Job Description

Marine Conservation Associate – Temporary

Employment Details

Location: Kailua‑Kona, Hawai‘i

Reports to: Director, Ke Kai Ola

Class: Fixed Term Full Time Position (June – December 2026), grant‑funded.

Work Schedule: Full‑time, onsite work required. Evening, weekend, holiday work may be required as duties demand. Local travel expected.

Compensation: $26.00 – $28.75 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Summary

The Marine Conservation Associate supports the day‑to‑day operations of Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kailua‑Kona, Hawaiʻi. This role advances efforts to protect Hawaiian monk seals, strengthen community stewardship, and engage community members as co‑designers in conservation solutions. The associate also cross‑trains to support public programs and hospital operations, bridging community engagement, education, and animal care to further the Center’s mission and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Engagement Support (60%)
  • Build and maintain community and partner relationships in a respectful and culturally grounded way.
  • Participate in data collection events, including surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions.
  • Assist in carrying out action products as defined by the community co‑design process.
  • Lead site tours and participate in public, donor, and organizational events as assigned.
  • Provide administrative support for preparation and submission of project reports for internal, external partners, and grant funders.
  • Assist in post‑project analysis to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for future initiatives.
• Ke Kai Ola Operations Support (35%)
  • Perform routine husbandry needs for Hawaiian monk seal patients, including feeding and cleaning.
  • Support public hotline by answering calls from public, partner agencies, and others.
  • Deliver and engage marine science content while providing excellent customer service; present marine science curriculum through best practices and a safe learning environment.
  • Support volunteer coordination as assigned.
• Other Duties (10%)
  • Represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation in partnership with the department when opportunities arise.
  • Perform special projects and research as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Enthusiasm for environmental conservation and marine life.
• Knowledge of Hawaii’s natural resources and unique challenges.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members; familiarity with Hawaiian communities, culture, and customs highly desirable.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to diverse audiences.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, maintain adaptability, empathy, and optimism under pressure.
• Ability to convey information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities set by management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Ability to learn from change, challenges, and feedback.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and time‑management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self‑awareness, respect, and professionalism.
• Willingness to support and participate in The Marine Mammal Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to: currently enrolled in college, or associate or bachelor’s degree in administration, education, marine science or related field; and at least 1 year of customer service or equivalent experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record; must be 21+ years old to drive company vehicles.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The position operates in a professional office and hospital environment both indoors and outdoors with frequent use of outdoor pathways. It requires repetitive motion of standard office equipment, extended desk work, an open cubicle environment with many distractions, and outdoor weather conditions throughout the year. The associate must be able to walk up to 5+ miles during a shift, safely navigate various beach terrains for animal rescues across Hawai‘i, spend extended periods on feet, walking, standing, crouching, climbing stairs (including inclement weather), crane wild animals with physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes for safety, lift or move up to 50 pounds, operate equipment safely, drive/operate a vehicle for extended periods, and manage risks associated with animal handling, allergens, zoonotic diseases, and strong smells.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non‑binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Marine Mammal Center is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

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Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Fixed term contract, Work at office, Local area, Shift work, Afternoon shift

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