MKWA Field Crew Leader

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance (MKWA), located in Hilo, 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 RANGE:  $2,372-$3,300/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Serves as Field Crew Supervisor for the MKWA Senior Field Assistant involved in conducting projects to implement the MKWA Management Plan and address landscape-level watershed threats.  Supports all aspects of the implementation of the MKWA Management and Action Plans.  The majority of work deals with leading invasive plant and animal control efforts and fence installation operations in remote upper elevation sites on Mauna Kea.   Conducts scheduling, logistics planning, and implementation.  Spearheads efforts with MKWA staff and partners to coordinate and plan field and other watershed conservation activities, such as native ecosystem and watershed monitoring, feral animal control, fence line building and maintenance, ecological restoration, and mechanical and chemical alien plant control. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university with at least one (1) year of coursework in a Natural Resource related field.  EXPERIENCE:  Two to three (2-3) years of work experience with biological resources, conservation planning, and/or natural resource management in Hawai‘i.  Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, non-profit organization in the appropriate field and can include internships and accredited volunteer work. At least one (1) year of supervisory experience.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Must have knowledge of herbicide use and weed control techniques.  Must have knowledge of ungulate management and techniques including safe use of firearms. Must have strong working knowledge and supervisory role of fence installation and expertise in vegetation and ecosystem monitoring techniques and data collection. Must possess strong knowledge of Hawaiian flora and fauna, especially Mauna Kea ecosystems. Ability to identify common and rare native Hawaiian and alien plants.  Ability to read and navigate with topographic maps, state Tax Map Keys (TMKs), and aerial photographs.  Ability to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) unit, altimeter, compass, maps, and power tools (chainsaws).  Able to use standard GIS program for data entry, analysis, and map preparation. Able to use word-processing and spreadsheet programs.  Must have the ability to use firearms.  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 including an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)/Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV). May be required to provide a clean driver’s abstract as deemed necessary by the job requirements and/or the project. Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must be able to pass a criminal background check and obtain and maintain National Rifle Association and State of Hawai‘i Hunter Safety Program firearms certification within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certificating agency.  Must possess the American Red Cross 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 basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete external sling load (A219) course within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.  Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides 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.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to work at 5,000-8,000 feet.  Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and steep rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, up to four (4) consecutive days.  Able to backpack, lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. 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:  Knowledge of Hawaiian ecosystem and incipient alien plant and animal invasions.  Previous experience conducting biological surveys and weed control efforts on Mauna Kea.  Previous experience monitoring and mapping vegetation and stream resources on Mauna Kea or similar environments.  Expertise with database (MS Access) and GIS (ArcView) and GPS (Garmin) systems.  Previous fence building and/or construction experience in remote environments. 

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) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) 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_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.