Full Job Description
Recruitment Number DLNR-2026-0000
This posting is for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.
NOTE: APPLICANTS FROM ALL ISLANDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. THE POSITION'S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION WILL BE DETERMINED BASED ON THE SELECTED CANDIDATE'S PROXIMITY TO THE CLOSEST AVAILABLE DIVISION OFFICE ON THE ISLAND WHICH THEY RESIDE.
Salary:
Level IV - $5,369.00 to $6,535.00 per month (SR-22, Step D to I)
Level V - $6,043.00 to $7,351.00 per month (SR-24, Step D to I)
Note: Hiring rate will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR A PERIOD OF FOURTEEN (14) DAYS OR THE RECEIPT OF 30 APPLICATIONS. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
Direct all inquiries regarding this position to:
David Sakoda, Aquatic Resources Program Manager
Email: david.sakoda@hawaii.gov
Monday – Friday, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm (HST)
Requirements
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Non-commercial Fisheries Biologist
Aquatic Biologist IV: Independently performs the full range of aquatic resources and management activities, which consists of diverse, complex technical problems; typical assignments often require consideration of and selection from several alternative approaches or solutions to problems and may require adaptation of guides and criteria; research, development, and implementation of plans and programs for the management, protection, restoration, and enhancement of aquatic species and ecosystems in the State.
Aquatic Biologist V: Independently provides advisory and consultative service on fishery management methods and optimum utilization of aquatic resources; represents those professional aquatic biologists who are subject matter specialists in the application of advanced techniques; assignments are characterized by the required extension or adaptation of guidelines and technical precedents and solution of problems where available resource data is inadequate or inconsistent; assignments often require the development of new and improved techniques or solutions and the integration of these techniques into multiple-use management plans and operations.
This position supports the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) in managing and conserving Hawaii’s fishery resources, with a central focus on advancing the collection and analysis of non-commercial fisheries data to guide effective statewide management. The role centers on designing and improving both fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data collection methods to enhance understanding of non-commercial fishing activities and overall resource health. Responsibilities include analyzing and synthesizing data into technical reports and public outreach materials, and providing science-based recommendations that integrate conventional fisheries principles with a deep knowledge of Hawaii’s unique fishing traditions. The position also involves direct engagement with fishers, community organizations, and partner agencies to build trust, foster collaboration, and support the development of fisheries management strategies. Additionally, the position supports DAR’s ongoing education and outreach initiatives, all with the goal of ensuring the sustainable use and long-term stewardship of Hawaii’s fishery resources.
Who We Are: The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)'s mission is to work with the people of Hawaii to manage, conserve, and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations.
The information provided above represents a summary of the Position Description.
To view the Position Description in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
Qualifications
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Legal Authorization to Work Requirement:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Education: Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree and major in marine biology, freshwater biology, ecology, environmental science, zoology or a related biological science.
Experience:
Two (2) years for the IV level, and for the V level, three (3) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in fishery or aquatic biology which involved the management, conservation, development, utilization and protection of aquatic resources, and/or scientific research dealing with aquatic resources and environment.
Supervisory Experience: Supervisory aptitude is required for the V level.
Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements will apply (click link below).
License Requirement: A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
The information provided above represents a summary of the Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please
CLICK HERE.
Additional Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0180 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE
for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.
Note: The State Recruiting Office will refer you to the Department of Land and Natural Resources regarding this position.