Kohala Stewardship Senior Technician

The Kohala Stewardship Senior Technician position requires an individual with a deep sense of aloha for ʻāina and kuleana to mālama ʻāina. The senior technician is well experienced in providing and lifting up leadership as a field crew to protect and restore Kohala’s diverse native ecosystems ma uka to ma kai. Technicians are primarily responsible for native forest ecosystem protection and regeneration drawing on both indigenous ecological knowledge and contemporary conservation practices. Activities include: constructing and maintaining ungulate exclusion fences; establishing and maintaining trails and transects; controlling feral ungulates and predators; removing non-native plants; collecting, propagating, and outplanting native seeds and plants; engaging community in outreach, education, and stewardship events and activities; and ecosystem kilo, monitoring, and assessment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Leadership & Support:

• Contribute to creating the optimal conditions for field staff to thrive individually and collectively as a field crew
• Assist with scheduling, preparing, and deploying field crew and coordinating logistics, including regular planning sessions and standard operating procedures and safety briefings
• Assume responsibility for supervising the field crew in the absence of the field supervisor
• Follow all communication, permission, and access protocols unique to each ʻāina and landowner
• Train field crew in proper field techniques, such as the use of ‘āina-based protocol, equipment, and herbicides
• Execute kuleana with pride and excellence and provide constructive feedback to field crew
• Interact and communicate effectively (verbally, in written form, or electronically) with others in a respectful, professional, and timely manner

Field Operations:

• Construct, inspect, and maintain ungulate exclusion fences
• Establish and maintain trails and transects
• Control feral ungulates and predators using a variety of methods
• Control non-native plants using manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques
• Collect, propagate, and outplant native seeds and plants
• Facilitate, host, and guide community outreach, education, and stewardship events and activities
• Contribute to strong relationships with field staff, other staff, and the broader community, representing The Kohala Center with aloha at all times
• Maintain baseyard, including inventorying, cleaning, and maintaining vehicles, equipment, field gear/supplies, and proper storage of fuel and herbicides
• Troubleshoot problems with vehicles, equipment, and field gear; assist with researching, evaluating, and procuring equipment and field gear/supplies
• Conduct all operations according to established safety standards, policies, and procedures

Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment:

• Assist in developing and improving systems and tools for field data collection
• Collect accurate and detailed field data and notes
• Conduct monitoring activities, such as kilo (observation), recording and mapping locations of important plants, photo-point monitoring, and water quality, vegetation, forest bird, and pig surveys
• Record, compile, and manage monitoring data with mobile field collection applications and spatial database
• Input and update data in databases and assist with error checking and quality control
• Assist in assessing, reporting, and sharing on key outputs, indicators, and outcomes of improved ecosystem health

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Hawai‘i driver license
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience in forest protection and ecosystem restoration
• Must possess or obtain required licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Aid/CPR, helicopter safety and sling load training, and Hawaiʻi hunting license
• Must pass a background check and safety requirements necessary to obtain a Hawaiʻi firearms permit
• Ability to perform physical work in remote rugged landscape, adverse conditions, and during inclement weather for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry tools, supplies, and other equipment that weigh up to 50 pounds (130 pounds with a partner) over uneven terrain for distances in excess of one mile
• Knowledge of the native flora and fauna of Hawaiʻi and threats from non-native species
• Ability to safely operate manual and automatic 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, and UTVs both on and off road
• Ability to work in and around helicopters; trained in basic helicopter safety and external sling loads
• Experience with map reading and orienteering; ability to navigate extremely rugged terrain using maps, compass, and GPS
• Experience working with various equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., machete, weed eater, chainsaw, two-way radio, GPS, etc.)
• Experience with ungulate tracking and control techniques, including: strategic hunting with dogs, using firearms, trapping, and snaring
• Ability to safely use herbicides for controlling non-native plants
• Experience collecting, propagating, and outplanting native seeds and plants
• Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection; experience conducting monitoring activities
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, web browsers, GPS/GIS software)

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
• Proficiency in use of GIS and ESRI mobile data collection apps
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural resources of Kohala
• Basic proficiency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi
• Any other relevant abilities or experience

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed outdoors in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Occasionally requires time in the office or Kilohana Nursery
• Extended, overnight camping trips (up to four nights), weekend work, and working four, ten-hour days in one week may be required every four to six weeks