Working with Giant Manta Rays in Hawaii and the Western Pacific – FM Programmer Needed

[Ziphius]

Position Title: Database developer

Description of Duties:

 

The Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research (HAMER) is looking for a relational database developer with knowledge integrating Filemaker Pro Advanced, SuperContainers, and hosting the database on FM Server Advanced.

 

Manta rays are some of the largest fish in the sea, reaching wingspans over 22 feet. Island-associated populations are small and can be severely threatened by fisheries targeting manta rays for export to East Asia. This work is to better understand these populations and implement sustainable, management practices to insure the protection of these extremely vulnerable manta ray populations.

 

The database will consist of a catalog of manta ray individuals (each manta ray has a unique pattern of spots on their ventral side) with related information such as when and where the manta was observed; physical characteristics such as gender, age class, body size, mating scars, pregnancy, and injuries; which other manta rays were also present during that observation; geospatial tracks of tagged individuals; and genetic information for biopsied individuals. The majority of the field-work will occur in Hawaii (Maui and Big Island), Palmyra, Guam, Yap, and Pohnpei.

 

The catalog would also show the history of sightings for that individual (number of sightings, growth rate, number of times observed pregnant, photo from each previous encounter) and a map displaying the location of each sighting for that individual. The database should be designed for both scientists (ability to incorporate large amounts of information, perform calculations such as growth rates and discovery curves) but would also accommodate the average user who simply wishes to upload their photo(s) to the catalog with a time and place (using a simple web browser and a drag and drop SuperContainer).  Interns would be responsible each day for going through the “bucket” of new photographs and matching these new images to the current catalog showing the best image of each individual. If a match is found, the individual is added as a resight, or if a match is not found, a new manta ray is added to the catalog. All users should have the ability to search the catalog if they so choose.

 

The majority of this database has already been created but needs to be greatly refined and incorporated to use SuperContainer and published with Filemaker Server. The goal is to allow any user to contribute to the database or process new data remotely needing only the internet and a web browser.

 

Compensation for the developer can be in the form of assisting with field-work in Hawaii, Guam, and/or Micronesia (diving with manta rays), or financial by incorporating labor costs into the grant application.

 

HAMER is a 501 (c ) 3 nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving manta ray populations through research and education in order to implement effective management practices. 

 

Location: Hawaii

Deadline: Immediately

Position: Part Time / Consultants can apply

Employment: OffSite (Remote)

Skills Required:

• FM Pro relational database developer
• Basic mapping integration
• SuperContainers and Filemaker Server Advanced hosting combined

Compensation: Negotiable

Contact Details: For questions regarding this project, please email Mark at [email protected] or call 808-280-6448.


Disclaimer: FM Forums does not endorse or warrantee these positions please contact the poster for further information regarding the position particulars.