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
Sending a big Mahalo (thank you) to our partners in Ecuador!
It was great to be back in Ecuador this week as PDC continued work with the Secretaría Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos (SNGR) to advance the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA). Held in Guayaquil from 13–14 October, this engagement builds on earlier meetings in Guayaquil and Manta.
The NDPBA is designed to promote risk-informed decision-making through evidence-based data and analytics, increase multi-agency coordination, and enhance disaster monitoring and disaster risk reduction initiatives.
During this visit, SNGR leadership and technical staff provided valuable updates and shared critical datasets for the Risk and Vulnerability Analysis and Disaster Management Assessment—including hazard zones, socio-economic indicators, critical infrastructure, and emergency services.
We value the continued collaboration with our Ecuadorian partners and look forward to returning in spring 2026 to share preliminary results ahead of the final event in May.
Learn more about PDC’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment at: pdc.org/NDPBA
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningforAll #Ecuador #NDPBA #Preparedness #RiskReduction
Riesgos Ecuador
U.S. Embassy Ecuador
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
On today's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we take a moment to recognize the vital work being done around the world to reduce risk and build safer, more resilient communities.
At PDC, we are proud to stand alongside our global partners—government agencies, humanitarian organizations, academic institutions, and scientific experts—who remain steadfast in their commitment to disaster risk reduction. Together, we are advancing solutions that address the complex and interconnected risks facing communities today.
For nearly 30 years, PDC has worked to strengthen disaster resilience by helping partners identify, assess, and reduce risk, while enhancing their ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises. Our capabilities and programs, including the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA), provide decision makers with actionable insight into the underlying drivers of disaster risk and the capacity to manage them.
From early warning to long-term risk reduction, we remain committed to supporting our partners as they integrate risk information into policies, systems, and actions that protect lives and livelihoods.
We commend your leadership and dedication!
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningforAll #DisasterRisk #RiskReduction #iddrr2025 #drrday
The southern Philippines continues to experience multiple aftershocks following the recent powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck at around 9:43 AM local time on Friday morning. One of the aftershocks registered a strong magnitude of 6.7.
Attached are the PDC Event Briefs for the 7.4 and 6.7 magnitude earthquakes, along with a DisasterAWARE screenshot showing shaking intensity and the locations of aftershocks. Please monitor DisasterAWARE for the latest updates and alerts.
PhilAWARE, PDC's custom version of DisasterAWARE for the Philippines, was leveraged for early warning and situational awareness as the situation unfolded.
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #Earthquake #Philippines #DisasterAWARE
Civil Defense PH
NDRRMC
A powerful coastal storm is expected to impact much of the U.S. East Coast from this weekend into early next week, bringing the risk of heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf.
The attached video shows modeled wind speeds and direction along the East Coast over the coming days. Be sure to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates and alerts as the event unfolds.
>>> Download the FREE Disaster Alert app (Search "Disaster Alert" in Google Play and the iOS App Store)
>>> Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance professional? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #storm #rain #noreaster #flood #weather #DisasterAWARE
Tropical storm conditions are possible for parts of the northern Leeward Islands as the center of Jerry passes near or northeast of the islands later today and tonight. The Leeward and Virgin Islands could experience 2–4 inches of rain (maximum of 6 inches), bringing a risk of flash flooding.
The DisasterAWARE Pro screenshots highlight the most recent potential wind and rainfall impacts along the forecast track. These include the ‘Estimated Wind Impacts’ and 'Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Forecast (5-Day)' layers, as well as PDC’s automated Event Brief showing potential wind impacts and exposure for Barbuda.
Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates with each new advisory! (Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE)
>>> Download the FREE Disaster Alert app (Search "Disaster Alert" in Google Play and the iOS App Store)
>>> Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance professional? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAWARE #DisasterAlert #storm #hurricane #hazard #preparedness #weather #alert #caribbean #atlantic
Sending Aloha to our partners in Honduras!
PDC returned to COPECO headquarters in Tegucigalpa to present the preliminary results of the Risk Reduction and Advanced Analytics (R2A2) project. Designed to support capacity building and promote evidence-based action, R2A2 builds on the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA), previously conducted in partnership between PDC and the Government of Honduras. The project identifies capability enhancements aligned with current needs, helping national stakeholders better anticipate potential disasters, quickly mobilize resources, and promote risk-informed decision-making.
PDC and COPECO have a long-standing relationship through disaster response events, training, and exercises, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership. PDC will return to Tegucigalpa in November for the Capstone event.
You can learn more about PDC’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment projects and capabilities at: pdc.org/NDPBA
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #honduras #copeco #disasterpreparedness #R2A2 #NDPBA
COPECO
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
Embajada de Estados Unidos en Tegucigalpa
Monitoring Tropical Storm Jerry in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it nears the northern Leeward Islands over the next 48 hours. Tropical storm conditions are possible, with heavy rain expected from Thursday into early Friday, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
The attached DisasterAWARE Pro screenshots display the ‘Estimated Wind Impacts' and 'Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Forecast (5 Day)' layers.
Continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates with each new advisory! (Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE)
>>> Download the FREE Disaster Alert app (Search "Disaster Alert" in Google Play and the iOS App Store)
>>> Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance professional? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAWARE #DisasterAlert #storm #hurricane #hazard #preparedness #weather #alert #caribbean #atlantic
A strong 6.6 magnitude earthquake has struck near Lae, Papua New Guinea. Attached are PDC’s initial impact estimates, automatically generated through our Event Brief and advanced analytics capabilities.
PDC Event Briefs are available through DisasterAWARE (pdc.org/DisasterAWARE) and provide rapid, actionable insights to support life-saving decisions and emergency response efforts. Event Briefs include critical information such as:
· Estimated exposed populations
· At-risk critical infrastructure
· Impacts to essential lifelines
· Key humanitarian needs
· Risk profiles, access to relevant products, and more
These rapid insights help quickly answer questions like: What happened? When and where did it happen? How bad is it?—empowering emergency management professionals and decision-makers with the information they need, when they need it most.
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #Earthquake #PapauNewGuinea
Don’t let hazards catch you off-guard—stay ahead and stay informed!
Download our free Disaster Alert app today for early warnings and near real-time information on hazards around the world.
>>> Available on Google Play and the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance practitioner?
>>> Access DisasterAWARE Pro—our award-winning, multi-hazard early warning and risk intelligence platform, trusted by disaster managers worldwide!
>>> Learn more at www.pdc.org/disasteraware/
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAlert #hurricane #volcano #fire #flood #tsunami #earthquake #disaster #hazard #landslide #tornado #winterstorm #storm #wildfire #severestorm
Keeping a close eye on a couple of areas in the Atlantic to monitor:
>>> A disturbance is expected to move westward across the central Atlantic over the next week. The system has a medium (40%) chance of development over the next 7 days and could become a tropical depression near the Lesser Antilles by late next week.
>>> Near The Bahamas, a weak area of low pressure has formed near the central islands. The disturbance has a low chance (10%) of development over the next 7 days and is expected to move slowly near Florida and The Bahamas over the next few days, bringing heavy rainfall through the weekend. Strong upper-level winds are expected to limit any significant development.
Be sure to continue to monitor DisasterAWARE for updates! (Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE)
>>> Download the FREE Disaster Alert app (Search "Disaster Alert" in Google Play and the iOS App Store)
>>> Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance professional? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
#DisasterAWARE #DisasterAlert #storm #hurricane #hazard #preparedness #weather #alert #caribbean #atlantic #thebahamas #bahamas #florida
A M6.9 earthquake has struck offshore in the Philippines near Bogo City, Cebu at 13:59:43 UTC Sept 30, 2025. According to local agencies, damage and aftershocks are expected. PDC's initial impact estimates to populations and critical infrastructure are attached.
Our team continues to support responding agencies and our partners at the Office of Civil Defense PH, which is responding on the ground and coordinating with regional offices to identify immediate needs.
#earthquake #Philippines #EarlyWarningForAll #philaware #DisasterAWARE #SaferWorld
Civil Defense PH
AHA CENTRE
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
Imelda continues to bring tropical storm conditions to the northwestern Bahamas. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across The Bahamas and eastern Cuba through Tuesday, with the potential for flash and urban flooding. Although Imelda is expected to stay offshore of the southeastern U.S., rainfall could also extend to the coastal Carolinas, leading to localized flooding.
As Imelda moves away from The Bahamas, it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches Bermuda.
Monitor DisasterAWARE for updates! (Learn more at pdc.org/DisasterAWARE)
>>> Download the FREE Disaster Alert app (Search "Disaster Alert" in Google Play and the iOS App Store)
>>> Are you a disaster manager or humanitarian assistance professional? Access DisasterAWARE Pro at DisasterAWARE.pdc.org
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #Imelda #Hurricane #storm #weather #hazard #flood #rain #thebahamas #bahamas #florida #carolinas #Georgia #southcarolina #northcarolina #Bermuda
DRM Authority
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
The National Guard
U.S. Northern Command