Show MKWA FIELD ASSISTANT I – ID# 224719

RCUH is a State agency, established by the Legislature in 1965, and is attached to the University of Hawaiʻi for administrative purposes. Its enabling legislation is codified as Chapter 304A - 3001 to 3011 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

MKWA FIELD ASSISTANT I – ID# 224719.

CLOSING DATE:  October 29, 2024. INQUIRIES: Cheyenne Perry 808-937-5170 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance (MKWA), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,400/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Serves as a field crewmember building and maintaining fence lines, controlling feral animal populations, locating and controlling alien plant invasions using mechanical and chemical means, conducting habitat restoration, and monitoring native vegetation/ecosystem recovery. Drives project vehicles, all-terrain vehicles/utility terrain vehicles (ATV/UTV), to conduct fence monitoring, construction, repair, feral animal control, and alien plant control tasks. Work will focus on the protection of the native Hawaiian forest and related water resources within approximately 416,000 acres of partnership lands on Mauna Kea. Majority of the work will be performed in remote locations and will require the ability to backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain or thick unmarked trail conditions with loads up to fifty (50) pounds, camp out in remote areas under extreme conditions for up to one (1) week at a time. Fieldwork requires working with herbicides, working in and around helicopters, using chainsaws, operating ATV/UTV, and using Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) airguns. Records detailed field data and spatial information and inputs data into Global Positioning System (GPS), geodatabase, and computer systems. Maintains field equipment, tracks supply inventories, and assists with public relations and education activities as assigned, which may require work on weekends. This is a progression job beginning with an entry level (Level I). It will assume the employee to start at Level I (unless justified and qualified to start at a higher level). Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be promoted to a higher level. Availability and ability to perform duties independently is expected to increase with each level of progression. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
EXPERIENCE
Up to one (0-1) year of experience in field activities related to natural resources management.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge of Hawaiian biota/natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management. Knowledge of identification of common native Hawaiian plants and common introduced weed species.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Ability to operate power tools including chainsaws, weed eaters, generators, chipper, etc. Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to use a compass and other navigation tools and to read and navigate with topographic maps and aerial photos. Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and ATV/UTV. 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 the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain 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 basic helicopter safety course within six (6) months and external load training with (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete ATV/UTV training within (12) months. 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 chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights). Must be able to fly by helicopter to remote locations and hike for remote surveys. Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions at high elevations (up to 8,000 feet), for up to seven (7) consecutive days. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.
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:    

Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college or college courses in Natural Sciences. Fieldwork with emphasis on feral animal and alien plant control with a land management agency. Previous fence building or construction experience. Familiarity with computers, data entry, and use of GPS units. Experience working in and around helicopters and using herbicides to control weedy vegetation. Chainsaw and ATV/UTV experience.
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.