RESEARCH SUPPORT STAFF (0097602T, 0097665T)

Posting number: 2026-01712

Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - Waikiki Aquarium

Job classification: RESEARCH SUPPORT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Research

Summary

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.