Coral Reef Disturbance Response Coordinator - Guam Coral Reef Initiative
Closing Date: September 30, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: November 2025 to January 2026 (flexible)
Employment Type: Full-Time Limited-Term Appointment Position (2 Years)
Agency: Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources
Location: Guam
Pay: $49,730 to $54,918/year + benefits
TO APPLY: Please submit unofficial academic transcripts, resume/CV, and a cover letter through the GCRI Job Application Form. Your resume or CV must detail your experience and training in SCUBA diving and include contact information for three professional references. Questions about the position may be directed to GCRI Program Manager Ashton Williams (ashton.williams@doag.guam.gov); please include the position title in the email subject line.
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 and outreach.
Job Description
The Guam Coral Reef Initiative (GCRI) is seeking applicants for a Coral Reef Disturbance Response Coordinator. The coordinator will perform the following duties:
Coordinate the interagency Guam Coral Reef Response Team (GCRRT), which includes planning and leading quarterly meetings, and organizing a training/workshop for GCRRT members.
Develop a comprehensive coral reef emergency response plan to address response and restoration efforts following acute impacts (e.g., vessel groundings, typhoon/storm damage, disease outbreaks, coral bleaching, crown-of-thorns sea star outbreaks).
Coordinate GCRRT response and restoration activities following acute impacts, including damage assessments, fragment stabilization, crown-of-thorns sea star culling, etc.
Research and produce a report summarizing past acute impacts on Guam’s coral reefs, lessons learned from past efforts, and knowledge gaps in response planning.
Engage with partner agencies and organizations to provide technical input on projects and plans (e.g., marine component of hazard mitigation plans).
Represent GCRI in the Guam Reef Restoration and Intervention Partnership (GRRIP), including attending quarterly meetings and assisting partners with field activities as needed.
Assist with the development and implementation of other plans and projects (e.g., local coral reef restoration action plan, drone imagery project, etc.) .
Perform associated coral restoration and management activities, including coral nursery maintenance, coral husbandry, coral health and growth measurements, coral outplanting, ecological monitoring, data entry and analysis, report writing, and education/outreach activities. Participating in working groups related to reef response such as the USCRTF SCTLD Pacific Preparedness, SCTLD Transmission Team, and Coral Reef Disease & Disturbance Response.
Participate in various agency outreach events, participation includes logistical setup and providing educational, interactive activities for community members.
Develop social media posts, web pages, news articles, and other outreach products.
Assist with grant management activities (e.g., procurement, reporting).
Other duties as assigned.
This is a full-time position with an anticipated start date between November 2025 and January 2026, but start dates are flexible. This position is funded for two years and additional funding may become available to extend the position. This position is expected to be 75% office/telework and 25% fieldwork. The Coral Reef Disturbance Response 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. The 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 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. 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
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 in coral reef restoration and response
Experience with in situ coral identification in the Indo-Pacific region
Experience using CoralNet, CPCe, or other photo annotation software
Experience in permits, environmental compliance, and grant management
Rescue Diver or equivalent certification
Scientific diver training and experience
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization with R
Proficiency in GIS software
Drone pilot certification and experience
Proficiency in Metashape or other 3D/photogrammetry software
Small boat handling and trailering experience
First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
