OISC FIELD SUPERVISOR - ID #226517

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 57,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i is seeking a capable manager to oversee OISC field operations on Oahu, Kailua. The role directs field staff, coordinates with state and local agencies, ensures safety, and maintains detailed field records.

The position requires supervisory experience, knowledge of invasive species control, and the ability to work flexible hours including mornings, late nights, and weekends. Regular overnight travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree from an accredited community college, or 48 college credits plus related work experience.
• Two to four years of field experience in invasive species control and natural resources.
• Attendance in supervisory training programs.
• Knowledge of invasive species fieldwork, safety protocols, and Hawai‘i conditions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all OISC field operations to implement action plans.
• Direct and supervise field staff (10 FTEs) and field crews.
• Assist in translating action plans into on-the-ground tasks and priorities.
• Train field leaders, volunteers, and staff in field operations and safety.
• Coordinate helicopter operations, equipment, and daily field priorities.
• Record detailed field data and contribute to progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain good relations with landowners and cooperators.

Skills

Field operations supervision

Helicopter operation experience

Safety protocols

Staff supervision

Data collection & GIS

Clear communication

Education

Associate's Degree from community college

High School Diploma or GED substitute

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Excel

MS Word

GPS & mapping tools

Job description

CLOSING DATE

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

EMPLOYMENT TYPE AND LOCATION

Regular, Full-Time, Limited-Term (not to exceed two (2) years in duration from date of hire) RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), located in Kailua, Oahu. 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

$5,082.56 - $5,286.53/Mon.

DUTIES

• Manages and oversees all OISC field operations necessary to implement action plans targeting invasive plant and/or animal species for control.
• Directs, supervises, and assigns work to OISC field staff (10 FTEs).
• Supervises support staff field crews directly or delegates responsibility to Field Crew Leaders.
• Assists the OISC Manager in 1) translating the action plans, with guidance from the OISC Steering Committee and subject matter experts, into appropriate on-the-ground accomplishments, and 2) establishing priorities for and guidance of all OISC field operations to achieve the project mission objectives.
• Participates and trains field leaders, volunteers, and associates in all aspects of field operations, including plant and animal identification, field procedures, equipment use and care, herbicide application, interactions with members of the public, and helicopter operations.
• Drives project vehicles both on and off road.
• Leads or co-leads Inter- agency field crews or may defer leadership to other agency team leaders.
• May work directly under an Interagency Incident Commander on large multi-crew projects.
• Manages field operations with support staff including: procuring and maintaining needed equipment and supplies, scheduling and directing helicopter operations, establishing daily field priorities, and keeping precise daily records of all field efforts.
• Coordinates field operations with cooperators from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), The Board of Water Supply, and others.
• Ensures all operations are conducted according to legal requirements, accepted safety standards and that proper protective equipment is utilized.
• Establishes and implements protocols to prevent seed dispersal by field crews.
• Helps to establish and maintain favorable public relations, landowner relations, and quality control of action by the team with support staff.
• Records detailed field data, summarizes data analysis using various computer programs, and assists with progress reports.
• Must be flexible with work schedule, and available for early morning/late-night hours and occasional weekends.
• Regular overnight travel to other field sites may be required.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college or at least two (2) years (achieved at least 48 credit hours) of college-level coursework. (High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and at least two (2) years of related work experience may substitute for an Associate`s Degree.).
• Experience: Two to four (2-4) years of experience in field activities related to invasive species control and natural resources management, including experience working in and around helicopters, and at least six to twelve (6-12) months of supervisory experience over paid staff. Must have attendance in supervisory training programs.
• Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of activities related to invasive species fieldwork including herbicide, helicopters, chainsaws, survey methods and hand control methods. Knowledge of safety protocols. Knowledge of threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i, and field and environmental conditions in Hawai‘i. Familiarity with the residential communities and geography of Oahu. Demonstrated familiarity with relevant agencies regulations, and laws pertinent to invasive species control work. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.
• Abilities & Skills: Ability to operate under limited supervision. Ability to make sound planning and logistical decisions. Must possess high level of attention to detail and strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, and ability to understand and carry out instructions. Ability to identify native and invasive plants and animals. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Ability to read and navigate with topographic maps, state Tax Map Keys (TMKs), and aerial photographs. Ability to use a compass, altimeter, GPS unit, and other navigational tools. Ability to perform data collection, data entry, management and analysis. Ability to use geographic information systems (GIS) and databases to organize and analyze spatial data. Ability to use ArcGIS software to plan operations and analyze data. Ability to use MS Word, Excel and Access. Ability to write clear and concise reports. Ability to train others. Ability to work with small mechanized equipment. Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work and evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct 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 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 (A100) course within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to obtain chainsaw certification within twelve (12) months of hire. Must be able to complete rappelling training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee`s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Office of Aviation Safety (OAS) Helicopter Manager`s training.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

• Fieldwork may include exposure to heat, mosquitoes, difficult terrain, and adverse weather conditions. Cross- country foot travel (without trails) and helicopter travel will often be required to complete monitoring, surveys, and control work. Must be able to conduct fieldwork in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days. Able to backpack, lift, and carry 50 pounds. Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights).

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.).

INQUIRIES

Kepano Carvalho 808-292-6769 (Oahu).

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 EMPLOYER

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.