Marine Conservation Associate, Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center

Position Overview

Salary: $26.00 to $28.75 per hour

Education Required: Currently enrolled in college, or an associate or bachelor’s degree in administration, education, marine science, or a related field

Experience Required: At least one year of customer service or equivalent experience

Description

The Marine Mammal Center is hiring a Marine Conservation Associate to support Ke Kai Ola, its Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, on a fixed-term full-time basis from approximately June through December 2026, paying $26.00 to $28.75 per hour.

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. Ke Kai Ola is the Center’s hospital dedicated to the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, working alongside community partners, agency biologists, and cultural practitioners across the islands.

The Marine Conservation Associate reports to the Director, Ke Kai Ola, and cross-trains across community engagement, public programs, and hospital operations to advance protection of Hawaiian monk seals and community stewardship of Hawai’i’s marine resources.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain community and partner relationships in a respectful, culturally grounded way.
• Participate in data collection events including surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions.
• Help carry out action products defined by the community co-design process.
• Lead site tours and participate in public, donor, and organizational functions and events as assigned.
• Support 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.
• Perform routine husbandry for Hawaiian monk seal patients, including feeding and cleaning.
• Answer calls on the public hotline from community members, partner agencies, and others.
• Deliver marine science content and curriculum in a safe, positive learning environment.
• Support volunteer coordination as assigned.
• Represent and promote the Center through donor cultivation when opportunities arise.

Requirements

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to current college enrollment or an associate or bachelor’s degree in administration, education, marine science, or a related field.
• At least one year of customer service or equivalent experience.
• Valid driver license with an acceptable motor vehicle record; must be 21 or older to operate company vehicles.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and walk up to 5+ miles per shift on varied beach terrain.
• Ability to work with wild animals safely, including exposure to allergens, zoonotic disease risks, and strong odors associated with live and deceased animals.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Hawai’i’s natural resources and unique conservation challenges.
• Familiarity with Hawaiian communities, culture, and customs.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and videoconference platforms (Slack, Teams, Zoom).

Additional Notes

• Fixed-term, full-time, grant-funded role running approximately June through December 2026.
• Regular onsite work in Kailua-Kona is required; evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Local travel is expected.
• Benefits include holidays, sick time, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, 401(k), and an Employee Assistance Program.
• The Marine Mammal Center is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcomes candidates from underrepresented groups.

How to Apply

Apply through The Marine Mammal Center’s Paylocity recruiting portal. A cover letter and resume are required; applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Required application materials:

• Cover letter describing how your experience aligns with the role; you are welcome to note your pronouns.
• Resume.