PCSU FORESTRY MGMT SPLST - ID#226607

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

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seeks a Forestry Management Specialist to provide planning support for private lands and state programs in Hawai‘i. The role emphasizes developing detailed forest plans, coordinating public input, and advancing invasive species response and conservation efforts.

You will work with ArcGIS, GIS data, and other planning tools to update maps, manage field data, and communicate findings to diverse partners across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawai‘i Island.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning or related field.
• Master’s degree is a plus; experience in forestry/environmental planning desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed forest management plans for private lands.
• Coordinate public meetings and hearings on forest planning initiatives.
• Prepare grant proposals and due diligence for land acquisitions.
• Digitize documents into ArcGIS and create boundary maps.
• Monitor environmental compliance and conduct field surveys.
• Provide technical forestry planning support to landowners statewide.

Skills

Communication skills

GIS proficiency

Data reporting

GPS usage

Public relations

Record keeping

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning

Master's Degree in Environmental Planning

Tools

ArcGIS

MS Office

Job description

PCSU FORESTRY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST– ID# 226607.

CLOSING DATE: October 30, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Tanya Rubenstein 808-333-6803.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) in the Forestry Section administration office located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Physical work location may be on Oahu, Maui, Kauai or Hawai‘i Island. 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:

Provides technical forestry planning assistance to private landowners and for private lands statewide for the state`s private landowner programs. Facilitates the development of detailed forest management plans for state-owned or managed forest reserves. Tracks implementation status of plans, research, and reviews historical information, and develops summary reports. Develops and updates response plans for invasive species and forest health threats. Develops grant proposals and review due diligence for state acquisition of forested lands for addition to the Forest Reserve System or state-held conservation easements. Coordinates communications related to the State`s private lands` programs to the public and develops a plan for expanding and enhancing targeted underserved landowner outreach. Develops, plans, and coordinates collaborative workshops and trainings for landowners and partners to facilitate planning efforts and to highlight effective forest management strategies, establish best management practices, and disseminate information. Develops digital information platform and incorporates input management plans and other forest planning documents, digitizes all relevant documents into ArcGIS, and creates maps for boundary reconciliation and planning. Implements other forest resource planning priorities including but is not limited to: review of environmental compliance documentation; arranging and conducting public meetings and hearings related to forest planning initiatives; assistance with resolving land boundary discrepancies; coordinating public hearings and reports. Performs fieldwork, including site visits, biological surveys, data collections, and inspections for the above activities.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Environmental Planning, Environmental Law, Forest Management, Natural Resource Management, (terrestrial) Biology, Agriculture, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

• Two to four (2-4) years of experience in natural resource planning and management, or related field.

KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of the forest and natural resources in Hawai‘i, or similar environment types. Knowledge of available public and private forestry programs and projects in the State of Hawai‘i.
• Working knowledge of principles and techniques of vegetation management, reforestation, weed control, and plant propagation.
• Proficient knowledge of environmental factors, and how to implement and monitor a multi-faceted natural resource related project or program.
• Working knowledge of the principal components of resource management plans and environmental review documents.
• Knowledge of biosecurity and invasive species management.
• Basic understanding of rules and policies pertinent to personnel safety, fiscal, and operational matters.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. Excellent organizational, public relations, and management skills.
• Proficient with word-processing, spreadsheets, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Demonstrated skills in data entry, layout/design, digital publishing and internet communications.
• Ability to prepare and format electronic materials on a variety of materials and platforms (e.g., posters, brochures, social media, etc.).
• Familiarity with Hawai‘i natural resource and land policies.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret historical survey documents, catalogs, land classifications, and official governmental documents.
• Ability to keep records and prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex organizational structure, requiring sound decisions regarding priorities and workload management.
• 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.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Able to hike and work outdoors on rough terrain and under adverse weather conditions.

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:

• Master`s or other advanced Degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Planning, Environmental Law, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Biology, Agriculture or related field.
• Other law degrees, certificates or experience.
• Any research or writing-intensive environmental analyses or planning experience.
• Any experience working in multi-cultural environments, community groups or in foreign countries.
• Experience coordinating and interacting with multi-jurisdictional agencies such as the State Department of land and Natural Resources.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, collaborative management, management plan writing, and project management.
• Published scientific or peer reviewed papers demonstrating strong written skills.
• Familiarity with Hawaiian plants and forest ecosystems is desired.
• Knowledge of the Hawai‘i Forest Reserve System.
• Knowledge of and experience with tools used for public outreach and education such as websites, videos, webinars and social media.
• Familiarity with state legislative processes.

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.