Quick Facts:
More than
Full-time employees
Rated among the top
High-tech companies in Hawai‘i
Over
%
PDC staff recruited through internships
Careers and Culture
Fuel your passion for innovation and public service by working with a leading tech organization that routinely pushes the limits of lifesaving possibility. For 30 years, Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) has been a pioneer in the innovation of early warning technologies, exercise scenario design, advanced analytics, and risk reduction science and research. Headquartered in Hawai‘i, PDC is regarded as a global leader in risk reduction and resilience-enhancing tools—a reputation built on the dedication and expertise of our team from across disaster management, technology, academic, and scientific disciplines. The Center’s products and services support the most demanding government customers, international, regional, and nongovernmental organizations worldwide in reducing risk and building safer, more resilient communities. As an applied science and research center managed by the University of Hawai‘i, we are always experimenting with new technologies, including applications for artificial intelligence in hazard alerting, monitoring, and predictive risk analytics. Our products benefit public users, government, humanitarian, and private sector decision makers. To learn about job opportunities with PDC, visit the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i site at www.rcuh.com or through our LinkedIn postings.
Internships
PDC provides mentored internship opportunities to self-motivated students who take pride in their work, have a passion for learning, and a commitment to problem-solving. Our internships allow individuals to apply learned skills and theory to real-world problems.
If you are interested in applying for an internship with PDC, please review the programs below to see if there is a good match. You should also examine the criteria for a direct internship before submitting your resume with the link below.
Programs Available
Akamai Workforce Initiative
Offered to college students in Hawaii. Applications accepted in November. Please check the site for details.
https://akamaihawaii.org/interning/
University of Hawai‘i Student Employment & Cooperative Education (SECE)
Available only to college students within the UH system. PDC posts internship position descriptions to this site.
https://sece.its.hawaii.edu/sece/login
CareerLink – UH Maui College Cooperative (Co-Op) Education program
Available only to UH-MC students. Please check the site for details.
http://maui.hawaii.edu/careerlink/
Ke Alahele Program
Offered through Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) internship program
http://www.medb.org/programs/education-to-workforce/ke-alahele-education-fund/
Direct Internships
Direct internships with PDC are also available on an as-needed basis. Please inquire per the guidelines below.
Internship Criteria
- All internships are based on the island of Maui in Hawaii. PDC does not support internships outside of Maui.
- All internship programs are paid internships. However, we do not offer relocation or housing support.
- Technical internships are for summer undergraduate and graduate students. Communications internships are offered year-round.
- U.S. Citizenship is not required, however:
- Candidates MUST have permission to work in the U.S. for the duration of internship; and
- PDC does NOT sponsor visas for international students.
- Long-term internships (for graduate students) may be as long as 6 months. Candidates must submit a resume as part of the submission. Areas of interest for internship may also be submitted.
- For PDC’s direct internship program, the applicant must submit a resume. Area(s) of interest for internship may also be submitted. Internship is contingent upon need and availability.
Skills We Need
Over the years, interns have made valuable contributions to PDC projects and activities with such skills as:
Computer or GIS skills and literacy
- Computer programming (C++, Java, Jscript, …)
- Scripting (PHP, Python, Shell, …)
- Web/App development (HTML, CSS, JSON, …)
- AI experience and/or interest
- GIS (data processing, visualization, …)
- Imagery and/or Image analysis
- Physical sciences and/or modeling
- Data analysis and/or statistics
Communications or design skills and literacy
- Public relations, communications, content development experience
- Web UX / UI design principles
- Graphic design using latest Adobe products
- Video editing
- Marketing copy development
- Social media content management
Follow Us
Keeping a close eye on Hurricane Kiko in the Eastern Pacific as it continues to strengthen while moving toward the Central Pacific. While it's still too early to determine any potential impacts to the Hawaiian Islands, Kiko is expected to cross into the Central Pacific by the end of this week.
In the far Eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression Twelve-E has formed off the coast of Mexico. It is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to northwestern parts of the country, including Baja California Sur, with the potential for significant flash flooding. Included in the DisasterAWARE screenshot is the newly added "Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Forecast (5-Day) (HAFS)" layer, showing potential cumulative rainfall along the forecast track.
Meanwhile, we also continue to monitor the far eastern Atlantic, where a tropical disturbance located south of Cabo Verde currently has a 70% (high) chance of developing into a depression over the next 7 days.
Stay safe and stay informed — monitor DisasterAWARE for updates with each advisory, as well as for other hazards threatening your area!
>>> Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
>>> Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningforAll #DisasterAWARE #DisasterAlert #HurricaneKiko #Hawaii #Hurricane #Mexico #Atlantic #Pacific #Flood #Weather #Rain #Storm
Don’t let hazards catch you off-guard—stay ahead and stay informed! Get alerts on tropical cyclones and other hazards threatening your area.
Download the Disaster Alert app—available on Google Play and the iOS App Store. (Search “Disaster Alert” in the app store.)
Are you an Emergency Management or Humanitarian Assistance professional? Request your free DisasterAWARE Pro account today.
>>> Learn more at: pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
>>> DisasterAWARE is the #1 award-winning early warning and risk intelligence technology trusted by disaster managers worldwide.
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAlert #hurricane #volcano #fire #flood #tsunami #earthquake #disaster #hazard #landslide #tornado #winterstorm #storm #wildfire #weather
Keeping a close eye on multiple areas of potential cyclone development, in the Central and Eastern Pacific.
Shown in the DisasterAWARE Pro screenshots are the “Tropical Weather 7 Day Forecast” and animated “Rainfall Accumulation – IMERG (3 Hour)” layers.
>>> A system well south-southwest of the Baja California Peninsula has a high (80%) chance of development within the next 7 days, and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend.
>>> Another disturbance off the coast of southern Mexico has a medium (40%) chance of development over the next 7 days, with a tropical depression possibly forming by mid next week.
>>> A disturbance far to the south of Hawaii has a low (0%) chance of development as it continues westward.
Receive alerts, view updates, and access key layers and information on hazards threatening your area — all through DisasterAWARE!
>>> Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #Tropical #Weather #Hurricane #Storm #Hazard #Hawaii #Mexico #Pacific
Firefighters are working hard to contain the Flat Fire northeast of Sisters, Oregon, which has burned over 21,900 acres with only 5% containment. Over 3,900 structures are threatened.
The DisasterAWARE screenshot displays the latest satellite-detected wildfire hotspots and perimeter data, along with critical infrastructure layers. For additional insights—such as wind speed and direction, terrain, and air quality—access DisasterAWARE!
>>> Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
>>> Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #DisasterAWARE #DisasterAlert #EarlyWarningforAll #Oregon #wildfire #fire
Oregon Department of Forestry
Deschutes County
Tropical storm conditions from Hurricane Erin continue to impact parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and are expected to reach the Virginia coast today. Storm surge (2-4 ft) and large waves are causing flooding, significant beach erosion, and overwash along the Outer Banks.
Tropical storm-force wind gusts may impact additional areas of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts through early tomorrow. Bermuda could also experience tropical storm conditions from this afternoon through early tomorrow.
We are continuing to keep a close eye on two areas of potential cyclone development in the Atlantic.
>>>> Disturbance east of the Leeward Islands: A disturbance located a few hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands is anticipated to form over the weekend as it moves near or north of the islands. (40% chance of development over the next 2 days; 70% chance over the next 7 days)
>>>> Invest 99L (west/southwest of Cabo Verde): Invest 99L, located several hundred miles west-southwest of Cabo Verde, has a 40% chance of development over the next 7 days. A short-lived tropical depression could form; however, conditions are expected to become less favorable for further development.
Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin and other hazards threating your area:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
The National Guard
Tropical storm conditions and life-threatening storm surge (2–4 ft), including large waves, are expected to begin impacting the Outer Banks of North Carolina later today. Tropical storm conditions could affect southeastern Virginia by tomorrow, and Bermuda on Thursday and Friday.
Life-threatening surf and rip currents continue to pose a serious danger to The Bahamas, much of the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, and the Atlantic Coast of Canada through the coming days.
PDC remains in close coordination and support of national and regional partners responding to Hurricane Erin. Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
DRM Authority
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
The National Guard
Hurricane Erin is forecast to pass east of The Bahamas today and tonight, with tropical storm conditions expected to continue affecting the southeast Bahamas, including the Turks and Caicos, for a few more hours. Portions of the central Bahamas may also experience tropical storm conditions today. Heavy rainfall remains a concern, bringing a continued risk of flash and urban flooding.
In the U.S., tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the Outer Banks by late Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall through Thursday with localized totals of up to 4 inches. Offshore waves of 10 to 20 feet or higher are forecast, posing a serious threat of coastal erosion, extreme beach damage, and a significant risk to life and property. Dangerous storm surge of 2-4 feet is forecast for parts of the Outer Banks.
Life-threatening surf and rip currents remain a dangerous threat from The Bahamas up through the U.S. East Coast, Bermuda, and Atlantic Canada as Hurricane Erin continues along its forecast track.
PDC remains in close coordination and support of national and regional partners responding to Hurricane Erin. Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
DRM Authority
DDME
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
The National Guard
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
Category 4 Hurricane Erin is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Hispaniola today, as well as to the Turks and Caicos and portions of the southeast and central Bahamas through Tuesday. This could lead to flash flooding and localized urban flooding in the affected areas.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeast Bahamas today, and the central Bahamas later today through Tuesday. According to the latest PDC Event Brief, approximately 6,820 people in the Turks and Caicos could be affected by damaging winds, with moderate disruption possible to essential services including power, communications, and transportation.
In the U.S., a State of Emergency has been declared for Dare County, North Carolina, including mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. A Coastal Flood Watch has also been issued in anticipation of extreme beach and coastal damage, posing a significant threat to life and property. According to the PDC’s Event Brief, an estimated 53,300 people are within the watch area.
PDC remains in close coordination and support of national and regional partners responding to Hurricane Erin. Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
DRM Authority
DDME
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
The National Guard
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
Erin has weakened to Category 3 strength as heavy rains continue to impact the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where 3–6 inches are expected, with isolated amounts of 8 inches. Flash and urban flooding, including landslides and mudslides, remain a threat.
A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos, where tropical storm conditions are expected to begin tonight. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Southeast Bahamas, where tropical storm conditions are possible tonight and Monday, with the potential for tropical-storm-force wind gusts across the central Bahamas Monday and Tuesday. Parts of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico may experience gusts reaching tropical storm strength today.
Shown in the screenshots are the following key layers available through DisasterAWARE:
- Potential wind impacts
- Estimated Rainfall over the 5-day forecast track
- Doppler Radar
- Animated Wind speeds and direction
Monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
DRM Authority
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
Powerful Hurricane Erin, which reached Category 5 strength today, is closely passing north of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. 2-4 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 6 inches, is expected through Sunday across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Heavy rains bring a dangerous risk of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides and mudslides.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in Turks and Caicos Islands within the next 48 hours. The northern Leeward Islands may experience tropical storm-force wind gusts overnight, with impacts extending to parts of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through Sunday. The Southeastern Bahamas could begin experiencing tropical storm force gusts starting Sunday.
Additionally, life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf are expected along The Bahamas, the U.S. East Coast, and Canada’s Atlantic Coast into next week.
Shown in the screenshots are the following key layers available through DisasterAWARE:
- Potential wind impacts
- Estimated rainfall over the 5-day forecast track
- Animated wind speeds and direction
- Doppler Radar
Monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#SaferWorld #earlywarningforall #HurricaneErin #hurricane #storm #weather
DRM Authority
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
American Red Cross
U.S. Northern Command
The National Guard
Keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Erin as it continues to strengthen while tracking westward and is expected to become a hurricane by tomorrow. According to the latest forecast, parts of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico could experience tropical storm-force winds, locally heavy rainfall, and high surf as Erin passes to their north over the weekend.
Monitor DisasterAWARE for updates on Erin with each new advisory:
- Download the free Disaster Alert app, available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
- Are you a Disaster Manager? Access DisasterAWARE Pro!
Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAlert #hurricane #flood #disaster #hazard #storm #hurricaneerin #leewardislands #caribbean #puertorico
CDEMA - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
National Office of Disaster Services - Antigua/Barbuda
NEMA - National Emergency Management Agency SKN
Sending our Aloha and a big mahalo (thank you) to our partners in the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Partnership!
This week, PDC joined representatives from 21 nations in Brisbane, Australia, to share how DisasterAWARE Pro supports informed decision-making during complex disaster scenarios — leveraging PDC’s expansive data holdings, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and risk intelligence capabilities.
Another big mahalo to all the attending nations who have been long-standing partners of PDC and have benefited from the award-winning National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA). We commend your ongoing commitment towards strengthening resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
Learn more here:
• pdc.org/ndpba
• pdc.org/DisasterAWARE
• pdc.org/advanced-analytics
• pdc.org/artificial-intelligence/
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningforAll #DisasterAWARE #Pacific #Australia #NDPBA #Brisbane #AI #artificialintelligence #analytics #security #data #risk
#IPESP
Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance
Defence Australia
AHA CENTRE
Changi RHCC