two-year technical degree or higher.
  • Experience with Swagelok.
  • Experience in petroleum refining, petrochemical research, or similar process equipment.
  • Experience with Lock Out Tag Out.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of how to disassemble and reassemble basic machines.
  • Strong electrical aptitude and basic knowledge of circuits.
  • Strong hydraulic aptitude and basic knowledge of fluid dynamics or plumbing.
  • Ability to complete work with little to no supervision.