Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

NĀPUʻU NRM PREDATOR CONTROL & FOREST BIRD ASSOCIATE II – ID# 226646.

CLOSING DATE: Until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management (NNRM) at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and Puʻu Anahulu (Nāpuʻu), located on the island of Hawaiʻi. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY: $4,071/Mon.

DUTIES: Under the direction of the Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management (NNRM) Specialist, leads predator trapping and performs various resource management and monitoring activities in the Nāpuʻu Project Area focusing on native forest birds and plant species, many of which are threatened or endangered. Duties include, but are not limited to installing, checking, and maintaining predator control trap grids utilizing a variety of traps including auto reset traps, assisting in the capture, banding, radio-tagging, telemetry tracking, resighting of forest birds, building, and maintaining conservation fences, conducting native forest restoration and revegetation activities, invasive vegetation removal, and trapping and baiting ungulates in fenced units. Adapts to changing plans and communicates observations and ideas to supervisors to help develop solutions to new and on-going challenges faced in implementing project goals. Participates in outplanting, outreach, and weed control activities. Maintains databases and analyzes data to prepare reports, posters, and/or oral presentations for use in symposia and conferences. Drives project vehicles and rides in helicopters, as needed, to access field sites. Must be willing to work occasional weekends and holidays. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee’s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: Five to seven (5-7) years of experience in natural resource management, including at least one (1) year of experience leading a team and demonstrated experience with at least two (2) of the following techniques: mist netting, banding and collecting blood samples from passerines; radio-tracking and resighting marked birds; conducting forest bird surveys and identifying birds by sight and sound; nest searching and monitoring, ornithological radar, song meters, or predator management. Concurrent experience is acceptable. (Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Terrestrial Biology, Botany, Natural Resource Management, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.).

KNOWLEDGE: Good knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Good knowledge of avian ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation. Good knowledge of predator trapping methods. Knowledge of forest bird monitoring techniques. Working knowledge of conservation fence construction and maintenance. Working knowledge of safe pesticide application techniques. Working knowledge of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to use map and compass to navigate in dense forests. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation. Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) and smart devices (e.g., tablets) units to follow transects, mark rare plant or bird locations, and make maps of management work. Ability to take detailed field notes and use Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel, Access) and other software programs to enter data and generate reports. Must be able to identify Hawai‘i Island’s forest birds by sight or have developing skills. Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i. Ability to operate power tools including rock hammer and drill, compressor, generator, weed whackers, chainsaws, and mowers. Ability to safely apply pesticides. Ability to take detailed field notes, collect data, and prepare reports. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to lead field assistants and interns. Must be well organized, capable of working independently, have attention to detail, and the ability to communicate observations and ideas to supervisor. Ability to perform repeated tasks with a high level of accuracy and consistency. Ability to coordinate field projects and data collection. 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. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must complete all IACUC required training within six (6) months of hire. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be certified to band forest birds and a primary surveyor of wet forest bird species within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds unassisted in remote areas on irregular and unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions (e.g., heat, rain, rough terrain, poor footing). Ability to hike with a backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain, through thick vegetation, or on unmarked trails over various substrates (e.g., rough lava, open pasture, and thick, dry forests). Ability to camp in remote areas under inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days. Considerable amount of bending, stooping, crouching, and standing for long periods. Ability to work in physically demanding field conditions (e.g., heat, rain, rough terrain, poor footing), or remote areas where camping and long, irregular work hours are required. Ability to drive manual 4-wheel drive vehicles on steep and challenging roads and to hike long distances over various substrates including rough lava, open pasture, and thick, dry forests, often in wet or cold conditions.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. 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: Experience working with Hawaiian forest birds, particularly Hawaii Island wet forest species and the ‘anianiau. Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software, such as ArcMap or equivalent. Experience in predator trapping in Hawai‘i or elsewhere. Knowledge ofPuʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve and Forest Bird Sanctuary and Puʻu Anahulu Game Management Area.