ECO Magazine
Ocean Career: RCUH Fish Aquaculture Specialist
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: RCUH Fish Aquaculture Specialist
6 November 2025
The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. The Fish Aquaculture Specialist position with RCUH, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), is located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
DUTIES: Operates and maintains aquaculture systems, including RAS and water quality monitoring, at the Wailoa Fisheries Research Station. Develops and implements biosecurity protocols, fish health monitoring, and feeding plans for striped mullet and other estuary species. Oversees data collection on growth, survival, and environmental conditions. Supports wild fish collection, tagging, transport, and release, and leads monitoring of stock enhancement outcomes. Assists with grant development, budgeting, and reporting. Ensures permit compliance, supports safety and environmental procedures, and engages in outreach and stakeholder collaboration on sustainable fisheries and stock enhancement. Drives to project field sites. Irregular work hours will include evenings, weekends, holidays, and potential travel to neighbor islands to meet project needs.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Three to five (3-5) years of progressively responsible work experience in aquaculture systems, stock enhancement, management of aquatic resources, or restoration of aquatic resources and habitats. Work experience in a program of aquatic natural resource research, management, or restoration that demonstrates knowledge of aquatic resources, aquaculture, stock enhancement, habitat restoration, fishing, and conservation principles. Experience working with fish in a hatchery, laboratory, or field setting.
KNOWLEDGE:
Demonstrated knowledge of basic aquaculture systems, fish biology, and stock enhancement methods and techniques; aquatic resources conservation, management, and protection issues and concerns. Basic principles and practices of fisheries research, development and management; practical knowledge of aquatic organisms in Hawaiian waters; important recreational and commercial fish species of the State; Hawaiian fishing methods/practices; aquatic and fishing safety and ethical practices; fisheries research methods and techniques; problem solving; and technical report writing. Familiarity with State and Federal authorities and their regulations, and guidelines related to aquatic resources or environmental policies. Working knowledge of computers and relevant software programs.
ABILITIES & SKILLS:
Possess strong oral and written communication skills; ability to conduct public speaking and presentations; understand and carry out verbal and written instructions. Produce informational materials used for public outreach. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS:
Able to lift 50 pounds unassisted. Work in outdoor and in wet environments, and perform manual labor.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT:
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, or related field. Familiarity, knowledge, and experience regarding traditional Hawaiian aquaculture practices and systems (loko i’a), striped mullet, and other estuary species. Direct or collaborative working experience with DLNR programs. Working experience with coastal and in-water aquatic field work. Experience with data entry, management, and quality control. Experience with water quality testing and fish health management.
Salary range : $4,500 – $5,000.00 monthly
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The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. The Fish Aquaculture Specialist position with RCUH, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), is located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
DUTIES: Operates and maintains aquaculture systems, including RAS and water quality monitoring, at the Wailoa Fisheries Research Station. Develops and implements biosecurity protocols, fish health monitoring, and feeding plans for striped mullet and other estuary species. Oversees data collection on growth, survival, and environmental conditions. Supports wild fish collection, tagging, transport, and release, and leads monitoring of stock enhancement outcomes. Assists with grant development, budgeting, and reporting. Ensures permit compliance, supports safety and environmental procedures, and engages in outreach and stakeholder collaboration on sustainable fisheries and stock enhancement. Drives to project field sites. Irregular work hours will include evenings, weekends, holidays, and potential travel to neighbor islands to meet project needs.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Three to five (3-5) years of progressively responsible work experience in aquaculture systems, stock enhancement, management of aquatic resources, or restoration of aquatic resources and habitats. Work experience in a program of aquatic natural resource research, management, or restoration that demonstrates knowledge of aquatic resources, aquaculture, stock enhancement, habitat restoration, fishing, and conservation principles. Experience working with fish in a hatchery, laboratory, or field setting.
KNOWLEDGE:
Demonstrated knowledge of basic aquaculture systems, fish biology, and stock enhancement methods and techniques; aquatic resources conservation, management, and protection issues and concerns. Basic principles and practices of fisheries research, development and management; practical knowledge of aquatic organisms in Hawaiian waters; important recreational and commercial fish species of the State; Hawaiian fishing methods/practices; aquatic and fishing safety and ethical practices; fisheries research methods and techniques; problem solving; and technical report writing. Familiarity with State and Federal authorities and their regulations, and guidelines related to aquatic resources or environmental policies. Working knowledge of computers and relevant software programs.
ABILITIES & SKILLS:
Possess strong oral and written communication skills; ability to conduct public speaking and presentations; understand and carry out verbal and written instructions. Produce informational materials used for public outreach. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS:
Able to lift 50 pounds unassisted. Work in outdoor and in wet environments, and perform manual labor.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT:
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, or related field. Familiarity, knowledge, and experience regarding traditional Hawaiian aquaculture practices and systems (loko i’a), striped mullet, and other estuary species. Direct or collaborative working experience with DLNR programs. Working experience with coastal and in-water aquatic field work. Experience with data entry, management, and quality control. Experience with water quality testing and fish health management.
Salary range : $4,500 – $5,000.00 monthly
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