FORESTRY FIELD PROJECT ASSISTANT #226407

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kahului (HI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

PCSU FORESTRY FIELD PROJECT ASSISTANT – ID# 226407 at Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i is a full‑time field position based in Maui, Hawai'i. The role supports DOFAW in forest management, wildlife surveys, and habitat protection.

Expect frequent camping, long field days, GPS data collection, and remote site work across partnership lands.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years field experience surveying plants and animals in remote settings.
• Basic knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecology.
• Ability to navigate with compass, map, and GPS; drive 4WD vehicles.
• Valid driver license and First Aid/CPR certification (or in 12 months).

Responsibilities

• Assist with fuels mitigation, vegetation management, fences upkeep.
• Monitor alien plants, feral pigs, axis deer, feral goats, and predators.
• Conduct ungulate control and monitoring on Maui Nui lands.
• Deploy game cameras and bait stations for ungulate capture.
• Input data into GPS and computer databases; draft reports.
• Support flora/fauna surveys and seed collection.
• Camp 4–5 days per week, up to 2 weeks/month; irregular hours.

Skills

GPS navigation

Fence inspection

Data entry / recording

Driver license

First Aid/CPR

Chainsaw training

Helicopter safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GPS handheld units

Spreadsheet/database software

Job description

Position

PCSU FORESTRY FIELD PROJECT ASSISTANT – ID# 226407

Location: Maui, Hawai'i

Employment Status: Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, supporting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Forest Management Section. Current opening (closing date July 21, 2026 or until filled).

Duties

• 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 in DOFAW managed areas and partnership lands.
• Conducts ungulate 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.
• Conducts alien and native plant monitoring and invasive plant control; 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 4–5 days a week, up to 2 weeks per month; drives project vehicles; travels and works around helicopters; works extended, irregular hours.

Primary Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience: One to three years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations and working in remote settings.

Knowledge: Basic knowledge of flora and fauna, threats from alien species; working knowledge of ecology and wildlife biology principles.

Abilities & Skills: Ability to navigate using compass, map, and GPS hand‑held units; apply herbicides; work independently; inspect and repair fences; use a computer to record technical field data, analyze data using database and spreadsheet programs, and prepare draft reports; possess a valid driver license and personal driver insurance as required; drive 4‑wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission; certification in First Aid/CPR (or obtain within 12 months); chainsaw training within 12 months; online Hazard Communication training after hire; basic helicopter safety course (A100) within 6 months.

Secondary Qualifications

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

Physical/Medical Demands

• Conduct fieldwork in dense vegetation or over lava substrate under difficult conditions; hike and camp remote areas, rugged terrain under inclement weather for up to five consecutive days, up to three weeks per month.
• Backpack, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Policy/Regulatory Requirement

Employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, trainings, and, as applicable, University of Hawai‘i policies. Violation of these or applicable State or Federal laws may lead to disciplinary action, including termination or penalties.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered 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.