Volunteer Scuba Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location : Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 2026-01712
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Waikiki Aquarium
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Position Number:: 0097602T, 0097643T
Description
Title: Research Support Staff
Position Number: 0097602T, 0097665T
Hiring Unit: RES & DEAN OF GRAD DIV, SCH SOEST, WAIKIKI AQUARIUM
Location: UH at Manoa
Date Posted: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 08/19/2026
Band: A
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Duties and Responsibilities
1.* In collaboration with the Live Exhibits Curator, develops, reviews, and maintains high standards in exhibitory, maintenance and animal husbandry.
2.* Maintains assigned and backup exhibits to high standards, including the monitoring and feeding of organisms. Repairs life-support systems (water and air pumps, filters, protein skimmers, chillers, lights, valves and miscellaneous equipment).
3. Maintains records of research and other activities, prepares reports for the Curator and Director, and presents the data in publications and/or at professional meetings. Attends conferences/workshops held at off-island/out of state locations.
4.* Participates in all husbandry and maintenance of exhibit and research organisms. Husbandry duties include, but are not limited to, marine and freshwater exhibit cleaning, feeding and water sampling, in consultation with supervisor.
5.* Collects specimens for exhibit and research; assists with the collection of algae, fishes, invertebrates and food organisms, using SCUBA, snorkeling, nets, hook and line. Collection may occur off-island and/or out of state.
6.* Transports materials and specimens to/from the Aquarium.
7.* When required, develops and supports new exhibit construction.
8.* Participates in all levels of Aquarium planning, actively participates in committee meetings, develops specialty programs and actively communicates information.
9. Assists with design, development and testing of new materials and methods relating to the capture, maintenance, transport and shipping of aquatic organisms. Monitors response of animals and modifies procedures as necessary.
10.* Responsible for ensuring adequate husbandry supplies required for basic duties or special projects.
11.* Fully conversant in current and on-going advances in aquarium biology, aquarium exhibitry and husbandry. Adapts and incorporates knowledge into existing and new exhibits at the Waikiki Aquarium under the direction of the Curator.
12.* Required to give public talks, teach classes, and interact with the public, docents and volunteers.
13.* Assists with Aquarium's events and activities.
14.* Performs duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Waikiki Aquarium's Environmental Health and Safety Program.
15.* Supervises and works with student aquarists and volunteers. Interacts with WAQ staff, volunteers, students, etc., and visitors in a polite, courteous and professional manner.
16.* Works weekend hours for shift and work assignments. Periodically works late at night.
17.* Other duties as assigned
*denotes essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences or related field and 1year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for Aquarium Biology/Aquaculture; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
2. Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in Aquarium Biology demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
3. Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with Aquarium Biology.
4. Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the field of Aquarium Biology.
5. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
8. 1 year full time experience in the husbandry of marine and/or aquatic organisms (excluding mammals, reptiles) at a public aquarium, zoo, or research facility. Including at least one year of direct training experience.
9. Thorough knowledge of life support systems for aquatic animals.
10. Experience in animal collection.
11. Ability to perform hands on modification to tanks using generally accepted materials as needed to maintain exhibits.
12. Experience in exhibit design, construction, and familiarity with PVC plumbing.
13. Experience in live food production (e.g. algae, rotifers, Mysis, Artemis, etc.) in an aquarium/ aquaculture context.
14. Able to use ladders and work in confined spaces and at heights.
15. Ability to give public talks, teach classes, and interact with the public, docents, and volunteers.
16. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (Class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation, which meets position needs.
17. Able to lift and carry 50 pounds, for the purpose of transporting Live Exhibits-related materials, equipment and specimens to/from/within the Aquarium.
18. Able to work flexible shift including evenings, weekends and/or holidays as needed.
19. Ability to become SCUBA certified within one year of employment.
Desirable Qualifications
1. Certified SCUBA diver.
2. Ability to meet and complete University of Hawaii scientific diver certification requirements in a timely fashion.
3. Knowledge of Hawaiian and Pacific aquatic fauna.
To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and upload required documents. Required documents include: (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; (2) resume; (3) the names and contact information of at least three professional references; and (4) transcript showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (original official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.) NOTE: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.
Inquiries:
Tony McEwan; 808.440.9039; amcewan@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:
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: , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
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:
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I
The University of Hawai'i is committed to providing benefits that matter to you at each stage of your employment. In addition to competitive salary, we offer a wide variety of resources and benefits programs to our employees, such as a comprehensive health care insurance, pension/retirement program, life insurance, supplemental retirement savings plans, vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, child care assistance and education assistance programs. To view a summary of the employee benefits, please visit: or for more detailed information, please visit: