Darrian Muraoka
Kekaha,USA
Summary
Experienced program coordinator specializing in conservation with a focus on nonprofit and governmental initiatives in Hawaiʻi. Skilled in collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including scientists and indigenous partners, while overseeing communications, meetings, and outreach programs. Dedicated to enhancing environmental conservation through community engagement and cultural integration.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Marine Debris Technician II
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
Kailua, Hawaii
05.2025 - Current
- Contributed to 60 days of marine debris cleanup missions in PMNM by operating small boats and freediving to remove derelict fishing gear and debris from shallow coral reefs and shorelines.
- Assisted in mission planning by developing operational strategies for small boat, dive, and marine debris removal activities.
- Collect and document in-water data on marine debris types, local flora, and fauna.
- Conducted data QA/QC and processed findings to support preparation of reports and presentations, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Drive and operate pick-up trucks to transport boats, equipment, and marine debris.
- Prepared, purchased, maintained, and organized field equipment, enhancing operational readiness for marine debris missions.
- Complete required training programs, including: Dive Physical Examination, CPR, First aid, and AED Certification, Oxygen Administration Certification, Austere First-Responder Training, Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC), Open-Water Module (OWM), Swim Fitness Test: 500m swim in under 15 minutes, 25m breath-hold swim, 30-minute water tread, Free diver Certification: 20m breath-hold dive and 3-minute static breath-hold, Marine Debris Specialized Task Endorsement (STE) Training, Crane Signal-Calling and Rigging Certification, Cultural, Wildlife and Permit Access Briefings.
- Executed tasks to support team operations.
PCSU Biologist
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit
Kekaha, HI
11.2023 - Current
- Monitored breeding success of endangered and migratory bird species to evaluate populations on Pacific Missile Range Facility.
- Provided data on distribution and breeding success rates of endangered seabirds within study areas.
- Collaborated with teams to develop and implement effective conservation strategies and management plans, contributing to long-term wildlife protection.
- Managed non-native predator control in four areas, enhancing ecosystem health by targeting barn owls, cats, rats, mice, and feral pigs.
- Planned and executed wildlife predator control activities, including trapping and airgun use.
- Assisted in habitat restoration projects to promote biodiversity recovery.
- Analyzed biological data using statistical software for research projects.
- Coordinated marine debris activities for natural resources team, organizing beach clean-ups and establishing recycling partnerships to reduce environmental impact.
- Collected and entered various data into computer systems, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
Protected Species Program Associate
DLNR-DAR/Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative
Hilo, HI
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Developed and expanded education and outreach programs promoting local marine stewardship, engaging on-island stakeholders and serving the fishing community, local communities, and general public.
- Collaborates and coordinates with natural resource managers to plan outreach events and content.
- Evaluated outreach messages and activities from events to assess effectiveness and improve future outreach strategies.
- Develops and maintains working relationships with government agencies, NGOs, partners, volunteers, and the community. Participates in meetings related to communities and marine protected species and resource management.
- Assisted in emergency response efforts for monk seal and sea turtle strandings or entanglements under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and DLNR DAR.
- Led engaging workshops for local schools to enhance marine education. and training sessions for local schools and organizations.
- Analyzed data to inform decisions on curriculum design and resource allocation, enhancing instructional materials selection and budgeting processes.
Seafloor Mapping Intern
E/V Nautilus
Honolulu, HI
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted seafloor mapping in region of Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument, contributing to marine conservation efforts.
- Collected bathymetry and backscatter data to enhance seafloor identification for environmental analysis.
- Processed and cleaned data for integration into Hypack software, improving accuracy of seafloor measurements.
- Explored various software tools to conduct sound speed measurements.
- Collect physical data using Underway Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth device by deploying off the side of the Nautilus.
- Logged data entries into Hypack software.
- Followed Hawaiian protocol guidelines for entering and exiting the boundaries of the marine monument.
Program Assistant
Hawai’i Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies (HPI-CESU)
Hilo, HI
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Manage and further develop the HPI-CESU website, including posting opportunities (statements of interest, agency project highlights) and growing and managing the HPI-CESU Listserv.
- Manage the HPI-CESU project database, including working with agency leads for all HPI-CESU members, and with national CESU partners to link projects with national efforts.
- Organized HPI-CESU meetings, participated in national CESU meetings, and communicated national initiatives to local partners and state and federal agencies to enhance collaboration and information sharing.
- Compiled annual reports to summarize project progress and outcomes, providing stakeholders with insights for informed decision-making.
- Coordinated program logistics for ecosystem research initiatives across Hawai'i Pacific Islands.
- Facilitated collaboration between researchers, stakeholders, and local communities on projects.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to identify programming needs and enhance organizational standing within the community.
- Identify and develop web-based stories to showcase HPI-CESU project efforts. Includes researching, writing, and working with projects to develop project highlights.
Graduate Student Assistant
Keaholoa STEM Scholars
Hilo, HI
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Acted as the main point of contact for undergraduate STEM students in the coast and ocean research group, helping students secure projects and mentors, complete projects, and present findings in April.
- Facilitated student meetings to discuss quarterly themes and activities, enhancing understanding of Keaholoa themes: na’au (self and intuition), ‘āina (feeding yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually), kaiāulu (community collaborations), and mo’olelo (telling stories).
- Led coast and ocean students on field trips to explore wahi pana and document ecological changes in these spaces.
Education
M.S. - Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science
University of Hawai’i at Hilo
Hilo, HI12-2022
B.S. - Marine Science
California State University Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA12-2019
Diploma -
Kamehameha Schools Kāpalama
Honolulu, HI05-2015
Skills
Marine Conservation
- Technical Conservation Coordination
- Natural Resource Management
- Environmental Education
- Environmental Stewardship
- Community Engagement
- Public Outreach
- Volunteer Coordination
- Interagency Collaboration
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Field data collection
- Data Management Techniques
- ArcGIS
- Content management
- Listserv Management
- Outreach Material Design
- Community Communication Tools
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- Zoom
- Shared Drive/File Organization
- Shared Drive/File Organization
Volunteer Experience
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Guide, Monterey, CA, 03/01/18 - 05/01/19
- Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers Hawaiian Islands Member, Hilo, HI, 10/01/20 - 12/01/22
- Keep Puako Beautiful Member, Puako, HI, 10/01/20 - 12/01/22
- Lanakila Learning Center Teaching Assistant, Hilo, HI, 01/01/22- 07/01/23
- Ho’omalu Ke Kai Member, Kaumakani, HI, 01/01/23 - Present
- Hui Mālama Pōlihale Board Member, Pōlihale, HI, 01/01/23 - Present
- West Kaua'i Canoe Club Board Member, Port Allen, HI, 06/01/24 - Present
- Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, 09/01/23 - Present
- Namakaonaona, Kauai, HI, 12/20/24 - Present
Timeline
Marine Debris Technician II
Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project
05.2025 - Current
PCSU Biologist
Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit
11.2023 - Current
Protected Species Program Associate
DLNR-DAR/Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative
10.2022 - 11.2023
Seafloor Mapping Intern
E/V Nautilus
08.2022 - 09.2022
Program Assistant
Hawai’i Pacific Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies (HPI-CESU)
10.2021 - 01.2022
Graduate Student Assistant
Keaholoa STEM Scholars
08.2020 - 05.2021
M.S. - Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science
University of Hawai’i at Hilo
B.S. - Marine Science
California State University Monterey Bay
Diploma -
Kamehameha Schools Kāpalama