Endangered Species Planner for Maui Nui

Planner IV

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Maui Nui District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planner IV. This position will serve as the lead planner for the district. The primary purpose of this position is to lead an integrated planning initiative to develop a set of implementation plans for the recovery of the district’s rare and endangered species, to prioritize watershed protection efforts, and inform management policy for native ecosystem protection, public hunting and recreation, trails and access, traditional and customary practice, forestry, and forest products. Responsibilities include development of plans and documentation for compliance with applicable laws, including state and federal endangered species laws, and may include a broad range of planning assignments related to forestry and wildlife management, including development and revision of reserve management plans, implementation plans, resource assessments, EAs, and other planning documents. 

I.          IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

            Position Number:             122006(T)

            Department:                    Land and Natural Resources

            Division:                           Forestry and Wildlife

            Branch:                            Maui

            Geographic Location:      Maui Nui

II.         INTRODUCTION

Function of this organizational unit:  The section’s function is to provide internal leadership, management, technical, fiscal, and personnel services to protect, restore, and enhance Hawaii’s forested watersheds, native ecosystems, natural areas, unique native plant and animal species, and cultural and geological features for the enrichment of present and future generations.  Functions include, but are not limited to, activities to establish and manage indigenous natural resources, consistent with the provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapters 195, Natural Area Reserves System, to protect and restore watersheds pursuant to HRS Chapter 183, Forest Reserves, and to protect, manage, restore, and recover indigenous land plants and animals consistent with HRS Chapter 195D, Conservation of Aquatic Life, Wildlife, and Land Plants.  The section’s responsibilities include the development of long term strategic and short-term management plans pursuant to section goals.

Purpose of the position:  This position provides skilled professional and specialized services on matters pertinent to development and approval of management planning documents pursuant to the Division’s mission to protect natural resources.  Effective planning provides information and rationale for Division activities, guides management, and communicates goals and objectives to interested parties.  The position works closely with all sections of the district, as well as public and private partners, with an emphasis on planning related to integration of management practices and compatible land uses for the protection of indigenous species and watersheds, while providing for public recreation, subsistence, and customary practice.  This position independently performs the full range of professional responsibilities to include leading planning processes with staff and in collaboration with appropriate experts, stakeholders, partners, and interested parties to ensure that all relevant information is considered in the development of plans.  Development and approval of plans includes coordinating meetings and workshops, soliciting and receiving input from appropriate parties, incorporating the full range of relevant information from a wide range of sources, and drafting and assembling plans for submittal and approval by the appropriate authorities.  Plans and planning documents include development of the district’s integrated strategic land management plan, strategic plans that focus on selected topics, recovery implementation plans for selected species, site-specific management plans, and related documents, including grant proposals, reports, briefings, regulatory, compliance, and environmental review documentation.

III.        MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A.         Planning development process                                                                      40%

1. Coordinates and facilitates the gathering of relevant information essential for the development of effective plans to include collection, analysis and evaluation of an extensive variety of physical, social, economic and environmental data, identification and clarification of public opinion, Division goals, objectives and policies, and the determination of problems, to obtain a comprehensive perspective of conditions and concerns relevant to the plans being prepared. [1], [2]
2. Meets with staff, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and interested individuals to obtain information relevant to the development of planning documents. [1], [2]
3. Establishes and promotes effective relationships with other agencies, jurisdictions, and other stakeholders, including federal, state, and county agencies, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations. [1], [2]
4. Considers and analyzes conflicting goals, objectives, policies, and applicable laws, rules, regulations and practices. [1], [2]
5. May recommend research projects, which may be needed to provide desired management information. [1], [2]
6. Prepares and delivers briefings and presentations to communicate relevant information to participants. [1], [2]. 

B.         Plan development                                                                               40%

1. Selects reference sources, and determines proper approaches and methods to obtain necessary data; gathers and compiles data needed for planning activities; analyzes data involving the use of statistical concepts and formulae, which may include the use of electronic data processing equipment; drafts reports of findings and recommendations; manages data and prepares maps, charts and other presentations; reviews legislation and administrative references in relation to the development of planning goals and programs; may supervise other personnel in fact-finding activities as assigned. [1], [2]
2. Assembles and organizes relevant information obtained through the planning process to produce an effective plan. [1], [2], [3]
3. Employs organizational, layout, edit, and publication skills to integrate plan components into professional planning documents. [1], [2], [3]
4. Reviews, amends, and comments on Division and partner plans and documents. [1], [2]. 

C.                 Publication and dissemination                                                            15%

1. Distributes plans to interested parties. [1], [2]
2. Provides public presentations and information to disseminate information pursuant to plan goals and objectives. [1], [2].

D.        Perform Other Duties Assigned                                                                     5%

1. Resource management duties as assigned [2].

            Reasons:

[1]        The performance of this function is the reason that the job exists.

[2]        There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed.

[3]        This function is highly specialized. Employees are hired for their skill/ability to perform this function.

EVIDENCE USED IN DETERMINING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONSIDERED:

The following evidence was considered in determining the essential functions of the position: The amount of time spent performing the function; the consequences of not requiring a person in this job to perform a function; the work experience of people who have performed a job in the past and work experience of people who currently perform similar jobs; and, the nature of the work operations based on organization structure.

IV.           CONTROLS EXERCISED OVER THE WORK                                                                 

A.         Supervisor                                           Scott Fretz

                        Position No. 02885                              Title:  Forestry and Wildlife Manager

B.         Nature of Supervisory Control Exercised Over the Work.

1. Instructions Provided.

Nature of instruction is general and specifics are left to the individual’s discretion.  Assignments often require the development of new and improved techniques into plans and actions.

2. Assistance Provided.

Guidance is general unless solicited or particular or peculiar situations arise.

3. Review of Work.

Completed work is reviewed on a spot-check basis for professional approach and accomplishment of management goals and objectives.

C.        Nature of Available Guidelines Controlling the Work.

1.   Policy and Procedural Guides Available.

Hawaii Revised Statues, Hawaii Administrative Rules and Administrative Policies, Applicable Departmental and Divisional Policies, Directives, Rules and Regulations.

2.   Use of Guidelines.

Procedural guides cover all situations.  The employee is expected to know and apply all laws, rules and regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to the management goals and operation procedures.

V.         REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, ETC.

Valid Class III Driver’s License 

VI.        RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

A.          Knowledge:

Knowledge of management principles for a multi-faceted natural resource-related program.  Basic understanding of laws, rules, policies and practices pertinent to natural resource management.  Basic understanding of rules and policies pertinent to personnel safety, fiscal and operational matters.  Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices and techniques of planning.  Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.  Knowledge of effective writing techniques.  Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS. 

B.          Skills/Abilities:

Familiarity with Hawaiian biota, native ecosystem threats, island ecosystem processes, incipient alien plant and animal invasions.  Experience writing management plans and environmental assessments. Basic computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions.  Must be able to plan natural resource management at strategic and operational levels with a high degree of independence under limited supervision.  Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.  Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers.  Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems.  Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.  Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.  Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management.  Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.  Ability to hike in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions is desirable to facilitate familiarity with field resources and conditions.

C.         Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. The overall training must demonstrate possession of: ability to read and comprehend complex materials, write reports, organize work, express ideas orally, and use analytical methods and tools; and knowledge of human relations, English grammar, statistics, research methodologies and techniques (including sources of information).

Progressively responsible experience in administrative, professional, technical, analytical, or other responsible work which required the knowledge of and ability to perform research, organize work effectively, solve problems, write reports, speak effectively, and deal effectively with people, may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

D.         Experience:

Minimum of two and one half years work experience in natural resource planning, and/or program management and coordination desirable.  Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major or specialization in planning may be substituted for one and one half year of specialized experience.   Possession of a Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university with a major or specialization in planning may be substituted for three and one half years of specialized experience.  

In addition, the experience must show actual involvement in and responsibility for: (1) the integration of such information including the consideration of relationships among resources, facilities, services, needs and values for the development of policy options, alternatives for action, programs and priorities to meet goals and objectives for a given geographic area of concern; (2) advising and assisting agencies and administrators on planning concepts and methods, providing technical information and analysis for the formation of plans and programming of plans; and (3) formulation and presentation of plans and policy recommendations including alternatives and consequences of alternative actions to decision makers and at public hearings. 

Such experience should demonstrate possession of the knowledge of general research sources and sources of environmental socioeconomic information, research and statistical methods and techniques, report writing, governmental organization and functions, economic principles, the purposes, principles and practices of public planning, and the ability to apply statistical concepts and formulae, analyze facts and develop sound conclusions there from, speak and write effectively; deal effectively and establish rapport with officials of government and private organizations; substantiate assumptions; and to work under pressure.

VII.       TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES

Computers, office machines, and public presentation devices.