JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE:

The Kohala Field Stewardship Technician is a practitioner of watershed conservation and ‘āina stewardship  on Kohala Mountain. All technicians work together as a field crew to restore the diverse ecosystems of Kohala from the ma uka (upland) to ma kai (shore). Technicians are primarily responsible for applied conservation, environmental restoration, invasive species removal, and conservation outreach 1) constructing ungulate-proof fences to control feral animals, 2) removing and controlling invasive plants 3) collecting native seeds and outplanting, 4) monitoring and evaluation, and 5) hosting and guiding community members to ongoing work of native reforestation and other special projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Research and Development:

• Assist the Kohala Watershed Supervisor in conducting biological surveys, field experiments, applied research, photomonitoring, GIS and data mapping, and other monitoring efforts to collect all necessary data to meet various stakeholder deliverables.

Relationship Management:

• Assist the ‘Āina-based Stewaredship Specialist in creating the conditions (e.g. hosted site visits, huaka‘i, field investigations, citizen science, applied research projects and hoa‘āina work days) that include, welcome and orient diverse community members to Kohala and The Kohala Center leading to stronger sense of place, more respectful engagement and ongoing stewardship of ‘āina.
• Contribute to strong relationships with Kohala Watershed Partners and other landowners and their staff, representing TKC with aloha at all times.
• Contribute to strong relationships with each other and other field crews and cultural practioners conducting similar work, representing TKC with aloha at all times.

Operations:

• Prepare appropriately for the work of watershed conservation and ‘āina stewardship to include daily planning sessions, standard operating procedures and safety briefings, equipment inventory and maintenance, field supply provisioning, place-based protocol etc.
• Conduct a variety of natural resource management and field assignments including, but not limited to, fence construction and maintenance, performing rare plant inventories, environmental education, and ungulate control. 
• Conduct feral ungulate control and monitoring activities in project areas. Survey feral ungulate activity, monitoring transects for animal sign and location, conduct animal control using a variety of methods.
• Conduct plant monitoring and control in designated project areas. Control non-native plants using manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques. Survey monitoring transects and record and map locations of important plants.
• Perform data collection (quantitative and qualitative) and records detailed field notes each day.
• Assist with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned.

Evaluation and Continuous Learning:

• Assist the Kohala Watershed Supervisor in evaluating and reporting on key outputs and outcomes in ways that appreciate, energize and strengthen community investments and impact.
• Assist the Kohala Watershed Supervisor in the development of processes, pathways, guides and tools to sustain generational sharing of knowledge to a broad range of communities.
• Carry kuleana and responsibilities with pride and excellence, learn and grow, share leadership and contribute gifts in meaningful ways.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the culture, ecology, plants, forests, streams, endangered species, and birds of Hawai‘i.
• Ability to safely drive manual and automatic transmission 4x4 vehicles, ATVs and UTVs.
• Experience operating various types of equipment  safely (e.g. power tools, chainsaw, weed trimmer, chipper.)
• Ability to safely use pesticides/herbicides and their use in controlling invasive plant species.
• Knowledge of feral ungulate control methods uncluidng the ability to hunt using firearms, traps, and dogs.
• Eagerness and ability to learn new skills, technology, and information.
• Able to maintain a cooperative attitude while working in inclement weather under difficult conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively utilizing phone, text, and email.
• Understand and adhere firmly to policies and safety protocols.
• Ability to peform work that requires physical mobility over uneven terrain for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift tools, supplies, and other equipment that weighs up to 130 pounds (with a partner) and carry items up to 50 pounds or more over uneven terrain for distances in excess of one mile.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR EDUCATION:

• Possess valid and current State of Hawaii driver’s license.
• High School Diploma.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and obtain and maintain National Rifle Association or National Park Service and State of Hawaii Hunter Safety Program firearms certification within twelve (12) months from date of hire, and maintain throughout duration of employment. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certificating agency. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR, or Wilderness First Aid Certification  (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 pass basic helicopter safety course within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the culture, ecology, plants, forests, streams, endangered species, and birds of Kohala specifically.
• Professional or volunteer experience in applied conservation, environmental restoration, invasive species removal, or conservation outreach.
• Basic proficiency in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.

• Experience using GIS and GPS units in the field.
• Ability towing trailers and/or welding.

• Ranch operations knowledge or experience.
• Experience felling, bucking, and swamping small and large invasive trees and clearing fence brush.
• Experience conducting helicopter sling load operations.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed outdoors, in varying types of weather and conditions on uneven and sometimes steep, rocky terrain.
• Extended, overnight camping trips (up to four nights), weekend work, as well as working four, ten-hour days in one week may be required every four to six weeks.
• Occasionally requires time in the office or in the DOFAW State Tree Nursery.
• May occasionally work in watersheds throughout Hawaiʻi alongside others in our occupation.