Range Technician

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE: The Range Technician will work in partnership with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) on projects to develop technologies and techniques for use in natural resource conservation work on Hawai‘i’s range and grazing lands. Based in Waimea in the NRCS Field Office, this position will work closely with the NRCS State Grazing Land Management Specialist (SGMS) to develop and implement field-based conservation trials  and technical notes. This position will also provide logistical and technical support to the SGMS on other projects related to grazing land conservation and serve as a liaison between NRCS and The Kohala Center (TKC) for further opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Research and Development

• Work with NRCS SGMS in collaboration with NRCS Plant Materials Center (PMC) on field forage yield study and field plantings and trials involving range and forage planting techniques including field planting design, field data collection and analysis, summary and write-up, and coordinating and delivery of project results reporting via pasture walks, workshops, multi-media products or other appropriate methods.

• Support the above mentioned studies by gathering and inputting weather data, soils data, air-dry weights, developing maps, preparing documents, etc.

• Support the installation and maintenance of new SCAN weather stations.

Outreach and Training 

• Participate in TKC all-staff meetings and trainings.

• Participate in TKC or other partner-sponsored workshops, conferences, meetings, or other events related to environmental issues pertaining to tropical grazing lands conservation and ecosystem function (with supervisor’s approval). 

• Participate in producer group meetings, workshops or conferences.

• Provide technical and logistical support to current grazing projects, grazing management workshops, and/or development of outreach tools.

Operations

• Serve as point of contact (POC) for Field Plantings and Trials.

• Support the SGMS in technical capacity with regards to all aspects of the Field  projects and other outreach events.

Evaluation and Continuous Learning

• Complete all identified training to support work as assigned.

• Incorporate results of field plantings and trials into conservation planning tools, technical notes, and other informational tools.  

• Identify other range resource management information or technology that can be captured and communicated in technical notes or other NRCS technical tools for conservation planning and implementation on tropical grazing lands (i.e., BMPs for Twolined Spittlebug response, etc.).

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATES, OR LICENSES:

• Working knowledge of Hawaii range and pasture lands.

• Bachelors’ Degree or coursework towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Natural Resources, Forestry, Ecology, or other Environmental Sciences or related coursework and significant experience demonstrating competencies in these fields.

• Possess valid and current driver’s license and clean driving record.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Passionate about working in natural resources conservation in Hawai‘i.

• Hard-working, eager to learn and flexible.

• Able to work independently as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

• Able to work in the field frequently and equally comfortable in an office setting.

• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and carry loads over short distances on uneven terrain.

• Familiar with and capable of using tools commonly used in the field such as shovels, picks, t-post pounders, clippers, sickles, power tools, hammer, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Able to operate a computer and use common Microsoft applications.

• Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles and/or ATVs.

• Familiar with agriculture, ranching, in particular, in Hawai‘i.

• Well organized, responsible, and reliable.

• Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field.

• Experienced in field research, data management and analysis, and report writing.

• Knowledgeable in Hawaii livestock production systems.

• Knowledgeable in rangeland and/or island ecology and plant community and competition dynamics.

• Proficiency in GIS.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in various outdoor environments with tropical climate temperatures, occasional use of shared office space, and in a variety of settings in the community.

• Field activities may take place in steep and rocky terrain, with unstable substrates and around livestock.  

• Out of area travel is required occasionally – generally to neighboring islands, with potential out-of-state travel.

• A vehicle will be provided for use during working hours.

EQUIPMENT USAGE:

• Computer and standard office equipment.

• GPS and camera for field work.

• Four-wheel Drive vehicle

• ATV and other field equipment as needed.