MKWP FIELD CREW LEADER #226689

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Lahaina (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i in Maui/Lahaina area seeks a MKWP Field Crew Leader (Ungulate) to lead field teams and support watershed restoration efforts.

The role includes feral animal control, tracking with aerial surveys and UAVs, fence work, habitat monitoring, data recording, and coordinating field logistics. A high school diploma and 2–4 years of field experience are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2–4 years field experience surveying plant and animal populations.
• Associate's Degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crew for MKWP programs and projects.
• Track and monitor animal populations using surveys and UAVs.
• Maintain fences and conduct habitat restoration activities.
• Record data and assist with planning, logistics, and safety.

Skills

GPS & map reading

Field data collection

Independent worker

Communication skills

ArcGIS mapmaking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

MKWP FIELD CREW LEADER (UNGULATE) – ID# 226689.

CLOSING DATE: December 3, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

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 RANGE: $3,788 - $4,414/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 feral animal control projects and teams through approved methods (e.g., trapping, etc.) and monitoring activities in the MKWP Management Area. 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. Builds, inspects, and maintains fences. Conducts alien plant monitoring and control in the MKWP Management Area. Controls alien plants using mechanical and chemical (i.e., herbicides) techniques. 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 and monitoring. Upon approval, loads, unloads, aims, and fires air guns from a variety of body positions in authorized project-related research or wildlife control programs. Performs these functions in a safe manner in varying environments and weather conditions. Disassembles, cleans, inspects, and reassembles air guns. Maintains air guns and related equipment in a proper, functional, and safe manner.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations. Experience must be well documented (include dates and hours per week) and paid. (Associate's Degree from an accredited community college may substitute for one (1) year of experience).

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 competence in all field tasks associated with this job. Ability to track and locate animals using surveillance technologies, compass, map, and Global Positioning System (GPS) hand-held units. Ability to work independently. 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. Demonstrated ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Mapmaking abilities using ArcGIS. 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 inspect and repair fences. 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. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certifying agency or as required by state and federal laws. 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. Must pass twelve (12) month probationary period and receive minimum satisfactory performance evaluation prior to approval of air guns usage. Must obtain and maintain National Rifle Association or National Park Service firearms training (or other comparable training) and State of Hawai‘i/DLNR Hunter Education Program firearms certification and maintain throughout duration of employment. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certifying agency or as required by State and Federal laws. Failure to pass the air gun qualification requirements may be grounds for disqualification of part or all of the job duties.

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 6,000 feet), for up to three to four (3-4) consecutive days. Able 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 using Global Information System (GIS). Experience constructing, repairing or inspecting exclosure fencing. Knowledge of endangered species in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques for weed species and mechanical/chemical weed control techniques. Supervisory or leadership experience. 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 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.