Lahaina, Maui
MKWP SENIOR FIELD ASSISTANT (WEEDS) – ID# 222643.
CLOSING DATE: October 17, 2022.
INQUIRIES: David Bishaw 661-6600 (Maui).
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP), located in Wailuku/Lahaina Districts with offices in Lahaina, Hawai’i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY: $3,400/Mon.
DUTIES: Conducts alien plant monitoring and control in the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) Management Area. Controls alien plants using mechanical and chemical (e.g., herbicides) techniques. Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters. Builds, inspects, and maintains fences. Conducts feral animal control through approved methods (e.g., trapping, air guns, etc.) and monitoring activities in the MKWP Management Area. Tracks animals using aerial surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and other potential surveillance technologies. Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution. Keeps detailed records of activities, inputs data, and provides summaries and analysis of field data. Data will focus primarily on major weed species infestations. Responsible for baseyard maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment including proper storage of herbicides. Troubleshoots problems with gear/equipment and vehicles. Assists with scheduling, planning, and logistics for field operations. Assists with public relations activities and events, maintains good relationships with landowners, and helps develop the support of landowners and the public for watershed project. Performs duties related to habitat restoration and protection, including site preparation using chemical and mechanical methods, seed collection and processing, planting and monitoring.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING |
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. Completion of all required Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH), Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), MKWP trainings and certifications or equivalent. |
EXPERIENCE |
One to three (1-3) years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations in remote areas of Hawai‘i, or similar. Experience must be well-documented (include dates and hours per week) and paid. Experience with data collection systems and data organization. |
KNOWLEDGE |
Working knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of the principles of ecology and wildlife biology. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques for all target species and identification of common native species. Knowledge of animal control, fence building and mechanical/chemical weed control techniques for all target species. Knowledge of data collection systems. |
ABILITIES & SKILLS |
Demonstrated competence in all field tasks associated with this job. Ability to track and locate animals using surveillance technologies, compass, map, and Global Positioning System (GPS) hand-held units. Ability to work independently. Ability to make sound planning and logistical decisions. Excellent oral and written communication skills and great interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated proficiency in following project’s administrative, operational, and safety protocols including proper use and storage of non-restricted pesticides and use and maintenance of project gear and equipment. Ability to accurately collect and store data for target species survey & control activities. Demonstrated ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Mapmaking abilities using ArcGIS. Ability to appropriately explain project objectives to the public. Ability to work with small, mechanized equipment (chain saws, weed eaters, generators, power tools etc.) Ability to inspect and repair fences. Ability to use a computer to record technical field data, analyze field data using database and spreadsheet programs, and prepare draft reports. 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 Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR and maintain certification throughout duration of employment. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certifying agency or as required by state and federal laws. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of 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. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) and external load training (A219) within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete rappelling or fall protection training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. |
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS |
Able to conduct fieldwork in dense vegetation under difficult conditions (e.g., heat, rain, cold temperatures, poor footing). Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions at high elevations (up to 6,000 feet), for up to four to five (4-5) consecutive days. Able to backpack, lift, and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights). Must be able to fly by helicopter to remote locations, hike, and rappel on or near vertical terrain that could change up to 6,000 feet in a day. |
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:
College coursework from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, wildlife management, botany, or related field. Experience building remote ungulate exclusion fences. Experience in hunting feral animals. Knowledge of hunting, trapping, or control techniques. Experience using Global Information System (GIS) or data management. Experience constructing, repairing or inspecting exclosure fencing. Knowledge of endangered species in Hawai‘i. Supervisory experience. |
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_recruitment@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.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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