KOHALA FIELD PROJECT TECH #226419

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Waimea/Kamuela (HI); On-site; USD 37,252 - 50,398; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i invites applications for the Kohala WP Field Project Technician position in Waimea, Hawai‘i. This regular, full-time role supports field operations with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and Kohala Watershed Partnership on native flora and fauna management, alien species control, and forest recovery monitoring.

Responsibilities include building and inspecting fences, collecting field data, coordinating volunteers, driving project vehicles, and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• 1–3 years of field experience in natural resource management or related. At least 1 year of college coursework in biology, ecology, or related science may substitute for experience.
• Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species; understanding ecology and wildlife biology.
• Ability to navigate remote areas using compass, map, and GPS; perform feral animal control; apply herbicides; work independently; inspect/repair fences; record data with field maps and GPS; use computers to manage data and draft reports; lead volunteers and temporary staff.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and, if using a personal vehicle, maintain insurance; able to drive a 4WD vehicle with manual transmission.
• Post-offer background checks required; training in Wilderness First Aid/CPR, chainsaw, Hazard Communication, and helicopter safety as scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Build, inspect, and maintain fences.
• Monitor alien plants and feral ungulates in Kohala Watershed Area.
• Establish transects and monitor forest recovery and plant distribution.
• Collect and analyze technical field data.
• Coordinate volunteers, interns, and temporary staff in field activities.
• Drive project vehicles and operate in helicopter work environments.
• Order supplies for field projects.

Skills

GPS navigation

Field data collection

Volunteer supervision

Feral animal control

Fence inspection

Herbicide application

4WD driving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1 year college coursework in biology/ecology

Tools

GIS

GPS

Field maps

Database/spreadsheet programs

Job description

PCSU KOHALA WP FIELD PROJECT TECHNICIAN – ID# 226419

CLOSING DATE: July 24, 2026. Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kohala Watershed Partnership (KWP), located in Waimea, on the Island of 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: $3,927/Mon.

DUTIES

• Builds, inspects, and maintains fences.
• Monitors and controls alien plants and feral ungulates at the Kohala Watershed Management Area.
• Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution.
• Collects and analyzes technical field data.
• In the field, regularly coordinates the activities of volunteers, interns, or temporary hires in alien plant control, feral animal control, and other resource management work.
• Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters.
• Orders supplies and materials for field projects.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Experience: One to three (1‑3) years of field experience working in natural resource management, surveying plant and animal populations in remote areas of Hawai‘i, or similar. Must be well‑documented (include dates and hours per week) and paid. At least one (1) year of college‑level coursework from an accredited college or university in a related discipline (e.g., biology, zoology, or related natural science) may substitute for experience.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of the principles of ecology and wildlife biology.
• Abilities & Skills:
  • Navigate in remote areas and dense vegetation using a compass, map, and Global Positioning System (GPS).
  • Control feral animals using a variety of approved methods such as dogs and traps.
  • Safely apply herbicides.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Inspect and repair fences.
  • Record field data using field maps and GPS and take detailed field notes.
  • Use a computer to record technical field data, analyze data using database and spreadsheet programs, and prepare draft reports.
  • Lead volunteers, interns, and temporary hires in the field.
• Driver requirements: 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 it throughout employment. Must be able to drive a 4‑wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
• Post‑offer/background checks: Must be able to pass a post‑offer criminal background check.
• Training requirements: Complete Wilderness First Aid/CPR training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain it. Complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months. Complete online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

• Able to conduct fieldwork in dense vegetation or over lava substrate under difficult conditions (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.
• Able to backpack, lift, and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

• Subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, trainings and, as applicable, 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 from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field.
• Experience building remote ungulate exclusion fences.
• Experience in hunting feral animals.
• Experience using radio telemetry and Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Experience constructing, repairing, or inspecting exclosure fencing.
• Knowledge of endangered species in Hawai‘i.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please go to and submit the following documents online: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be received by the closing date (11:59P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting.

For assistance, call (808) 956‑7262 or (808) 956‑0872. RCUH’s Benefits information can be found at .

MISSION

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

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.