PCSU FORESTRY PLANNER – ID# 226674

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kahului (HI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (PCSU Maui Nui Fire Management Project) is seeking a Forestry Rangeland Planner to plan, coordinate, and implement rangeland management, wildfire mitigation, and watershed protection activities on Maui. The role includes directing field crews, collecting field data, and applying land management strategies with diverse partners.

The candidate will work with GPS, GIS, and data systems, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and effective

Qualifications

• Bachelor's- or two-year college-level study in range-related field with coursework in range management and wildland fire (preferred for higher level).
• Experience in range, pasture, or land management is expected; related degrees may substitute for some experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, implement, and assist with rangeland management, wildfire mitigation, and watershed protection efforts.
• Direct and manage field crews with minimal supervision and perform field monitoring activities.
• Collect and analyze field data on vegetation, fuel loading, soils, and species distribution using standardized methods.
• Implement rangeland and fuels management actions including invasive plant control and erosion/runoff mitigation.
• Oversee field staff and volunteers; ensure safety and policy compliance.
• Coordinate with DOFAW staff, partners, landowners, and subject matter experts to apply land management strategies.
• Record detailed field data and input GPS/spatial information for analysis.
• Perform duties in varying environments and weather conditions; maintain equipment and safety protocols.
• Adhere to all applicable policies, procedures, and trainings; understand regulatory requirements.
• Maintain documentation and reporting for project activities.

Skills

Grazing ecology

Vegetation dynamics

Soil science

GIS

Wildfire behavior

Data collection

Education

Associate’s Degree in Range Management or related field

Tools

GPS units

GIS software

Job description

PCSU FORESTRY RANGELAND PLANNER – ID# 226674

CLOSING DATE: November 6, 2026, or until filled

Inquiries: Lance DeSilva 808-264-2308.

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. 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: $4,376 - $5,082.56/Mon.

DUTIES

• Plans, coordinates, implements, and assists with rangeland management, wildfire mitigation, and watershed protection components of the PCSU Maui Nui Fire Management Project.
• Assists with directing and managing field crew with minimal supervision, performing various resource management and monitoring activities.
• Duties include, but are not limited to, collection and analysis of technical field data using standardized methods to assess vegetation consumption, fuel loading, soil stability, and distribution of native and non-native plant species within and around designated management units.
• Implements rangeland and fuels management actions, including invasive plant control using chemical and mechanical methods, grazing management support, erosion control and runoff mitigation, and other land treatment activities.
• Oversees field staff and oversees volunteers.
• Coordinates, facilitates, and communicates with DOFAW staff, partner agencies, landowners, and subject matter experts to implement recommended land management and wildfire mitigation strategies.
• Ensures that field operations follow and adhere to appropriate safety and operation policies/guidelines.
• Records detailed field data and spatial information and inputs data into Global Positioning System (GPS) and computers for analysis.
• Performs these functions in a safe manner in varying environments and weather conditions.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Associate`s Degree from an accredited two (2) year college in Range Management, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field, with at least two (2) non-introductory courses in Range Management and Wildland Fire Management.

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of professional experience in range, pasture, or land management. (Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in a Range Management, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.).

KNOWLEDGE

Working knowledge of grazing ecology, vegetation dynamics, soil science, and wildfire behavior. Knowledge in biology and Hawaiian natural history. Working knowledge of word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping programs and imagery.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to learn to recognize and correctly identify approximately plants species.
• Ability to use map and compass to navigate in dense forests.
• Ability to use GPS units to document remote monitoring plots and transects.
• Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection.
• Ability to lead field assistants and volunteers and to coordinate field projects and data collection.
• Ability to safely apply herbicides.
• Ability to work independently.
• 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 Condition: 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 (A100) and external load training (A219) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to complete all helicopter manager training courses 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 lift up to sixty (60) pounds assisted.
• Ability to camp in remote areas for four to five (4-5) days in a week, at least one (1) time per month.

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

• Fieldwork experience related to natural resources management and conservation biology, with emphasis on monitoring and management of feral animals and nonnative plants in Hawai‘i.
• Professional experience in wildfire-prone ecosystems.

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.