Director of Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Director of Operations

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, exempt

OUR MISSION:  To undertake substantial actions that result in the preservation, recovery, and stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s marine protected species and the ocean ecosystem we share.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: With nearly a decade of experience, Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Alliance, doing business as Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR), is the largest Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization focused on protected marine species conservation and response. We operate on the Hawaiian Islands of Oʻahu and Molokai with a team of dedicated volunteers, interns, and staff supported by private donations, corporate funding, contracts, and government grants. We work to achieve our mission through daily activities that impact our three main goals: (1) reducing threats to marine protected species, (2) engaging and growing an active public, and (3) rescuing animals in need. Thousands of times each year, our efforts in field response, intervention, rescue, stranding support, education, and outreach help us move toward our vision of Hawaiʻi’s ocean ecosystem being shared harmoniously by humans and marine protected species. Through partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaiʻi, and other organizations, our work focuses on the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, threatened and endangered sea turtles, protected seabird species, and the overall ocean ecosystem.

Learn more about HMAR by reviewing our 2024 Impact Report, our website, or on social media.

ABOUT THE JOB OPENING:  The title of the position is Director of Operations. The position is a full-time exempt position and is responsible for the following:

• Recruiting, training, and managing staff members, volunteers, and interns.
• Performing and coordinating field support activities, marine protected animal interventions, rescues, escalations, and stranding responses on shore and in the marine environment.
• Coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and other entities as needed.
• Leading or assisting with key organizational development efforts such as engaging the Board of Directors, growing and identifying key donors, managing grant applications and reports, and overseeing financial management.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor of this position.
• Assisting other staff to fill personnel gaps and complete critical projects.

REQUIRED AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 21 years of age or older required.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in a related field such as marine biology, marine science, environmental studies, or an equivalent field is required.
• Four or more years of relevant work experience in marine animal conservation or environmental issues required.
• Physical ability to support strenuous activities involved in restraining or transporting heavy marine animals in challenging shoreline terrain, in the ocean, and under difficult environmental conditions is required.
• Ability to walk at least 3 miles across shoreline terrain, including rocky and unstable substrates, required.
• Ability to stand on your feet for at least 8 hours in hot, windy, or adverse conditions is required.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 70 pounds over 100 feet required.
• Availability for emergency response anywhere on the Island of Oʻahu is required.
• Experience with handling pinnipeds, cetaceans, sea turtles, and seabirds is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Full-time access to a reliable vehicle and proof of insurance with Hawaiʻi minimum liability coverage required.
• Good driving record and the ability to provide a driver’s history or extract, with costs borne by the candidate.
• Experience living and/or working in Hawaiʻi is preferred.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening, with costs covered by HMAR.
• HAZWOPER 24-hour Operations level certification or higher preferred.
• Experience with small boat open ocean operations preferred.
• Free diving (snorkel) and/or SCUBA diving experience required.
• American Red Cross lifeguard, first aid, CPR, and AED certification preferred.
• Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service required.
• Access to a personal computer with internet access required.
• External body jewelry (like piercings) is not permitted during work hours due to safety concerns.

NEEDED CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Passion for and understanding of wildlife, conservation, or environmental issues.
• Experience with marine animal response, rescue, and stranding support.
• Background in grants, contracts, and financial management principles.
• Proven personnel management and training skills.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Professional, friendly demeanor open to public, volunteers, and staff interactions.
• Strong team ethic and collaborative attitude.
• Calmness under stress.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with computers and software, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
• Ability to work independently in a virtual setting.

REPORTING:

• This position reports to the HMAR President.

JOB LOCATION AND TRAVEL:

• This position is based at the primary HMAR facility in Kailua on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi.
• Some travel to other Hawaiian Islands may be required.