WMMWP NRM/Invasive Weed Control Specialist

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership (WMMWP), located in Maui, Hawaii.  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:  $2,576-$5,319/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Directs and manages field crew, with minimal supervision, in activities related to management of watershed threats from invasive plant species. These include, but are not limited to weed control, scouting/surveying, transect monitoring, and photo points, including testing and identifying successful methods for control of various weed species.  Supervises and instructs two (2) Field Assistants, temporary hires, interns, and volunteers. Records detailed field data and summarizes and coordinates data analysis using various computer programs. Serves as a senior member of the field crew in other natural resource programs, including but not limited to fencing, animal control, and monitoring. Responsible for ordering and maintaining project equipment within program budget, and writing quarterly updates, annual reports and work plans.    Ensures that field operations follow and adhere to appropriate safety and operation policies/guidelines. Records detailed field data and spatial information and inputs data into Global Positioning System (GPS) and computers for analysis. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Natural Resource Management, Biological Science, or Environmental Science with basic/related biology/natural resources  courses.  EXPERIENCE:  Two to four (2-4) years of work experience with biological resources, conservation planning, and/or natural resource management.  At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in work related to research or agriculture with a land management agency or company relating to field operations (or must attend a minimum of six (6) supervisory training courses within twelve (12) months from date of hire and all RCUH supervisory training classes).  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Strong working knowledge of the principles of ecology and conservation in Hawai‘i, specifically related to invasive plant species.  Strong working knowledge of and expertise in field work techniques, logistical planning, data collection/management, and ecosystem monitoring protocols.  Knowledge of Hawaiian flora and fauna.  Knowledge of watershed and island ecosystem processes, including incipient alien plant and animal invasions.  Knowledge of safe and effective herbicide use and weed and ungulate control techniques. Ability to use herbicides to control weedy vegetation in a forest environment.  Must be proficient in ArcGIS and GPS (Garmin, Trimble, LocusPro).  Ability to collect detailed field data, organize, analyze, and summarize data, and write clear and concise reports.  Capable of creating maps for use in reports, presentations, and field activities.  Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to issue and comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to use databases (MS Access) and other Microsoft Office software. Ability to read topographic maps and aerial photographs, and use altimeter and compass. Ability to operate power tools including chain saws, weed eaters, post pounders, generators, chipper, etc. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.  Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check.  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 within twelve (12) months from date of hire.  Must be able to complete rappelling training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.  Must complete the CTAHR pesticide risk reduction short course within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Must be able to obtain and maintain National Rifle Association and State of Hawai‘i Hunter Safety Program firearms certification 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 complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.  Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of from date of hire.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions at high elevations (up to 6,000 feet), for 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:  Field experience managing threats to native Hawaiian flora and fauna and to native Hawaiian ecosystems from incipient alien plant and animal invasions.  Field experience in a resource management program to protect at risk ecosystems in Hawai‘i, with emphasis on alien plant and animal control, site restoration, biological surveys, and/or stream surveys.  Knowledge of and ability to recognize key invasive species. 

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.