NNRM FIELD ASSISTANT I #226546

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Nāpuʻu Natural Resources Management program within the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) at the University of Hawaiʻi invites applications for the Nāpuʻū NRM Field Assistant I. This position supports fencing, pest control, restoration, and data collection for habitat projects on Hawaiʻi Island.

The role involves rugged terrain fieldwork, occasional helicopter access, and volunteer coordination. Requires a HS diploma or GED and up to 1 year of field experience, with a monthly salary of

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Up to one year of field experience in natural resource management.
• Basic knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fencing construction and maintenance.
• Conduct feral animal control and habitat monitoring.
• Collect data and maintain project records in GIS.
• Coordinate volunteers and interns on field tasks.

Skills

Field data collection

GPS navigation

Pesticide application

Volunteer coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GIS

GPS handheld unit

Job description

NĀPUʻU NRM FIELD ASSISTANT I – ID# 226546

CLOSING DATE: September 24, 2026, or until filled.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Nāpuʻu Natural Resources Management (NNRM): Habitat Conservation Plan for Game Management in Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and Puʻu Anahulu, located on the island of Hawaiʻi. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

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

MONTHLY SALARY: $3,400/Mon.

DUTIES

• Participates in a wide variety of activities associated with the NNRM and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) at the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa State Forest Reserve (PWW) and Puʻu Anahulu Game Management Area (PGMA).
• Assists with fencing construction for new and improved conservation units.
• Conducts feral pig, sheep, and goat control (game drives) and monitoring activities.
• Assists with ungulate density and abundance surveys using a variety of estimation methods.
• Walks and/or drives miles of rugged terrain to monitor and repair fences.
• Travels via helicopter to access field sites when necessary.
• Conducts alien plant monitoring and control in the project area.
• Controls alien plants using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Conducts surveys of alien-plant monitoring sites and records and maps locations of alien plants using project database.
• Maintains predator (feral dogs, cats, rodents, and mongoose) control traps within the Plan Area as part of the endangered species protection program.
• Collects accurate, detailed data on captures, location, and trap nights.
• Collects accurate and detailed data using project database and field notes.
• Collects seeds and plants native tropical dry and mixed mesic forest species.
• Prepares restoration sites within the project area by removing non-native plants with pesticides, power tools, hand tools, and other methods.
• Monitors survivorship and performance of outplants and natural regeneration.
• Conducts data entry and assists with analysis of data.
• Assists with coordinating volunteers and interns, and works with other field technicians to conduct resource management work.
• Adapts to changing plans and communicates observations and ideas to supervisors to help develop solutions to new and on-going challenges faced in implementing project goals.
• Work schedule may vary but is typically four (4), ten (10)-hour days, but must be willing to work occasional weekends or five (5)-day workweeks.
• This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties.
• Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase.
• Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs.
• Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• HighSchoolDiplomaorG.E.D.equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Up to one (0-1) year of field experience working in natural resource management or a closely related field in Hawai‘i.

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic knowledgeofnativeHawaiianfloraandfaunaandthreatsfromalienspecies.
• Basic knowledge of natural resource management practices.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to use compasses, maps, and GPS hand- held units to navigate in remote areas.
• Ability to take detailed field notes and collect data.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to safely apply pesticides.
• Ability to construct, maintain, and repair ungulate exclusion fences.
• Ability to use powertools.
• 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.
• Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
• Post Offer/Employment Conditions: 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 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.

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in identification of and knowledge of threatened and endangered Hawaiian dry forest plant and bird species.
• Experience with use of Global Information Systems (GIS).
• Experience with creating and maintaining fire fuel breaks.
• Familiarity with PWW and PGMA.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds on irregular, unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions in remote areas. Must be able to hike with a backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain, rough lava, open pasture, thick and dry forests, through thick vegetation, or unmarked trails, and camp in remote areas under inclement and climatically extreme conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days.

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.).

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.