Coral Reef Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator
Closing Date: October 31, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: January – March 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 should detail your experience and training in SCUBA diving (if applicable) 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 name 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 Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator. Although SCUBA diving certification and experience are desired for this position, it is not a requirement. The coordinator will perform the following duties:
Conduct water quality monitoring in marine and freshwater stream environments for coral reef management using a combination of sondes, loggers, and water samples.
Conduct fieldwork via hiking, snorkel, or SCUBA diving from shore, boats, or paddleboards/kayaks.
Assist with coral reef monitoring and survey efforts, including coral reef restoration projects, coral bleaching surveys, and long-term monitoring projects.
Maintain water quality monitoring equipment, including calibration of instruments.
Develop and implement water quality monitoring protocols for coral reefs on Guam, including identifying high-priority monitoring sites with input from stakeholders, including local government agencies, academic institutions, and coral reef-user communities (e.g., fishers, divers).
Participate in Watershed, Restoration, and Coral Disease & Disturbance Working Groups of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force.
Participate in local working groups, such as the Watershed Working Group, and strengthen relationships with local agencies, such as the Guam Environmental Protection Agency.
Assist with the nomination of the Piti-Asan Watershed as a U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Watershed Partnership Initiative (WPI) Priority Watershed. Assist with the development of the Piti-Asan Watershed Management Plan, Guam Coral Reef Restoration Action Plan, and other management plans related to coral reefs.
Develop a publicly accessible database for submission and retrieval of Guam’s marine water quality data.
Analyze water quality data to inform coral reef management activities, including reef restoration, bleaching surveillance, and marine protected area monitoring.
Oversee data management, analysis, and reporting for GCRI water quality monitoring efforts.
Use Microsoft Office and R to manage data, perform analyses, and write reports.
Create social media posts, website pages, and other digital outreach materials.
Create education and outreach activities and materials related to marine water quality.
Participate in other 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 in January to March 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 50% office/telework and 50% fieldwork. The Coral Reef Water Quality Monitoring 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 Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) 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, chemistry, natural resource management, or a related field
Two years of experience in marine science, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related field
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Demonstrated proficiency in professional writing
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, chemistry, natural resource management, or a related field
Three years of experience in marine science, natural resource management, chemistry, or a related field
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization with R
SCUBA certification with a minimum of 30 logged dives
Rescue Diver or equivalent certification from an internationally recognized SCUBA training organization
Scientific diver training and experience
Ability to identify a variety of macroalgae, corals, and sponges, especially in the Indo-Pacific region
Experience using water quality monitoring equipment, such as sondes and loggers
Experience using CoralNet, CPCe, or other photo annotation software
Experience using iNaturalist or similar citizen science tools
Proficiency in GIS software
Previous experience in outreach and education
First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
