Field Stewardship Technician, Kaaawa

Kualoa Ranch Hawaii, Inc.; Kaneohe (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i in Kaneohe, HI is seeking a Stewardship Technician to support conservation across our lands. You will engage in habitat restoration, native species protection, and invasive species control in wetlands, pastures, forests, and loʻi.

The role involves physical labor, field data collection, and implementing conservation best practices. Candidates should be passionate about ecological restoration, work well both independently and with a team, and be capable of operating field

Qualifications

• 6+ months field experience in natural resource management or conservation.
• Ability to operate and maintain basic field tools and equipment.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct native habitat restoration including seed collection, greenhouse work, and outplanting.
• Assist with conservation efforts for rare species and habitat monitoring.
• Monitor wetlands and lo‘i to support native wildlife and plant growth.
• Implement invasive species control using chemical and mechanical methods.
• Maintain stewardship equipment and vehicles used in field operations.

Skills

Fieldwork

Teamwork

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science or related field

Tools

GPS

Geoprocessing tools

Job description

49-049 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA

Job Description

Join Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in one of the most extraordinary places in Hawai‘i. With diverse operations and a deep commitment to our land, community, visitors, and each other, we honor our proud legacy while building an exciting future. Be part of our ‘ohana and share the spirit of Hawai‘i with the world.

Relocation Package: None

Schedule: Full-time; open availability including weekends and holidays is required. Work will be conducted in varied outdoor environments, requiring flexibility with weather and physical demands.

Position Summary

The Stewardship Technician is responsible for supporting conservation efforts across Kualoa Ranch lands. This includes habitat restoration, native species protection, invasive species control, and land stewardship operations. The technician works in diverse environments such as wetlands, pastures, forests, and lo ʻ i kalo, ensuring the health and sustainability of the land and its ecosystems. This role involves physical labor, field data collection, and the implementation of conservation best practices. This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about conservation, ecological restoration, and stewardship of Hawaiian lands.

Key Responsibilities

Native Habitat Restoration & Conservation

• Conduct native habitat restoration, including seed collection, greenhouse work, outplanting, and rare plant management.
• Assist with conservation efforts for rare and endangered species, including native waterbirds and plant species.
• Monitor and maintain wetland and lo ʻ i kalo areas to support native wildlife and plant growth.
• Implement invasive species control using chemical (herbicide/pesticide) and mechanical methods.

Wildlife & Ecosystem Management

• Conduct species inventories across Ranch lands and monitor ecosystem health.
• Follow SOPs for handling injured or endangered birds, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Assist with predator control, including monitoring and maintaining traps for invasive species.
• Support feral pig management operations, including safe and humane dispatch following air rifle SOPs.

Land & Pasture Maintenance

• Maintain pastureland by managing grazing areas, controlling invasive species, and repairing fences.
• Assist with the safe use of picks, shovels, post pounders, and other tools for fieldwork.
• Conduct landscape alteration with a focus on minimizing impact on endangered species and wetland ecosystems.
• Follow bio-sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Ensuring safe operation, maintenance, and compliance with PPE and cutting procedures.
• Safely navigating terrain, following protocols for steep slopes, rocky areas, and stream crossings.
• Proper use, maintenance, and safety protocols, including blade selection and debris management.
• Safe handling of saws, axes, and machetes, ensuring proper cutting techniques and secure storage.
• Following radio usage SOPs for safety in areas with poor cell service, including check‑ins and proper channel selection.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Collect and record technical field data using GPS and other tools.
• Maintain and repair stewardship equipment, including vehicles, tools, and irrigation systems.
• Ensure compliance with safe pesticide use, storage, and application procedures.
• Occasionally lead volunteer activities such as weed control and outplanting.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform strenuous fieldwork in extreme weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and muddy or steep terrain.
• Requires extensive walking, hiking, and navigating undeveloped, rocky, or steep areas while carrying a backpack.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Requires the ability to safely operate power tools, hand tools, and motorized vehicles, including 4WD trucks and ATVs.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely in environments with potential exposure to hazardous plants, chemicals, and wildlife.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of field experience (paid or volunteer) in natural resource management, conservation, or a related field in Hawai'i.
• Experience must be gained through an academic institution, government agency, private company, or non-profit organization.
• Ability to operate and maintain power tools, hand tools, and motorized equipment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Basic proficiency in word-processing and spreadsheet software.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to safely operate 4WD trucks and ATVs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience with vegetation and wildlife monitoring, data collection, and geoprocessing tools such as GPS.
• Knowledge of herbicide application, weed control techniques, and pesticide safety.
• Understanding of threats to native Hawaiian ecosystems and the ability to identify plant species.
• Manual transmission driving experience.
• Familiarity with Hawaiian culture, language, and kalo farming.

Kualoa Ranch Hawai‘i is a proud equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug‑free workplace. We provide equal consideration to all applicants in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.