Marine Conservation Associate

About The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. The Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education.

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 located in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i. This role helps advance efforts to protect Hawaiian monk seals, strengthen community stewardship, and engage community members as co-designers in conservation solutions. The Marine Conservation Associate will also cross-train to support public programs and hospital operations, helping to bridge community engagement, education, and animal care to further the Center's mission and impact.

This is a Fixed Term Full Time Position, from approximately June – December 2026. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is required as job duties demand. Local travel is expected for this position.

Essential Functions

Community Engagement Support (60%)

• Assist in building and maintaining community and partner relationships in a respectful and culturally grounded way.
• Participate in data collection events including, but not limited to, 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 ongoing public, donor, and organizational functions and events as assigned.
• Provide administrative support of the preparation and submission of project reports for internal and 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 but not limited to feeding and cleaning.
• Support public hotline by answering calls from public, partner agencies, and others.
• Assist in the delivery and engagement of marine science content while providing excellent customer service and presenting marine science curriculum through best practices in a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provide support of volunteer coordination as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• May represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation participation in partnership with the department as opportunities arise.
• Perform special projects and research as assigned.

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 is highly desirable).
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to diverse audiences.
• Ability to provide conflict resolution, maintain adaptability, empathy, and optimism under pressure.
• Ability to convey information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain open communication in a team environment.
• Minimal skills or ability to learn Microsoft Office applications and videoconference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).

Qualifications and Experience

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to being currently enrolled in college or having an associate or bachelor's degree in administration, education, marine science or related field; and at least 1 year of experience in customer service or equivalent experience.
• Valid driver licence with acceptable motor vehicle record (must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Life Insurance.
• Long Term Disability Insurance.
• 401k Retirement Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Holidays, Sick Time, and Vacation.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via: LinkedIn. Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered.