MKFRP FIELD ASSISTANT - ID# 226460

Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 33,435 - 45,242; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii is hiring a MKFRP Field Assistant to support the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project on Hawai‘i Island. The position involves fieldwork at multiple restoration sites, tracking native and non-native species, and assisting with data collection and reporting.

Required is a high school diploma or GED and at least one year of field experience in natural resource management.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: At least one year field experience in natural resource management in Hawai‘i; college coursework may substitute.
• Knowledge: native Hawaiian flora and fauna; ecology and restoration; herbicide safety.

Responsibilities

• Participate in MKFRP and DOFAW field activities across multiple restoration sites.
• Monitor and control non-native predators, alien plants, and feral ungulates.
• Restore dryland forest with seed collection, propagation, outplanting and monitoring.
• Collect and analyze technical field data; assist with report writing.
• Coordinate volunteers and interns; work with field technicians on projects.
• Adapt plans as needed and communicate observations to supervisors.

Skills

GPS use

Field notes

Data entry

Communication

Herbicide safety

Fence construction

Lead volunteers

Driver's license

First Aid/CPR

Helicopter safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

One year college coursework (biology/zoology/related)

Job description

MKFRP FIELD ASSISTANT — ID#226460.

CLOSING DATE: August 17, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Linda Weaver 808-927-0331 (Hawai‘i).

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project (MKFRP), located 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: $3,525/Mon.

DUTIES

• Participates in a variety of activities associated the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project (MKFRP) and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) primarily on Mauna Kea including Puu Mali and Kaohe Restoration Sites, Kaohe Game Management Area, and Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.
• Monitors and controls non-native predators, alien plants, and feral ungulates.
• Conducts restoration of dryland forest including seed collection and processing, propagation, outplanting, and monitoring of native species at restoration areas.
• Collects and analyzes technical field data, and assists with report writing.
• Assists with coordinating volunteers and interns, and works with other field technicians to conduct resource management work.
• Adapts to changing plans, makes wise decisions as new circumstances arise, and communicates observations and ideas to supervisors to develop solutions to on-going and new challenges to accomplishing project goals.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year field experience working in natural resource management or closely related field in Hawai‘i (one (1) year of college level coursework from an accredited college or university in a related discipline (i.e., Biology, Zoology, or related Natural Science) may substitute for the experience requirement).
• KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of the principles of ecology, wildlife biology, and restoration. Working knowledge of safe use of herbicide application.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to use compass, map, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) hand-held units to navigate remote areas.
• Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection.
• Ability to input field data into a computer, analyze field data using database and spreadsheet programs and prepare draft reports.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely apply herbicides.
• Ability to construct, maintain, and repair ungulate exclusion fences.
• Ability to lead volunteers and to coordinate field projects and data collection.
• 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.
• Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment).
• Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within six (6) months of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to work at 5,000 to 8,000 feet.

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

• Experience in identification of native Hawaiian plants and non-native plants.
• Experience in using radio-telemetry, GPS, Global Information Systems (GIS).
• Knowledge of endangered species in Hawai‘i.

RCUH's 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.