OVERVIEW

In 2014, The Marine Mammal Center opened Ke Kai Ola (“The Healing Sea”), a 
hospital and education center dedicated to caring for injured, ill, and 
orphaned Hawaiian monk seals and returning them to the wild, and to be a place 
where children and the community learn to care for this beautiful marine 
mammal. The goal of Ke Kai Ola is to promote Hawaiian monk seal recovery 
through 1) a science-based rehabilitation program; 2) a highly trained and 
well-managed volunteer stranding response network; and 3) coordinated community 
efforts and partnerships to inspire the local community to protect, care for, 
and ensure the future of this endangered species.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist leads the Marine Mammal 
Response Program for Hawai’i Island, which responds to reports of Hawaiian monk 
seal sightings to ensure a safe environment for both people and seals. This 
role provides communication, administration, coordination and training of 
response and community engagement volunteers. This role is responsible for 
executing Ke Kai Ola’s community outreach strategy, and will work closely with 
the Center’s Education department to ensure community outreach will be 
consistent. This position reports to the Hospital Director, with direct support 
from the Manager of School and Youth Programs (based in Sausalito, CA). The 
Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist requires self-direction and 
initiative.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES

-Recruit, train and develop Ke Kai Ola Response and Community Engagement 
volunteers to maintain a thriving volunteer corps, in collaboration with the 
Center’s Volunteer Engagement department

-Coordinate all Hawaiian monk seal responses on Hawai’i Island, which vary 
between occasional sightings and highly intensive events like births or molts

-Actively facilitate communications between partner agencies, volunteers, staff 
and the public during a response

-Manage 24hr Response Hotline to respond to public reports, questions and 
concerns about sighted animals

-Maintain animal records and database, and provide required reporting to NOAA

-Lead community campaigns and events such as partner meetings, fundraisers, and 
business outreach, in collaboration with the  Center’s Education department

-Support Education team members by representing Ke Kai Ola in community fairs, 
on-site tours, and school and youth programs

-Maintain Ke Kai Ola vehicle fleet

-Provide support to other Ke Kai Ola programs (Education, Animal Care) in times 
of high intensity

KNOWLEDGE + ABILITIES
-Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of 
stakeholders and community members (familiarity with Hawaiian communities, 
culture and customs is highly desirable)
-Strong interpersonal skills
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Knowledge of current rescue techniques and partner agencies
-Knowledge of Hawaiian monk seal history throughout the state of Hawaii
-Demonstrated ability to direct and train staff and volunteers to advance their 
knowledge of Hawaiian monk seals
-Strong administrative, organizational, and presentation skills
-Ability to record, manage, and report volunteer data
-Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite of programs, and web-based programs 
(e.g. Google Drive)
-Adept at detail-oriented work
-Ability to multi-task
-Ability to delegate effectively
-Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team
-Competent use of independent judgment
-Demonstrated capability to conduct one’s self in a calm and professional 
manner when dealing with the public, volunteers and/or difficult situations


QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
-Bachelor’s degree
-Background and/or relevant experience in public education and outreach
-Prior volunteer management experience highly valued
-Experience handling wild monk seals highly desirable
-Grant writing and/or some fundraising experience highly desired
-Valid Hawaiian driver’s license and a clean driving record
-Must submit to and pass background check


ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
-Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
-Ability to stand/walk up to 3 hours in extreme weather conditions without a 
break
-Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer screen, 
walking, and climbing stairs
-Hospital environment with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor 
pathways
-Limited exposure to zoonotic diseases

FURTHER INFORMATION
Location: Ke Kai Ola Hospital, Kailua-Kona, HI
Hours: This role is full-time typically working at least 1-3 weekends a month, 
and may be required to shift schedule to work evenings, weekends and/or 
holidays, depending on program or facility needs
Reports To: Hospital Director
Direct Reports: None

To Apply: Visit 
http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ to 
learn more, and to apply via Recruiterbox.

[page1image1697456]
Claire Simeone, DVM
Hospital Director, Ke Kai Ola
The Marine Mammal Center
73-731 Makako Bay Drive
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
simeo...@tmmc.org<mailto:simeo...@tmmc.org>
(808) 326-7325
KeKaiOla.org


If you spot a Hawaiian monk seal, call our 24-hour hotline to report the 
sighting at 808-987-0765.

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