The Data Technician/Field Crew Member will assist with implementing on-the-ground watershed conservation efforts as well as being the responsible for all data collection and recording for the Kohala Watershed Partnership, a program of The Kohala Center.
The Data Technician/Field Crew Member will work with the KWP crew as well as with KWP partners and their staff, volunteers, and students to accomplish objectives, including, but not limited to:
- Invasive plant control, including surveys
- Constructing and maintaining fences and sediment check dams
- Controlling feral animals
- Conducting biological surveys
- Growing and planting native species
GIS & Data management/planning/mapping
Planning – uses GIS to plan for:
- sediment check dams and erosion control
- weed sweeps and surveys
- fence checks and fence construction
- monitoring
- irrigation and planting
- other planning for implementation
Data management – uploads field data (GPS, data sheets & field notes) and maintains GIS/ data files to document management actions:
- seed collection, propagation and nursery inventory (i.e. “batch book”)
- outplanting (i.e. Planting spreadsheet)
- vegetation and other monitoring (i.e. GIS point files & monitoring spreadsheet)
- herbicide trials (i.e. spreadsheet)
- fence monitoring and construction (i.e. GIS line files)
- weed surveys and control (i.e. GIS Weeds Polygon & other points)
- other monitoring/data collection as required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Relevant post-high school training/education/degree in forestry, biology, ecological restoration, geography, botany, natural resources management, Hawaiian studies, and/or agriculture.
- Experience in field work/labor in Hawai‘i, including fence construction, erosion control, native species propagation, restoration, surveys, animal control, and/or weed control.
- Knowledge of the culture, ecology, plants, forests, streams, and birds of Hawai‘i.
- Possess a valid driver’s license, and ability to drive standard transmission, 4x4, off-road vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and trailers.
- Eagerness and ability to learn new skills, new technology, and new information.
- Adaptable, dependable, honest, and hard-working.
- Able to maintain a cooperative attitude while working in inclement weather under difficult conditions.
- Ability to communicate effectively and adhere to safety protocols.
- Carry 50-pound pack over rough terrain.
- Flexible schedule to allow for extended, overnight camping trips and occasional weekend work.
- Represent the program in a professional manner when interacting with partners and the community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Training and safe use of firearms, pesticides/herbicides, welding, power tools, ATV, and helicopter-assisted operations.
- Experience utilizing GPS units and GIS software.
- Ranch operations knowledge or experience.
