Kauai Plant Extinction Prevention Coordinator

DUTIES:  Consistently exercises independent decision-making and judgment to develop PEP Program goals and objectives specific to Kauai.  Uses rare plant identification skills and advanced knowledge of conservation approaches to design, create, and implement the rare plant conservation plan for the Kauai PEP Program (KPEPP) in order to meet grant, contract, and/or cooperative agreement deliverables.  Directs, coordinates, and implements fieldwork that includes, but is not limited to: rare plant collection, monitoring, and surveys, management actions such as invasive plant control, invertebrate and vertebrate pest control, ungulate control, and outplanting. Analyzes field data to evaluate effectiveness of KPEPP’s conservation program and adjusts the annual work priorities accordingly to ensure field efforts are impactful and cost-effective.  Collects and ensures strict quality assurance and control of field forms and data related to monitoring and control activities. Manages and tracks the KPEPP budget. Responsible for reporting on all KPEPP actions and preparing funding reports for Kauai.  Serves as the primary contributor of Kauai-specific information for grant applications, and prepares written monthly and year-end reports. Responsible for the preparation and timely completion of administrative paperwork. Each Island Coordinator is responsible for decisions affecting their island.  Independently establishes, creates, and maintains collaborative relationships and projects. Fieldwork is carried out in collaboration with State, Federal and other agencies, and must be conducted in accordance with all applicable Federal and State regulations and laws, especially regarding endangered species, safety and health, and pesticides. Responsible for KPEPP’s safety program. Incorporates safety culture in program management and daily work and action plans (including applicable risk assessments). 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological, Biomedical, or Environmental Science with basic, related biology courses. (Bachelor’s Degree in an unrelated field with at least two (2) years of experience managing natural resources in Hawai‘i may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological, Biomedical, or Environmental Science).  EXPERIENCE:  At least three (3) years of experience dealing with the conservation of native plant resources in Hawai‘i, including rare plant collection, protection, and outplanting best practices.  Experience leading projects that involve collaborating with multiple agencies. Experience needs to be well documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Expertise in rare plant identification. Advanced knowledge of vegetation or rare plant monitoring techniques and data collection.  Knowledge of herbicide use and weed control techniques.  Ability to use altimeter, compass, and maps.  Computer literate. Ability to record biological data with a GPS and download data from GPS unit into computer. 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 pass a criminal background check.  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 six (6) 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.  If selected to perform helicopter operations, must be certified and be approved by PCSU/RCUH prior to activity.  For helicopter operations, must be able to complete Helicopter Transport of External Loads (A219) course and rappelling training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.  If selected to operate a chainsaw, must be certified and be approved by PCSU/RCUH prior to activity.  For chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training.  If selected for Restricted Pesticide use, must be certified and be approved by PCSU/RCUH prior to activity.  For Restricted Pesticide use, must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability and willingness to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, and steep terrain). Able to hike up to ten (10) miles per day, backpack with up to 50 pounds of weight, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to five (5) consecutive days at a time.  Must be able to climb trees. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  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:  Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems in Hawai‘i.  Knowledge of endangered species management, safety and logistical training.  Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws.  Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and display natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.  Previous experience in weed and ungulate control (especially monitoring and fence construction), and helicopter operations in Hawai‘i.  Experience with chainsaws and digging and cutting tools.  Experience with herbicides. 

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INQUIRIES:  Joan Yoshioka 974-4388 (Hawai‘i). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.