Marine Invasive Species Coordinator

About GCRI

The Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) is a program of the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. GCRI’s goal is to provide a comprehensive program for the conservation and management of Guam’s coral reef ecosystems. GCRI’s work includes environmental restoration projects, management planning, ecological monitoring, disaster response, and education/outreach.

Job description

The Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) is seeking applicants for a Marine Invasive Species Coordinator. The coordinator will perform the following duties:

• Initiate and coordinate the interagency Guam Marine Invasive Species Surveillance and Response Plan working group and organize quarterly meetings.
• Develop a comprehensive marine invasive species surveillance and response plan with the assistance of the working group.
• Participate in the US Coral Reef Task Force Disturbance Working Group, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force meetings, and other relevant working group meetings.
• Respond to reports of marine invasive and nuisance species; perform assessments and removals of invasive and nuisance species when discovered.
• Coordinate marine invasive species rapid response and removal activities with partners, including the Port Authority of Guam and Naval Base Guam.
• Conduct marine invasive species surveillance dives, utilizing SCUBA and snorkel to employ a variety of survey techniques, including visual surveys, photogrammetry, drones, and ROVs.
• Oversee data management, analysis, and reporting for the marine invasive species surveillance project.
• Identify marine flora and fauna to the lowest taxonomic level and annotate photos to identify sponges, corals, macroalgae, and invertebrates using CoralNet and iNaturalist platforms.
• Serve as a lead diver during scientific dives, and supervise groups of snorkelers and divers during fieldwork.
• Plan fieldwork trips, prepare gear and supplies, and manage equipment, supplies, and tools related to marine invasive species surveillance and response.
• Use Microsoft Office and R to manage data, perform analyses, and write reports.
• Write reports after responding to threats of species introductions.
• Plan and conduct education and outreach activities for various community events, and create outreach and education materials related to preventing and stopping the spread of marine invasive species.
• Participate in working groups and partnerships related to general coral reef management.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time position with an anticipated start date between August to December 2026, but start dates are flexible. This position is funded for three years, and additional funding may become available to extend the position. This position is expected to be 50% office/telework and 50% fieldwork. The Marine Invasive Species Coordinator will be employed at the Guam Department of Agriculture as a Biologist II (Grade M, Step 1) or Biologist III (Grade N, Step 1), dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will be hired through normal Government of Guam hiring practices as a Limited-Term Appointment under the Government of Guam job classification as a Biologist II/III.

This position is federally funded through the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, paid leave (annual, sick, and holidays), and training opportunities. Relocation expenses are not provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife management, or a related field
• Three years of experience in marine science, management, research, or a related field
• Ability to identify a variety of macroalgae, corals, and sponges
• SCUBA certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience in project management
• Demonstrated proficiency in professional writing
• Able and willing to SCUBA dive and/or snorkel in ocean environments multiple times per week
• Able to safely lift and carry at least 35 pounds
• Able to pass a swim test
• Valid driver’s license
• Able to pass a medical examination, drug screening, and police/court clearance
• Must be a United States citizen or otherwise legally permitted to work in the U.S.
• Must be located in Guam or willing to relocate to Guam upon hiring

Other Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, wildlife management, or a related field
• Experience with in situ marine flora and fauna identification in the Indo-Pacific region
• Experience using CoralNet, CPCe, or other photo annotation software
• Experience using iNaturalist or similar citizen science tools
• Experience in permits, environmental compliance, and grant management
• Rescue Diver or equivalent certification from an internationally recognized SCUBA training organization
• Scientific diver training and experience
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization with R
• Proficiency in GIS software
• Proficiency in Metashape or other 3D/photogrammetry software
• Previous experience in outreach and education
• First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certifications