FOREST FLD PROJ ASST (INV MG)-ID#226593

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Wailuku (HI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seeks a PCSU Forestry Field Project Assistant (Invasive Species Management) to support DOFAW in Maui, Hawai‘i. The role involves monitoring invasive and native plants, deploying cameras, GPS data entry, and assisting with herbicide application and habitat protection efforts.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and 1–3 years of field experience in remote settings, with the ability to camp for several days and drive 4WD vehicles.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 1–3 years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations in remote settings.
• Basic knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecological principles.
• Ability to navigate with a compass, map, and GPS handheld units.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance if personal vehicle is used.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
• readiness to complete safety trainings and potentially helicopter safety courses.

Responsibilities

• Conducts alien and native plant monitoring and invasive plant control.
• Assists with fuels mitigation and vegetation management; builds, inspects, and maintains fences.
• Monitors and controls alien plants, feral pigs, axis deer, feral goats and predators.
• Deploys game cameras and bait stations to facilitate ungulate capture.
• Inputs data into GPS equipment and computer database; maintains records.
• Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution.
• Performs habitat protection duties including site preparation and seed collection.
• Assists with flora and fauna surveys, including invertebrates.

Skills

GPS & navigation

Herbicide application

Independent work

Fence inspection

Data entry & reports

Driver's license

4WD vehicle operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GIS

GPS devices

Job description

PCSU FORESTRY FIELD PROJECT ASSISTANT (INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT) - ID# 226593.

CLOSING DATE: October 12, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Lance De Silva 808-264-2308.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, working in support of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Forest Management Section, located in Maui, 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: $3,654/Mon.

Conducts alien and native plant monitoring and invasive plant control. Controls alien plants using mechanical and chemical/biological techniques. Assists with fuels mitigation and vegetation management, building, inspecting, and maintaining fences. Monitors and controls alien plants, feral pigs, axis deer, feral goats and predators. Conducts ungulate (e.g., feral pigs, feral and mouflon sheep, and other ungulates as necessary) control and monitoring activities in Maui Nui DOFAW managed lands and watershed partnership lands. Deploys game cameras and bait stations to facilitate ungulate capture. Inputs data into GPS equipment and computer database. Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution. Performs assigned duties related to habitat protection, including site preparation, and seed collection. Assists with flora and fauna surveys, including invertebrates. Requires frequent camping for four to five (4-5) days a week, up to two (2) weeks per month. Drives project vehicles to work sites. Travels and works in and around helicopters. Works extended, irregular hours.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Oneto three (1-3)years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations and work in remote settings.

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic knowledge offlor a and fauna,and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of the principles of ecology and wildlife biology.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to navigate using a compass, map, and Global Positioning System (GPS) hand-held units.
• Ability to apply herbicides.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to inspect and repair fences.
• Ability to use a computer to record technical field data, analyze field data using database and spreadsheet programs, and prepare draft reports.
• 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 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. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of from date of hire. 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 (A100) within six (6) months from date of hire.

Physical/Medical Demands: Ability to conduct fieldwork in dense vegetation or over lava substrate under difficult conditions (e.g., heat, rain, cold temperatures, poor footing). Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days, up to three (3) weeks per month. 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:

• College coursework in biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field.
• Experience in hunting feral animals.
• Experience using radio telemetry, and Global Information System (GIS).
• Experience constructing, repairing or inspecting enclosure fencing.
• Knowledge of endangered fauna and flora species in Hawai'i.

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.