Land Stewardship Technician Lead

Overview: Regular, Full-Time position provides support to the Land Stewardship Manager (LSM) in leading field activities for all projects, initiatives, and functions of Kualoa Land Stewardship Department. Location of activities include but are not limited to the valleys of Hakipu’u, Kualoa, and Ka’a’awa.    

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Land Stewardship Lead (LSL) leads and schedules Stewardship Technicians (ST) in field work including but not limited to: native plant restoration site management (including invasive species removal and outplanting), native species seed collection and propagation, plant and animal surveys and monitoring, managing farm pastureland for better grazing efficiency, incipient invasive species removal, implementing management plans, managing farm pastureland for better grazing efficiency, installation/maintenance of ungulate exclusion fencing, operations department support (i.e. trail maintenance). Field work includes work with manual and mechanical tools such as weed eaters and chainsaws, and requires use of herbicides and insecticides. The LSL provides support in staff training and new hire orientations for all the skills required of the ST.  

Prioritizes Stewardship Department goals and ensures follow-through on projects.  

Assists the LSM with organization of necessary administrative tasks, maintenance of tools, equipment, vehicles and storage areas.  Supports and develops programmatic processes and systems including data management in areas such as but not limited to: invasive species surveys and management, native plant propagation, rare plant surveys and management, predator control, volunteer support, equipment maintenance. Helps to make responsible purchases of supplies and equipment for the Stewardship Department. 

Helps to ensure that Stewardship Technicians follow SOPs and conduct all tasks in a safe, environmentally responsible, and high-quality manner.   

Minimum Qualifications: 

Proficient ability to use word processing, spread sheet and GIS programs. Proficient ability to use common hand tools and power tools and to be able to troubleshoot small engine machine issues.  Ability to collaborate with supervisors, colleagues, and staff. Skilled at positively communicating goals and directives from upper management to staff members.  

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a 4WD vehicle.  

Physical and/or 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, steep terrain). Able to hike up to 5 miles per day, and to backpack, lift, and carry thirty-five pounds.     

Desirable Qualifications:  

At least one year of leadership experience conducting conservation field work. Knowledge of personnel management principals. Strong native and alien plant identification skills. Familiar with Hawaiʻi’s natural history, forest types and has a broad understanding of conservation practices and goals in Hawaiʻi. Experience conducting rare and endangered plant and wildlife conservation. Experience developing and implementing restoration projects (native seed collection, propagation and outplanting techniques). Knowledge of incipient invasive species early detection measures, species evaluation processes, and eradication and control strategies. Experience with fencing and predator control techniques.  Experience with writing reports, management plans and SOPs.  Knowledge and experience with ArcGIS program.