The Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) is a program of the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. GCRI’s goal is to provide a comprehensive program for the conservation and management of Guam’s coral reef ecosystems.
GCRI’s work includes environmental restoration projects, management planning, ecological monitoring, disaster response, and education and outreach.
Job Description
The Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) is seeking applicants for a Coral Reef Response and Restoration Coordinator. The Coordinator will perform the following duties:
- Coordinate the interagency Guam Coral Reef Response Team (GCRRT), which includes planning and leading quarterly meetings, and organizing a training/workshop for GCRRT members
- Develop a comprehensive coral reef emergency response plan to address response and restoration efforts following acute impacts (e.g., vessel groundings, typhoon/storm damage)
- Coordinate GCRRT response and restoration activities following acute impacts
- Research and produce a report summarizing past acute impacts on Guam’s coral reefs, lessons learned from past efforts, and knowledge gaps in response planning
- Engage with partner agencies and organizations to provide technical input on projects and plans (e.g., marine component of hazard mitigation plans)
- Represent GCRI in the Guam Reef Restoration and Intervention Partnership (GRRIP), including attending quarterly meetings and assisting partners with field activities as needed
- Assist with the development and implementation of other plans and projects (e.g., local coral reef restoration action plan, drone imagery project, etc.)
- Perform coral restoration and management activities, including coral nursery maintenance, coral husbandry, coral health, and growth measurements, coral out planting, ecological monitoring, data entry and analysis, report writing, and education/outreach activities
- Design and implement experiments to improve nursery performance and support restoration goals
- Organize fieldwork trips, serve as lead diver during scientific dives, and supervise small groups of snorkelers and divers during fieldwork
- Supervise day-to-day activities of up to four field staff, interns, and/or volunteers
- Participate in various agency outreach events, participation includes logistical setup and providing educational, interactive activities for community members
- Assist with grant management activities (e.g., procurement, reporting)
- Other duties as assigned
This is a 12-month full-time position with an anticipated start date on or before January 02, 2024. This position is expected to be 75% office/telework and 25% fieldwork. The Coral Reef Response & Restoration Coordinator will be employed at the Guam Department of Agriculture as a Biologist III (Grade N, Step 1). The position will be hired through normal Government of Guam hiring practices as a limited-term appointment under the Government of Guam job classification as a Biologist III. This position is federally funded through the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, paid leave (annual, sick, and holidays), and training opportunities. Relocation expenses are not provided.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife management, or a related field
- Three years of experience in marine science, management, research, or a related field
- SCUBA certification with a minimum of 50 logged dives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience in project management
- Demonstrated proficiency in professional writing
- Able and willing to SCUBA dive and/or snorkel in ocean environments multiple times per week
- Able to safely lift and carry at least 35 pounds
- Able to pass a swim test
- Valid driver’s license
- Able to pass a medical examination, drug screening, and police/court clearance
- Must be a United States citizen or otherwise legally permitted to work in the US
- Must be located in Guam or willing to relocate to Guam upon hiring
Other Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology, wildlife management, or a related field
- Experience in coral reef restoration
- Experience with in situ coral identification in the Indo-Pacific region
- Experience using CoralNet, CPCe, or other photo annotation software
- Rescue Diver or equivalent certification from an internationally recognized SCUBA training organization
- Scientific diver training and experience
- Experience with R
- Proficiency in GIS software
- Experience with photogrammetry
- Small boat handling and trailering experience
- First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
Location: Guam
Pay: $54,918/year + benefits
Closing Date: October 31, 2023
