Marine Operations Coordinator, Hawai'i Island

Please note that the application period ends at 12:00 am Eastern Daylight Time on the due date listed. For applicants in Hawaii Standard Time, please plan to submit your application by 5:59pm the day before.

Although cover letters are not required, we appreciate and will consider a letter explaining your interest in this position and our organization. (You can upload the cover letter in the same location as your resume.)

Internal applicants (TNC employees) must apply through Workday via the Jobs Hub.

The Marine Operations Coordinator (MOC) supports science-based fieldwork, maintenance, boating and diving operations that advances marine projects for the Hawaiʻi Island Marine Program. The MOC also provides technical leadership and support to the Hawaiʻi Island Marine Team. The MOC operates vessels, supports diving operations and fieldwork, maintains vessels and equipment, participates in scientific data collection and project implementation, and ensures the safe execution of marine operations. The MOC reports to the Program Manager, and coordinates with staff across the Marine and Hawaiʻi programs. This position is currently termed with an estimated end of September 30, 2027. There is possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

If you’re looking for a career in coral restoration, come join our Hawai'i chapter as the Marine Operations Coordinator. We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to coordinate operations on the water. Apply today to join TNC in this critical work!

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant work experience in the marine field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). 

• Experience operating vessels less than 40ft with outboard motors of up to 180hp, while safely deploying and retrieving SCUBA divers.  

• SCUBA diving experience with an AAUS institution or other equivalent certification/experience.  

• Current certification for CPR, First Aid, and O2 administration. 

• Experience working with local community partners and other stakeholder groups in Hawai‘i. 

• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, web browsers, video conferencing platforms, etc.  

• Ability to perform physical work and lift 50lbs.  

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting coral restoration or coral husbandry using current methods and science.  

• Experience conducting ecological reef surveys in Hawaiʻi. 

• Experience maintaining gasoline engines, conducting preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting and performing minor mechanical and electrical repairs on vessels.  

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.  

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.  

• Experience with structure-from-motion photogrammetry data collection, processing software, and analysis. 

• Excellent time and task management, organizational skills, and attention to detail. 

• Ability to communicate effectively via written, spoken and graphical means.  

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting annual pay for this position is within the range of $63,100 – $66,890. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA, and whose primary office is in Kailua-Kona, HI. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range is based on a variety of factors including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.