PCSU FORESTRY LEADER #226625

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kahului (HI); On-site; USD 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) seeks a PCSU Forestry Field Crew Leader in Maui to supervise field crews engaged in fuels mitigation, vegetation management, and native ecosystem restoration. You will plan work, manage schedules, train staff, ensure SOP compliance, and coordinate with the Maui Forest Management Supervisor while upholding safety and performance standards.

This full-time position requires an Associate’s Degree and 2–4 years of field experience,

Qualifications

• Two to four years of field experience in natural resource conservation or forestry.
• At least one year of supervising or leading subordinates.
• Experience supervising paid staff and attending supervisory training.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to operate power tools and hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Supervises PCSU forestry field crew and fuels mitigation activities.
• Plans field activities and schedules with supervisor.
• Trains field crew in safe work methods and SOPs.
• Ensures SOP compliance and safety across crews.
• Manages performance and conducts basic evaluations of staff.
• Operates field equipment and maintains tools and vehicles.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety

Supervision

Field operations

Problem solving

Education

Associate's Degree

Tools

GPS

Chainsaws

4WD vehicles

Job description

Job Information

PCSU FORESTRY FIELD CREW LEADER – ID# 226625.

Application Deadline

October 23, 2026, or until filled.

Employment Type and Location

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), working in support of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Forest Management section located in Maui, Hawai‘i.

Compensation

MONTHLY SALARY: $4,220/Mon.

Duties

Supervises, assigns work to Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) Forestry Program and works alongside of field personnel involved in fuels mitigation and vegetation management, building and maintaining fence lines, controlling alien plant invasions, restoring native vegetation, monitoring the native ecosystem and controlling feral animals. Oversees temporary staff, interns, and volunteers, in the field, in carrying out resource management efforts. Utilizes good judgement in reviewing and approving time reporting; assessing performance of direct reports by evaluating work quality and performance of specified job duties (e.g., conduct performance evaluations of direct reports). Develops direct reports by instruction for increased proficiency in abilities, skills, and knowledge in relation to job duties/responsibilities and pre-determined standards. Duties include, but are not limited to, project management, supervision of work, personnel functions (hiring, promotions, and termination), and managing safety of direct reports. Provides assistance with training field crew in appropriate work methods and procedures. Manages schedules and produces work plans for all field activities under the guidance of the Maui Forest Management Supervisor. Ensures field staff compliance with RCUH/PCSU standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field work, and crew safety/safe work practice. Initiates appropriate disciplinary measures for non-compliance when necessary. Collaborates with Maui Forest Management Supervisor and Forester III on a regular basis in developing natural resource goals and project objectives, and assigning fieldwork responsibilities to Field assistants, temporary staff, interns, and volunteers. Supervises fuel mitigation and vegetation management work, fence building, inspections, and maintenance programs. Performs and delegates responsibilities to Field Assistants for fire break maintenance and fence maintenance and repair. Supervises feral animal removal projects. Responsible for the use, basic maintenance, and inventory of vehicles, tools, equipment, and supplies, and ensures proper and safe use by field crew. Operates 4-wheel drive (4WD) trucks, All-Terrain Vehicles, and such equipment and tools as chainsaws, drills, weed-eaters, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), handheld radios, cameras, etc. Assists with collection of various data in the field and entry of data into computers, preparation of simple maps, and other basic record keeping. Performs simple maintenance on tools and vehicles. Must adhere to equipment use, pesticide use, and invasive species prevention protocols. Travels and works in and around helicopters. Works extended, irregular hours.

Primary Qualifications

Education

Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college or university. (High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and two (2) years of experience in work related to natural resource management may substitute for an Associate`s Degree.).

Experience

Two to four (2-4) years of field experience directly related to natural resource conservation, agriculture, forestry, or similar work in Hawai‘i. Includes at least one (1) year of experience supervising or performing as the lead to subordinates. Must have prior experience supervising paid staff and attendance in supervisory training programs.

Knowledge

Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures. General knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Familiarity with agricultural chemicals and their safe and legal application. Familiarity with basic construction tools and techniques, especially those applicable to fence construction. Knowledge of basic safety practices associated with this type of work.

Abilities & Skills

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. Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to supervise a crew working in a remote outdoor environment. Ability to learn to identify numerous plant species typically encountered at work sites. Ability to safely operate power tools including chain saws, weed eaters, generators, chipper, etc. and hand tools such as machetes, shovel, sledgehammer, etc. Ability to operate desktop computers and other basic office equipment. Must be able to swim and snorkel. 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 be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months from date of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain 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 chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of from date of hire. Must be able to complete rappelling training within twelve (12) 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.

Physical/Medical Demands

Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, up to five (5) consecutive days. Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights) due to the need to fly in helicopters, and to work on or near steep terrain. Must be able to work outdoors in poor weather, often at high elevation and with the potential for daily elevation changes of several thousand feet. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry forty (40) pounds unassisted and to move heavy objects weighing over one hundred (100) pounds assisted.

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 in biology, natural sciences or related fields. Technical or research experience with a natural resource management agency, especially pertaining to vegetation or wildlife management. Skilled trades work such as carpentry, engine mechanics or other construction/maintenance experience. Familiarity with computers and Geographic Information System (GIS). Work experience using herbicides or other chemicals to control pest organisms. Experience living/working in a wilderness setting for extended periods of time. Training/experience with helicopter operations.

RCUH Mission

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