Research Associate, Seawater System

Position: Research Associate, Seawater System (0081826)
Description

Title:

Research Associate (Seawater System)

Position Number: 0081826

Hiring Unit: RES & DEAN OF GRAD DIV, SCH O&ES&T, HAW INST OF MAR BIO

Location:

Kaneohe, HI

Date Posted: 3/5/2026

Closing Date: 4/17/2026

Band: B

Salary :salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time:
Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent:
Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities

1.
* Oversees and maintains the aquatic life support systems for HIMB marine laboratory facilities, including HIMB's pump house and flow-through seawater distribution system.

2.
* Operates and maintains all seawater life support systems, including seawater intake lines, back flushing and settlement tanks, filters, seawater lines, and control systems.

3.
* Collaborates with other facilities personnel to support maintenance of all HIMB facilities and support ongoing facilities projects.

4.
* Develops long-term plans for seawater system upgrades and improvements, in coordination with HIMB leadership and the HIMB Seawater Committee.

5.
* Designs in collaboration with HIMB's scientists, highly specialized marine laboratory grade seawater systems that supports research and teaching, maintenance and troubleshooting, including intake and distribution piping, circulation pumps, filtration and sterilization units, and automated environmental control systems supporting scientific operations.

6.
* Collaborates effectively with HIMB faculty, students, and staff to coordinate installation of new seawater projects and support ongoing research.

7.
* Oversees and coordinates shared-use seawater facilities.

8.
* Leads maintenance of the seawater system, and leads regular changeovers between two parallel seawater delivery lines in coordination with HIMB labs.

9.
* Leads in-water work to periodically exchange the intake pipes for HIMB's seawater intakes using a small boat and snorkel or SCUBA gear.

10.
* Assists HIMB labs with system design, installation, and maintenance of seawater equipment including sand filters, degassing systems, pumps, chillers, etc.

11.
* Works independently and manages schedules and plans for preventative maintenance and system upgrades.

12.
* Works successfully with vendors and manufacturers to procure equipment and services to support the system.

13.
* Works successfully with other HIMB facilities and operations personnel and promotes efficient and effective facilities operations.

14.
* Coordinates work and supports larger seawater projects contracted to seawater design companies.

15.
* Deploys and maintains a water quality monitoring system and maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, water quality parameters, and system performance.

16.
* Works with HIMBs NPDES permit representative to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding water quality.

17.
* Supports HIMB researchers to ensure compliance with animal care requirement as required by Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) protocols and experimental needs.

18.
* Participates in emergency response procedures for life support system failures or power outages, or other critical situations.

19.
* Collaborates with HIMB Auxiliary and Facilities Services Officers, Program Specialists, and affiliated staff to sustain day-to-day operations in support of the institute's research and education mission.

20.
* Supports Facilities projects through planning, coordination, and reporting.

21.Performs other duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Function

Minimum Qualifications

1.Possession of a baccalaureate education degree in engineering, aquaculture, marine biology, biology, natural resource management or related field, and 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for aquarium, aquaculture or other seawater life-support systems; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

2.Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of aquaristing or seawater system management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.

3.Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with flow-through seawater life-support systems, including NPDES discharge permits and IACUC regulations on animal care.

4.Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.

5.Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.

6.Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and…