Kaua'i Field Coordinator

USA The Nature Conservancy; Hawaii; On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Kaua‘i, Hawaii seeks a Field Coordinator to plan and supervise weed control field operations, manage teams and data, and maintain safety in rugged terrain. This role requires camping in remote areas up to four nights every other week and coordination with contractors, interns, and volunteers.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s in natural resources and 3+ years in field management, GIS experience, and strong communication skills in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of natural resource management or equivalent.
• I ntermediate experience leading staff, interns or volunteers.
• Field projects coordination in remote, rugged conditions including invasive plant control and helicopter operations.
• Experience with weed control techniques (chemical, mechanical, aerial) and safety protocols.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb pack, hike up to 12 miles under adverse conditions.
• Ability to camp in remote rugged terrain for 3-4 nights every other week.
• Relationship building with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, and web browsers.
• Experience writing scientific reports on field data.
• Experience with GIS and field mapping techniques.

Responsibilities

• Organize, plan and supervise logistically complex field operations.
• Ensure safety of field operations in hazardous conditions.
• Supervise technicians, interns and volunteers with performance management.
• Develop field work plans and field project budgets.
• Coordinate with diverse partners and vendors to meet program goals.
• Maintain herbicide supply, equipment, PPE, records, storage and safe handling.
• Support conservation objectives including animal control and fencing activities.

Skills

Staff leadership

Field coordination

Weed control techniques

Physical fitness

Camping ability

Stakeholder relations

MS Office

Scientific reporting

GIS & mapping

Certifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Kauai Field Coordinator plans, coordinates and carries out weed control field operations for natural resource management and supervises field activities, staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers. They scout and map weed populations, lead teams performing weed control, and manage weeding data for TNC and our contractors. The Field Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four nights at a time every other week 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. They supervise others in these environments, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Coordinator collects, manages, and conducts preliminary analysis of monitoring data. They assist with reporting. They plan trip schedules and logistics. They track progress on vegetation restoration objectives for TNC and its contractors. The Field Coordinator is expected to manage their time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations. The Field Coordinator is expected to communicate and write effectively. Other activities include animal control, fencing, outreach activities, and vehicle, equipment, and facilities maintenance. Occasional weekend work is required. This position is supervised by the Natural Resources Manager and will supervise Field Technician(s) and interns/volunteers. This is currently a termed, 2-year position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented person with experience in planning, conducting, and supervising natural resources management field operations in potentially hazardous conditions. These operations include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to native forests. The Field Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four nights at a time every other week 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, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Coordinator develops, plans and advances conservation programs and coordinates multiple projects, at small to medium scale geographic areas and provides technical leadership, logistical planning, training and direction to field technicians, contractors, interns, and volunteers to enable them to lead or implement threat abatement and research projects in TNC preserves and for landscape-scale management projects. The Field Coordinator collects, manages, and conducts preliminary analysis of monitoring data in a spatial database with the support of the GIS Coordinator and assists the Natural Resource Manager (NRM) and other Field Coordinator with developing resource management plans and reports. The Field Coordinator assists the NRM with training and supervising volunteers, interns, and contractors and building partnerships with other resource management agencies and organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Organizing, planning, conducting, and supervising logistically complex natural resources management field operations and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations for multiple projects. Ensures safety of field operations in potentially hazardous conditions. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. Supervises technicians, interns, and volunteers with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Will work with Natural Resource Manager to help develop field work plans and field project budgets. Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to meet program goals and gain support for the Conservancy. Work with Conservancy staff and vendors to develop and manage contract deliverables. Stay up to date with current trends and practices in natural resources management as is relevant to our work Maintains herbicide supply, application equipment, PPE, records, storage, and ensures safe handling and mixing procedures. Supports overall program conservation objectives, including some animal control and fencing activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or similar field (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as an associate's degree and 5 years of experience).
• Experience leading and training staff, interns or volunteers.
• Experience coordinating field projects in remote, rugged conditions involving invasive plant control, ecological monitoring, and helicopter operations.
• Experience with weed control techniques, including chemical, mechanical, and aerial control methods and safety protocols.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb. pack, hike up to 12 miles, and perform physical work in adverse conditions and inclement weather.
• Ability to camp in remote, rugged terrain for 3 - 4 nights every other week.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Excellent organization and communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience writing scientific reports on field data.
• Experience with using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field mapping techniques to collect ecological monitoring data.
• Must be able to obtain Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification, helicopter safety and sling load training certification, and Hawaii State hunting license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to land management.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Native Hawaiian and alien plant and animal identification skills.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in natural resource management, similar field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

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 annual pay for this position is within the range of $57,400 - $60,840. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose location is within the County of Kaua'i, Hawai'i. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.(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.)

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.

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, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

• health care benefits
• flexible spending accounts
• a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• parental leave
• accrued paid time off
• life insurance
• disability coverage
• employee assistance program
• other life and work well-being benefits

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Statement

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.

Additional Information

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! 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.

Final Note

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.