Research Assistant

For details, see https://www.hurricaneisland.net/employment

Research Assistant

FULL SEASON: May 1 - October 15

COMPENSATION: Minimum $13.25/hour, Non-exempt

**APPLICATION REVIEW will begin January 24, 2022**

This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with experience.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane) is seeking a Research Assistant for the 2022 island season. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island. The Research Assistant works closely with the Aquaculture Manager and Director of Research implementing Hurricane’s research program. It is responsible for specific aspects of data collection and project management on our 3.2 acre aquaculture site where we grow scallops and kelp and with occasional mainland based travel to conduct research. If interested, the RA is welcome to develop their own independent research project. The Research Assistant is expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.

Responsibilities & Expectations 

• SCUBA diving activities
• Help coordinate logistics, including prepping equipment and gear, for field days
• Conduct scallop population surveys
• Organize and maintain dive logs and safety equipment
• Conduct aquaculture site work and maintenance
• Support the Hurricane Island aquaculture operation
• Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining equipment and gear;
• Sorting animals and monitoring biological parameters;
• Outreach and collaboration with local community and students
• Data collection, Monitoring, and Reporting
• Collecting, entering, organizing and analyzing data
• Oversee the Phytoplankton sampling protocols and reports on a weekly basis, including entering, organizing, and processing data and sample collections
• Occasionally write up research findings and reports 
• Education and Communication Responsibilities
• Work with Aquaculture Manager to manage and mentor Research Interns
• Work with Hurricane’s Educators to integrate our research efforts with our on-Island education programs 
• Deliver Aquaculture and Research specific educational programming, such as anatomy lessons, sorting spat bags, and aquaculture site tours to diverse audiences
• Working with the Research Intern, author and publish bi-weekly Research blogs
• Conducting additional fieldwork as necessary
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane’s mission and work, participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores, performing other duties relating to the organization’s goals and mission as required.

How to apply:

Required Application Materials: Applications are due January 24, 2022. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. 

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience
• Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references. We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that may not pertain directly to this job.
• A letter of recommendation from an academic/industry professional who can speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Copies of any relevant certifications.

Application Submission: Please submit all parts of your application on our hiring portal at https://hurricaneisland.campbrainstaff.com  

There are many complications related to planning and running in-person programming on Hurricane Island in the time of Covid. At this time, we fully intend to move forward with hiring for 2022. It is important to note that circumstances and decision making connected to Covid may require changes to the start date and overall hiring status for seasonal employees. We will make every effort to keep seasonal staff applicants and hires informed about Board decisions that impact the status of our 2022 on island season and our ability to offer employment.