Marine Biologist

Stantec's Government Services are a highly skilled Marine Biologist with scientific diving experience to join our Honolulu, Hawaii office. This position is ideal for a field-oriented marine scientist who enjoys working underwater and is experienced in coral reef ecology, marine resource monitoring, mitigation, and scientific data collection.

The Marine Biologist will serve as a key member of our marine science and environmental field team focused primarily on conducting underwater scientific diving, marine biological surveys, and coral reef monitoring. 

This position requires a highly capable scientific diver who can work safely and efficiently underwater in potentially low-visibility conditions while collecting scientific data and collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams.

The successful candidate will conduct extended field operations in Hawaiian coastal waters, frequently working from vessels and performing task-loaded scientific dives in variable and potentially low-visibility conditions. Responsibilities will include underwater biological surveys, monitoring of marine mitigation activities, collection of biological and spatial data, underwater photography, data quality control, analysis, and technical reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific diving operations to support marine biological surveys, monitoring programs, and mitigation activities.
• Identify and document coral reef, native, invasive, and other marine species encountered during field surveys.
• Collect biological, environmental, photographic, and spatial/GIS data underwater and from vessels.
• Operate scientific survey equipment and maintain accurate field notes, dive records, and data logs.
• Conduct underwater photography and photo documentation to support monitoring, assessment, and reporting.
• Safely perform task-loaded dives, including data collection and equipment operation, in challenging field conditions and potentially low-visibility environments.
• Participate in vessel-based field operations, including extended days of marine fieldwork.
• Enter, organize, manage, analyze, and quality-control biological and environmental datasets.
• Support GIS data collection, management, and spatial analysis.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports, monitoring reports, field documentation, and other project deliverables.
• Review field and analytical data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Communicate field observations, technical findings, and project information effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Work collaboratively with marine scientists, environmental professionals, engineers, project managers, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Follow all applicable company, project, vessel, diving, health and safety, and environmental procedures.
• Support project planning, mobilization, equipment preparation, and field logistics as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience conducting in-water marine biological surveys, coral reef monitoring, marine mitigation, coral restoration, or related fieldwork.
• Demonstrated professional experience with scientific diving and underwater data collection.
• Active American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diver status, or the ability to obtain active AAUS diver status within a short timeframe.
• Demonstrated knowledge of coral reef ecology, nearshore marine habitats, and Hawaiian marine resources.
• Demonstrated ability to identify Hawaiian coral reef and nearshore native and invasive species.
• Strong understanding of underwater survey methodologies, biological sampling, data collection, data management, quality control, and technical reporting.
• Ability to safely and comfortably perform extended scientific dives while multi-tasking, including working in low-visibility conditions.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork from a vessel for up to 10 hours per day and work effectively in physically demanding marine environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, as applicable.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must reside on Oahu, Hawaii.
• Ability to pass required background screening and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience conducting coral reef, fish, and invertebrate surveys in Hawaii or the broader Pacific region.
• Experience with coral restoration, marine habitat restoration, or compensatory/mitigation monitoring.
• Experience collecting and managing underwater GIS/spatial data.
• Experience with ArcGIS, Esri applications, or other GIS platforms.
• Experience with underwater digital photography, photogrammetry, or image-based monitoring.
• 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR §1910.120(e).
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and permitting requirements.
• Experience communicating environmental information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary environmental projects involving regulatory agencies, contractors, clients, and other stakeholders.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate is a field-focused biologist and scientific diver with strong underwater skills and a demonstrated practical understanding of Hawaii’s coral reef and nearshore ecosystems. The candidate should be comfortable spending long days on the water, working from vessels, collecting detailed biological data underwater, and adapting to changing marine conditions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and data quality.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. 

Join us and redefine your personal best.