Rare Insect Biologist Job ID# 222282

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) performing project tasks under the applicable cooperative agreement for the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG), Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Environmental Office, Natural Resources Section on the island of Oahu.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY:  Salary commensurate with qualifications. 

DUTIES:  The primary goal is to ensure that the military mission is accomplished and that training opportunities are realized to the fullest extent possible in a manner consistent with Federal, State, and Army environmental quality policies. Work must be done in accordance with applicable Army, Federal, and State regulations and laws, especially regarding endangered species, safety and health, and pesticides. Majority of tasks take place on Army lands. Independently directs and manages the OVPRI/Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP) rare insect program. Designs and develops stabilization plans and protocols for monitoring and management of federally listed Drosophila, Hylaeus, and other rare insects to meet program goals for the Makua Implementation Plan (MIP) and Oahu Implementation Plan (OIP), and to keep the Army in compliance with Biological Opinions. Develops conservation practices through research, trials, and observations to guide OANRP management strategies. Analyzes data to identify ways to modify and improve efficacy of actions. Collaborates with OANRP Program Managers in the field and office to plan stabilization actions, identify project needs, and develop reports on efforts. Organizes OANRP staff committees to develop experimental design for research projects related to endangered insects. Reports on progress in published reports and via oral presentations to groups, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Army Biologist and Natural Resource Manager, other partners, and OANRP managers. Rides in helicopters and drives off-road. Works in areas with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) with professional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) supervision.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science with basic or related biology courses, or related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two to four (2-4) years of work experience in natural resource management of biological resources. At least two (2) years of work experience in invertebrate management. Experience in networking and collaborating with diverse groups. 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.
KNOWLEDGE: Substantial knowledge of insect, ecology, biology, and identification. Proficient knowledge of survey and management techniques for insects. Proficient knowledge of natural resource conservation techniques. Knowledge of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems and their conservation. Knowledge of plant taxa from the island of Oahu.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Problem solving skills related to natural resource management. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisor, co-workers and partners. Must have excellent organization and project management skills. Strong proficiency in conducting biological research and ability to lead a team as well as work as a team member. Strong ability to organize biological data and present findings in written and oral reports. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance. Ability to use computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; software for statistical analysis and graphing; and ArcGIS or other geospatial database software. Ability to use maps, compasses, and GPS units to navigate in the field. 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. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to unclassified information. Must be able to complete helicopter safety training within six (6) months from date of hire. Must be able to obtain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must possess 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 complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Able and willing to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., extreme weather, mosquitoes, or steep terrain). Able to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: 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 on Army lands in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed, especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws. Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance. Experience with arthropod taxonomical keys. Knowledge of native Hawaiian insects, including threatened and endangered taxa. Experience conducting arthropod management in a natural area setting. Familiarity with ant and slug control management strategies. Familiarity with trial design. Familiarity with Experimental Use Permits and Special Local Needs labels for pesticide use.

INQUIRIES:  Tyler Bogardus 425-3553 (Oahu). 

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)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. 

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.