Field Technician, Molokai

Hawai’i Conservation Alliance & Foundation; Hawaii; On-site; USD 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy’s Molokai program seeks a Field Technician to support field operations and office tasks across 55,000+ acres of forest and 900 acres of coastal dune strand. Responsibilities include fence work, predator and feral animal control, trail maintenance, alien plant removal, GPS/GIS data collection, and volunteer coordination.

Must be able to camp up to four nights in rugged terrain and work safely in remote areas. Occasional night and weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Education/experience as listed: GED/HS +5 years, Associate +3 years, or Bachelor in related field +1 year.
• Experience with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and land management.
• Experience with Moloka‘i communities and cultural norms.
• Experience using field equipment safely (machete, weed eater, chainsaw, GPS, etc.).
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in remote rugged terrain.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field operations including fence work, feral ungulate and predator control, trail maintenance, and alien plant removal.
• Help with base yard, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and kennel care.
• Camp in remote areas up to four nights and operate in rugged conditions; adhere to safety protocols.
• Lead volunteers and support outreach, interpretive hikes, and events.
• Conduct GPS data collection and GIS map preparation; communicate project status.

Skills

Field operations

Cultural sensitivity

Equipment handling

Physical fitness

GPS/data collection

Education

HS diploma +5y field

Assoc degree +3y

BSc in biology/ecology +1y

Tools

Machete

Weed eater

Chainsaw

Two-way radio

GPS

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Molokai Terrestrial Program manages over 55,000 acres of lands within the East Molokai Watershed Partnership that include the best remaining native forest on the island on both public and private lands. Approximately 900 acres of coastal dune strand are managed at Mo‘omomi on the island’s northwest coast. We have a dedicated and enthusiastic team based out of our office just outside of Kaunakakai. Some remote office work may be required.

The Field Technician will assist the Molokai team and partners with all aspects of field operations and office support that may include fence construction/surveys/repairs, feral ungulate control, predator control, trail maintenance, alien plant removal, base yard, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and also may include dog and kennel care. The Field Technician must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four nights at a time and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, as well as helicopter operations and handling firearms, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Technician will regularly use GPS and/or mobile field data collection apps in the field and download data to produce GIS summary maps using a database or PC. The Field Technician will also help conduct outreach activities which include assisting with interpretive hikes, special events and educational field trips. The Field Technician will assist with leading volunteers and volunteer groups in the operations mentioned above. Compliance with field safety protocol, preserve use policies, base yard rules, and alien species cleanliness protocols is essential. The Field Technician must be able to communicate with hike participants and colleagues on field conditions and project status. With a heavy workload, the Field Technician is expected to manage his/ her time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations. Occasional night work and weekend work may be required. This position is supervised by a Molokai Field Coordinator. This is a full-time position funded for 2 years.

We’re looking for an individual who loves being in the field outdoors in very remote areas to complete necessary natural resource management. If you're a safety-minded team player, we invite you to join the Hawaii Chapter’s Moloka‘i Terrestrial Program.

What You’ll Bring:

• Education and work experience minimum requirement can be in any of the following iterations:
  • GED/high school degree and 5 years of experience working in natural resource management
  • Associate's degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource mgmt.
  • Bachelor’s degree (in biology, ecology, natural resource management or related field) and 1 year of work experience in natural resource mgmt.
• Experience working with Hawai‘i’s natural systems as they relate to land management and Native Hawaiian and alien plant and animal identification skills.
• Experience with various communities and partners on Moloka‘i and knowledge of how to navigate and work with sensitivity to cultural norms for successful results.
• Experience using various equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., machete, weed eater, chainsaw, two-way radio, GPS, etc.)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform physical work in remote rugged landscape, adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certificates as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, Hawaii State Hunting License, Youth Safety and others as appropriate to the job).

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information: The starting pay for this position is within the range of $29.34 - $29.87 per hour with a 35-hour work week. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and who will be based out of the TNC office on Molokai. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. (Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.) Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) retirement plan, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.