LHWRP Field Crew Leader

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership (LHWRP), located in Makawao, Maui.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $2,372-$4,042/Mon.  

DUTIES:  Implements LHWRP Management Plan and action plans as directed by LHWRP management staff.  Leads field personnel, interns, and volunteers in land management, forest restoration, and applied research of watershed forests on leeward Haleakala. This involves out-planting native plants, collecting seeds, controlling non-native species through mechanical and chemical means, and constructing and maintaining fence lines.  Prepares field sites for volunteer work.  Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant and bird distributions.  Uses Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to record restoration work and pesticide usage.  Assists in public relations activities.  Trains crew and volunteers in general safety, planting and control techniques, and equipment use.  Responsible for the use, maintenance, and inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of experience in forest restoration or management and alien plant control in Hawai'i.  Must include training and experience in the application of herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides in remote mountain forest situations following all safety standards.  Must have experience collecting scientific data in the field. Must have experience in complex helicopter operation procedures and maintaining tool and supply inventory.  Must have at least one (1) year of prior experience supervising paid staff and attendance in supervisory training programs. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Good knowledge of native and invasive Hawaiian biota and preferably of native forest restoration methods.  Working knowledge of computers in word-processing, database, PowerPoint, and GIS/Global Positioning Systems software such as ArcMap.  Good working knowledge of Hawaiian natural history, native animals and general botanical, and ecological principles, in addition to good knowledge of Hawaiian culture including ethnobotany.  Good knowledge of basic experimental design and implementation. Knowledge of vegetation, animal and insect monitoring techniques.  Familiar with scientific methods as they relate to conservation actions. Able to identify by sight most native and non-native plant species of leeward Maui.  Able to communicate complex ideas to large groups of people with diverse backgrounds and capable of being involved in complex community-based projects.  Able to coordinate, manage, and lead work trips and outdoor activities safely over challenging terrain.  Able to operate power tools including chain saws, weed eaters, generators, chipper, etc.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing to lead safe and educational work trips.  Must possess a valid driver’s license 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 be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to obtain and maintain National Rifle Association and State of Hawai’i Hunter Safety Program firearms certification within six (6) months of hire, on an annual basis, and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must possess certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). Must be able to complete rappelling and rope worker training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete pesticide safety course within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. 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 pass defensive driving course within six (6) months of hire.  Post offer/employment conditions are contingent on availability of training and on funding. Candidate will not be expected to carry out the activities without appropriate training and certification. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certificating agency. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted in isolated regions on irregular, unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions, in remote areas.  Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights).  Ability to work in remote locations which require transportation via helicopter.  Must be able to hike with backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain or thick and unmarked trail conditions with loads of up to fifty (50) pounds, camp in remote areas under inclement and/or climatically extreme conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days.  Must be able to rappel on vertical slopes and cliffs and ascend tall trees. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  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:  Previous forest restoration, monitoring and management experience.  Good knowledge and familiarity with geographical boundaries, landowners and managers of leeward Haleakala. Experience using herbicides and chainsaws to control weedy vegetation in a forest environment.  Experience rappelling and tree climbing. College courses or degree from an accredited college or university in Natural Science and Hawaiian Studies.    Experience supervising groups of volunteers. Experience speaking in front of groups of volunteers, interns, or organization partners and funders.