NNRM FIELD ASSISTANT II #226547

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seeks Nāpuʻu NRM Field Assistant II to support the Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and Puʻu Anahulu conservation projects on Hawaiʻi. The role involves fieldwork across remote terrain, data collection, and volunteer coordination.

Responsibilities include assisting with fencing, game management activities, alien plant monitoring, and restoration site preparation, with helicopter access as needed. A valid driver's license and safety training are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• 1–3 years of field experience in natural resource management or related field in Hawai‘i.
• At least 1 year of college coursework in Biology/Zoology may substitute for experience.
• Working knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fencing construction for conservation units.
• Conduct feral pig, sheep, and goat control and monitoring.
• Perform ungulate density and abundance surveys.
• Maintain predator control traps and collect data on captures.
• Collect seeds and plants native tropical forest species and prepare restoration sites.
• Coordinate volunteers and interns; assist with data entry and analysis.
• Adapt to changing plans and communicate observations to supervisors.

Skills

GPS navigation

Field data collection

Communication skills

Pesticide application

Fence construction

Power tools

Volunteer coordination

Driver's license

4WD operation

Safety training

First Aid/CPR

Chainsaw training

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

GIS

GPS handheld unit

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

NĀPUʻU NRM FIELD ASSISTANT II– ID# 226547

CLOSING DATE: September 24, 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), 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.

MONTHLY SALARY: $3,525/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

• HighSchool Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

• Progression job with minimum experience requirements for LevelI, and combination of experience and demonstrated competence and abilities for LevelII. It will assume the employee to start at LevelI (unless justified and qualified to start at a higher level). Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on “time-in-grade”, rather upon incumbent`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs.
• One to three (1-3) years of field experience working in natural resource management or a closely related field in Hawai‘i. (At least one (1) year of college level coursework from an accredited college or university in a related discipline (e.g., Biology, Zoology, or related Natural Science) may substitute for the experience requirement.).

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working 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 afterhire 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

• 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 pastur, 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.).

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.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University ofHawai‘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.