Christy Kozama

Experience

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  Pacific Whale Foundation

  May 2013 - May 2017

  Conducted boat-based research on cetaceans (humpback whales) using a telephoto lens to take fluke identification photos, a GPS to track pod location and movement, and a tablet to enter sighting information such as time of day, sea state, environmental factors, pod size, behavior, age class and gender of individual humpback whalesCollected data on humpback whales and entered data into a large database for use in reports and manuscriptsWorked aboard a whalewatching vessel on uneven surfaces, in harsh weather conditions and ascended ladders daily as part of the research demands Show less Managed a team of 5 Staff Coordinators, and oversaw the running of all vessel operations in Lahaina Harbor, including 4 vessels, 12 captains, and 20-30 crewReviewed resumes, interviewed applicants, created training documents, and conducted bi-annual reviews for every vessel staff member in Lahaina HarborManaged logistics for whalewatches, snorkel trips, dolphin watches, historical tours, dinner cruises and cocktail sails, including crew scheduling, supply ordering, inventorying, and passenger seating chartsIntegral part of a 5-person delivery team that sailed the newest vessel, Ocean Spirit, from St. Croix, USVI to Maui, transiting the Panama Canal and Pacific Ocean, managed the $7k food budget, organized and completed all grocery purchases, and cooked most meals during the 39-day voyage Show less

  • Researcher on Board

    Dec 2015 - May 2017

  • Lahaina Staff Manager

    May 2013 - Aug 2016
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  Mālama Maui Nui

  Aug 2016 - May 2018

  Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

  Developed volunteer program structure and worked to recruit, train, and manage volunteers for long- term commitments within the organization as well as single-day eventsManage logistics of large-scale (300+ participants) clean-up events to include preparing all supplies, reaching out to local restaurants for meal donations, using volunteer management software to streamline registration, and following up with volunteers post event for raffle prizes and additional opportunitiesImplement and maintain a new volunteer information database with >3000 volunteer recordsWorked with purchasing team to develop a budget and purchase all needed supplies for large scale clean up events as well as volunteer work days hosted at the facility Show less

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  Atlantis Submarines Maui

  May 2018 - Dec 2020

  Boat Captain and Submarine Co-Pilot

  Operated and maintained a 54-foot passenger vessel and 32-foot tugboat, including daily engine and system checks, routine maintenance, repairs, and cleaningCaptain a 54-foot passenger vessel with several trips daily, from a very active harbor (Lahaina Harbor) to the dive site, 2 miles south of Lahaina Harbor. Once onsite, tie alongside the submarine and maintain course and speed to ensure safe transfer passengers from the vessel to the submarine.Narrated 45-minute underwater tours of deep-water reefs and a sunken ship, describing in detail the fish and invertebrates encounteredMaintain excellent swimming skills by snorkeling and SCUBA-diving daily to maintain the exterior surfaces of the submarine algae-freeConducted outreach programs at Maui schools to educate students about the undersea world as part of school group tours on the submarine Show less

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  Ocean Associates, Inc.

  Sept 2020 - Jan 2021

  Marine Wildlife Response Technician

  Collect monk seal sighting data from the public via telephone calls to a response hotline. Collect photos and sighting information and enter into a large database for production of annual reports and publicationsResponsible for managing the marine wildlife response hotline 3 days/ week used by the public to call in monk seal sightings, sea turtle and cetacean strandings, humpback whale entanglements and other marine life in distressCoordinated, conducted and led marine wildlife response on Maui Show less

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  Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i

  Jan 2021 - Oct 2023

  Biological Research Associate

  Assist with coordination of logistical operations for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program remote field camps including managing and maintaining gear, supplies and equipment for field operationsCoordinated and conducted field research and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals in the remote Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM)Worked closely with federal purchase card holder to ensure that all necessary scientific equipment as well as field camp supplies were purchased in a timely manner and in compliance with federal purchasing policiesServe as Field Operations Lead on the 2021 Leg 2 cruise for field camp recovery efforts (30 day cruise)Serve as a research assistant at French Frigate Shoals (Lalo) for field season 2021 (3 month field season) and serve as a research assistant at Pearl and Hermes (Manawai) for field season 2022 (4 month field season)Collected data on Hawaiian monk seals at the remote and rugged island of Mokumanamana, then disseminated and prepared the data collected for an annual report on monk seal life history and population recovery effortsCreate protocol and work to continually update a comprehensive Microsoft access database to maintain accurate inventories of field camp gearDemonstrated resilience and flexibility when evacuated with short notice from Manawai to Midway Atoll due to a high surf event. Quickly adapted to new research projects on Midway and assisted with training Fish and Wildlife staff on field research activities (Hawaiian monk seal and Hawaiian green sea turtle surveys, identification of, and application of temporary and permanent markings)Experience in operating and trailering small boats, maintains boat logs and maintenance records, and assists with or coordinates repairs to boats, engines, and trailers Show less

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  NOAA Fisheries

  Oct 2023 - now

  Marine Biologist

  Project Manager and Logistics Coordinator for remote research field camps in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM). Conduct logistics management for completely off-grid research field camps, including procurement of needed supplies, vessel support, inventory and maintenance of equipment, recruitment and training of seasonal field staff. Support Hawaiian monk seal research in PMNM as well as on Oahu by assisting with animal handlings, photo identification, data collection and processing. Maintain proficiency with small boat operations in PMNM and the main Hawaiian Islands. Create and oversee a training calendar for seasonal field staff. Serve as Chief Scientist and Operations Lead on multi-day research cruises for field camp deployment and recovery. Show less