Organization Details
HCRI was established in 1998 to provide support for research and training to build capacity to effectively manage coral reef ecosystems in Hawaii. It has been guided by the belief that social science provides a critical foundation to long term sustainability of natural resources.
Opportunity Details
Please apply directly on the RCUH website by clicking the link below to be considered for the position.
HCRI KAUAʻI WATERSHED FIELD ASSOCIATE I – ID# 225132.
CLOSING DATE: March 27, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES: Kira Yamashita 808-200-9554 (Kauai).
(2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), located on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY: $3,416.67/Mon.
DUTIES: Implements researched natural resource management interventions and adaptive site-specific strategies to achieve restoration aims in support of DLNR DOFAW’s Statewide Watershed Protection Initiatives and similar programs as guided by the Native Ecosystem Protection Program, Kauaʻi. Conducts invasive species exclusion and removal to promote ecosystem recovery. Mitigates threats to native species through invasive plant and animal control activities and restoration using manual, chemical, and mechanical methods (e.g., pesticides, exclusion fencing). Performs trail maintenance. Performs regular simple maintenance, cleaning, and inspection of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Accesses work sites via driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle, on foot, or by helicopter. Completes special assignments as instructed by the DOFAW Kauaʻi NEPM NRM V and NRM II-IV and HCRI Supervisors. Surveys, evaluates, reinforces, and upgrades existing ungulate barriers to overcome terrain and weather challenges and improve effectiveness. Retrofits materials when required. Tracks maintenance/inspection and supply and equipment inventories. Notifies supervisor when repairs, replacements, and additional items are required. Monitors invasive predator control measures. Conducts plant monitoring and control in the Natural Area Reserves. Controls non-native plants using manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques. Surveys monitoring transects and records and maps locations of important plants. Performs rare plant inventories and forest bird surveys. Provides summaries and analysis of field data on status of important plant control activities. Monitors invasive ungulate and plant presence via ground and air. Surveys animal presence and results of control efforts along designated transects and documents findings. Tracks and records field efforts, progress, and level of effort expended in a daily field log. Logs GPS coordinates and creates basic maps using GIS software. Operates a GPS device to navigate the field. Drives to project work sites. Establishes and monitors studies to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution, including rare and endangered species. Provides environmental education. Coordinates and leads the activities of volunteers and interns in alien plant control and other resource management work. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee’s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of paid or unpaid field experience working in natural resource management or closely related field.
KNOWLEDGE: General knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna, threats from alien species, the principles of ecology, and wildlife biology.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to communicate well orally and in writing, and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to use map and compass to navigate in dense forests. Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to document rare element locations and remote monitoring plots and transects. Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection. Ability to lead volunteers and to coordinate field projects and data collection. Ability to safely apply herbicides. Ability to construct, maintain, and repair ungulate exclusion fences. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). Must be able to complete chainsaw, rappelling, and pesticide safety training before operations involving these activities begin. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within twelve (12) months from date of hire. All trainings/certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by DOFAW. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certificating agency.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to hike to and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions. Ability to work in outdoor environments, including undeveloped forested areas. Ability to perform fieldwork involving elevation changes up to 4,500 feet above sea level in a day. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Must not be afraid of heights due to the need to fly in helicopters, hike across steep terrain, rappel, and work near vertical exposures.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous work in direct natural resources management in native ecosystems Hawaiʻi. Previous fence building or construction experience. Experience with use of herbicides to control weedy vegetation in a forest environment. Experience rappelling. Experience performing field work in Kauaʻi, GPS, and Global Information System (GIS), and basic carpentry.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.