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Volcano Observatory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Volcano Observatory information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working at a Volcano Observatory?

Professionals at a Volcano Observatory typically spend their days monitoring seismic and volcanic activity, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific instruments in the field and laboratory, and analyzing data from a variety of sources. They also contribute to hazard assessments, create public information reports, and collaborate with emergency management agencies and the broader scientific community. Regular tasks can include field expeditions to active volcano sites, real-time data interpretation, and participation in interdisciplinary team meetings. This dynamic work environment requires adaptability and a strong commitment to public safety and scientific advancement.

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, with many positions favoring or requiring a master's or Ph.D. in volcanology or geophysics. Skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and familiarity with monitoring tools like seismographs and gas analyzers are essential, along with strong research and communication abilities.

How hard is it to get a job as a volcanologist?

Getting a job as a volcanologist typically requires a strong educational background in geology, geophysics, or related fields, often including a master's degree or higher. Experience with fieldwork, research, and familiarity with monitoring tools like seismographs and gas analyzers are also important, and competition can be high due to the specialized nature of the work.

What are the career paths in volcanology?

Volcanologists can pursue careers in research, monitoring active volcanoes, and hazard assessment, often working for government agencies, research institutions, or universities. Career advancement may involve specializing in areas such as geophysics, geochemistry, or risk management, and typically requires advanced degrees like a master's or Ph.D. in geology or earth sciences. Skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and use of monitoring tools are essential for progression in this field.

How much do volcanologists get paid?

Volcanologists, who study volcanic activity and related phenomena, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized roles can earn higher salaries, often with fieldwork and research involved.

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

To thrive at a Volcano Observatory, you need a solid background in geology, geophysics, or volcanology, generally supported by an advanced degree in earth sciences. Experience with seismic monitoring equipment, GIS software, remote sensing tools, and data analysis systems is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and sharing critical information with diverse audiences. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate volcano monitoring, public safety, and impactful scientific research.

What is a Volcano Observatory job?

A Volcano Observatory job involves monitoring, researching, and assessing volcanic activity to ensure public safety and advance scientific understanding. Professionals in this field analyze seismic data, gas emissions, and ground deformation to detect signs of eruptions. They also communicate risks to authorities and the public, aiding in disaster preparedness. Roles may include geologists, seismologists, and remote sensing specialists.

What are the most commonly searched types of Volcano Observatory jobs? The most popular types of Volcano Observatory jobs are:
Infographic showing various Volcano Observatory job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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

Re-posted 11 days ago


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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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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907