CCRT INVASIVE SPECIES TECH - ID#226626

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Lihue (HI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) is seeking a CCRT Invasive Species Technician in Lihue, Kauaʻi, to support DLNR/DOFAW programs and the Kauaʻi Forestry Restoration and Management initiative.

The role emphasizes detection, monitoring, and documentation of invasive species, forest pests, and predator control infrastructure, with regular outdoor work in remote forests. Requires two to four years of field experience and a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.
• 2–4 years of professional invasive species management or conservation fieldwork.
• Experience in rugged outdoor environments and field data collection.
• Valid driver's license with ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• Ability to pass a background check and UH ISAT training within 2 weeks.
• Knowledge of Hawaiʻi natural resource laws and biosecurity concepts.

Responsibilities

• Provide applied, field-based and analytical support for DOFAW operations.
• Focus on detection, monitoring and documentation of invasive species and forest pests.
• Support ungulate and predator control infrastructure without direct animal handling.
• Drive to project worksites and assist with restoration plans and monitoring.
• Work with Foresters and researchers to address invasive species threats.

Skills

Field observation

Data collection

Documentation

Independent worker

Driver's license

4x4 vehicle operation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management

Tools

Mapping software

Data entry software

GPS mapping

Job description

CCRT INVASIVE SPECIES TECHNICIAN – ID# 226626.

CLOSING DATE: October 30, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES:Mapuana O'Sullivan808-274-3439.

Regular, Full-Time, Limited-Term (not to exceed twelve (12) months in duration from date of hire), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC), Center for Conservation Research and Training (CCRT), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), located in Lihue, Kauaʻi. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:$3,815 - $4,450/Mon.

DUTIES

Provides applied, field-based, and analytical support to DOFAW forestry and natural resource management operations across the Kauaʻi Forest Reserve System. Focuses on the detection, monitoring, and documentation of invasive plant species, forest pests, and forest pathogens, and provides monitoring, research, and implementation support for ungulate control programs and predator control infrastructure without direct animal handling. Installs, maintains, and monitors predator control trap infrastructure in coordination with DOFAW-approved programs, without animal handling. Drives to project worksites. Implements invasive species management actions identified in forest health and watershed restoration plans, assisting with post-fire rehabilitation, contributing monitoring data for adaptive management, and supporting biosecurity and forest health objectives outlined in the proposal. Works closely with Foresters, Natural Resource Management Specialists, and research partners to ensure invasive species threats are addressed through coordinated, science-based management. Contributes to efforts that reduce the spread of invasive species associated with public access, wildfire response, and restoration activities. Contributes technical input to management plans, progress reports, and proposal documentation supporting the Kauaʻi Forestry Restoration and Management Program. Involves regular outdoor work in remote forest environments, at least once (1) a month, for a duration of approximately one (1) week at a time, and may require early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended field days.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

• Two to four (2-4) years of professional experience in invasive species management, forest health monitoring, conservation fieldwork, or natural resource management.
• Experience working in rugged outdoor environments and conducting field-based data collection.

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of invasive plant species, forest pests, forest pathogens, ungulate impacts on forest ecosystems, and predator control strategies as they relate to forest health.
• Understanding of forest ecosystems, watershed processes, wildfire–invasive species interactions, and applied restoration principles.
• Familiarity with Hawaiʻi natural resource laws, biosecurity concepts, and public land management.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Strong observational, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications for data entry, mapping, and reporting.
• 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.
• Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
• Post Offer/Employment Condition:Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check.
• Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within twelve (12) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to conduct physically demanding fieldwork in remote terrain. Ability to hike long distances, work in wet and rugged terrain, and lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted, and be exposed to rain, sun, insects, and uneven ground. Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted over uneven terrain.

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

• Experience working in Hawaiian forest ecosystems.
• Familiarity with DOFAW programs or conservation fencing.
• Experience with invasive species mapping, herbicide application, management, or biocontrol research support.
• Experience contributing to grant-funded projects, reporting, or monitoring programs.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University ofHawai‘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.