MKWP FIELD CREW LEADER # 226088

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; East Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 38,700 - 47,300; Full time

Job summary

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) seeks a MKWP Field Crew Leader for the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership in Maui. You will lead field teams, coordinate fencing, monitoring, and restoration activities to protect forested watersheds and native ecosystems.

Responsibilities include planning field operations, data collection, reporting, and ensuring safety protocols while working with helicopters, UAVs, and remote field sites.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of natural resource field experience.
• Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna.
• Ability to construct and repair fences.
• Experience with GPS, GIS, and mapmaking.
• Ability to work independently or in a team; strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and teams to build and maintain watershed protection fences.
• Conduct alien plant monitoring and control using approved methods.
• Track animals using UAVs, surveillance tech, and GPS.
• Coordinate scheduling, planning, and logistics for field ops.
• Maintain baseyard, vehicles, and equipment; ensure safety protocols.
• Engage with landowners and public relations for watershed projects.

Skills

Fence construction & repair

GPS navigation

Mapmaking with computer programs

Data collection & reporting

Teamwork & independent work

Communication skills

Safety & pesticide handling

Equipment operation

Wildlife monitoring

Public relations & landowner relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GIS experience

Job description

MKWP FIELD CREW LEADER– ID# 226088

REVISED POSTING: EXTENDED CLOSING DATE

CLOSING DATE: August 18, 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 Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP), located in Wailuku/Lahaina Districts with offices in Lahaina, 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: $3,788/Mon.

DUTIES:

Serves as a Field Crew Leader for Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) programs. Works as part of a team to serve the MKWP mission to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by threats such as invasive species, human impacts, and wildfire. MKWP’s goal is to protect our forested watersheds, native ecosystems, and freshwater supply through collaborative forest management. Leads projects and teams involving the planning, building, inspecting, and maintaining of watershed protection fences. Conducts alien plant monitoring and control through approved methods (e.g., mechanical, chemical, etc.) and monitoring activities. Tracks animals using aerial surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and other potential surveillance technologies. Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters. Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution. Keeps detailed records of activities, inputs data, and provides summaries and analysis of field data. Responsible for baseyard maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment including proper storage of herbicides. Troubleshoots problems with gear/equipment and vehicles. Assists with scheduling, planning, and logistics for field operations. Assists with public relations activities and events, maintains good relationships with landowners, and helps develop the support of landowners and the public for watershed project. Performs duties related to habitat restoration and protection, including site preparation using chemical and mechanical methods, seed collection and processing, planting of native species and monitoring.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

One to three (1-3) years of natural resource-related field experience or experience building game/ranch fences or combination of building/fabrication/ construction/related experience. Experience must be well-documented (include dates and hours per week) and paid.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques for target species and identification of common native species. Knowledge of animal control, fence building and mechanical/chemical weed control techniques.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Demonstrated ability in all field tasks associated with this job. Ability to construct, inspect, and repair fences. Demonstrated ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Mapmaking abilities using computer programs. Ability to work independently or with a team. Ability to make sound planning and logistical decisions. Excellent oral and written communication skills and great interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in following project’s administrative, operational, and safety protocols including proper use and storage of non-restricted pesticides and use and maintenance of project gear and equipment. Ability to accurately collect and store data for target species survey & control activities. Ability to appropriately explain project objectives to the public. Ability to work with small, mechanized equipment (chain saws, weed eaters, generators, power tools etc.) Ability to track and locate animals using surveillance technologies, compass, map, and Global Positioning System (GPS) hand‑held units. Ability to use a computer to record technical field data, analyze field data using database and spreadsheet programs, and prepare draft reports. 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 drive a 4‑wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR and maintain certification throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of 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 basic helicopter safety course (A100) and external load training (A219) within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete rappelling or fall protection training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Able to conduct fieldwork in dense vegetation under difficult conditions (e.g., heat, rain, cold temperatures, poor footing). Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions at high elevations (up to 5,788 feet), for up to four (4) consecutive days. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. 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.

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

College coursework from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field. Experience in hunting feral animals. Knowledge of hunting, trapping, or control techniques. Experience using Global Information System (GIS). Knowledge of native flora and fauna in Hawai‘i. Supervisory or leadership experience. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques for weed species and mechanical/chemical weed control techniques. Completion of all required Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH), Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), and MKWP trainings and certifications or other agency/professional training equivalent.

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.