MKWP FIELD ASSISTANT I #226448

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Lahaina (HI); On-site; USD 32,252 - 43,635; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seeks MKWP Field Assistant I for fieldwork in Maui's West Maui Mountains. You will join the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit's Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership, performing hands-on work in remote forested areas.

Responsibilities include constructing and maintaining fence lines, controlling invasive species, collecting data, and supporting education activities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Experience starting at Level I with potential promotion to Level II.
• Up to 0-1 year of field experience in natural resources management.
• Must pass post-offer background check.
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 3 months.
• Must complete helicopter safety course within 6 months.
• Must complete rappelling training within 12 months.
• Must complete chainsaw training within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain fence lines; monitor native vegetation.
• Control feral animal populations and alien plant invasions.
• Drive project vehicles and conduct field tasks in remote areas.
• Record field data and input GPS data into computer systems.
• Maintain field equipment and assist with public relations/education activities.

Skills

Fence construction

Herbicide handling

Field data collection

GPS data entry

Compass navigation

4-wheel drive vehicle operation

Safety training

Communication skills

Helicopter safety awareness

Rappelling

Chainsaw operation

Hazard Communication training

First Aid/CPR certification

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GPS units

Job description

MKWP FIELD ASSISTANT I – ID# 226448.

CLOSING DATE: August 4, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Chris Brosius 808-661-6600 (Maui).

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership (MKWP), located in Wailuku/Lahaina Districts with offices in Lahaina, 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: $3,400/Mon.

DUTIES

Serves as a field crewmember building and maintaining fence lines, controlling feral animal populations, locating and controlling alien plant invasions using mechanical and chemical means, and monitoring native vegetation/ecosystem recovery. Drives project vehicles to conduct fence monitoring, construction, repair, feral animal control, and alien plant control tasks. Work will focus on the protection of the native Hawaiian forest and related water resources within approximately 50,000 acres of forested watershed in the West Maui Mountains. Majority of the work will be performed in remote locations and will require the ability to backpack up to five (5) miles over rough terrain or thick unmarked trail conditions with loads up to fifty (50) pounds, camp out in remote area under extreme conditions for up to three (3) nights at a time. Fieldwork requires working with herbicides, working in and around helicopters, and occasional rappelling. Records detailed field data and spatial information and inputs data into Global Positioning System (GPS) and computer systems. Maintains field equipment, tracks supply inventories, and assists with public relations and education activities as assigned, which may require work on weekends. This is a progression job, all new hires enter at Level I and will be promoted to Level II based on satisfactory work performance, demonstrated competence on job skills/requirements, and operational needs.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

Progression job with minimum experience requirements for Level I, and combination of experience and demonstrated competence and abilities for Level II. It will assume the employee to start at Level I (unless justified and qualified to start at a higher level). Up to one (0-1) year of experience in field activities related to natural resources management.

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic knowledge of Hawaiian biota/natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i.
• Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management.
• Knowledge of identification of common native Hawaiian plants and common introduced weed species.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to operate power tools including chainsaws, weed eaters, generators, chipper, etc.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to use a compass and other navigation tools and to read and navigate with topographic maps and aerial photos.
• Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 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 pass a post offer criminal background check.
• Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain 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 and external load training with (12) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to complete rappelling training within twelve (12) months 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 chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

• Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights).
• Must be able to fly by helicopter to remote locations, hike, and rappel on or near vertical terrain that could change up to 5,788 feet in a day.
• Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions at high elevations (up to 6,000 feet), for up to seven (7) consecutive days.
• 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

Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college or college courses in Natural Sciences. Fieldwork with emphasis on feral animal and alien plant control with a land management agency. Previous fence building or construction experience. Familiarity with computers, data entry, and use of GPS units. Experience working in and around helicopters and using herbicides to control weedy vegetation. Rappelling experience.

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.