CCRT Watershed Protection Technician

University of Hawaii System Office

9d•$1,820 - $4,333

About The Position

CLOSING DATE: December 31, 2025, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. (2) Regular, Part-Time to Full-Time (50-100% FTE), RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC), Center for Conservation Research and Training (CCRT), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), located in Lihue, Kauai. 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: $1,820 - $4,333/Mon. (50-100% FTE) DUTIES: Conducts field operations and maintenance to implement natural resource management and watershed protection activities within Kauai's State Forest Reserves in a manner consistent with the DOFAW statewide Forestry program. Works with partnering agencies as members of the Kauai Watershed Alliance. Drives project vehicle to access field sites. Works in the field, as directed, to mitigate threats to forest ecosystems and resources. Activities include removal and treatment of noxious/invasive species, roadside and natural area fuel reduction and removal, survey/construct/maintain ungulate proof fencing, out-planting of native species, feral ungulate and predator control, maintenance of DOFAW infrastructure, facilities and roadways, and assistance with outreach activities. Assists supervisor in keeping records of areas that have been treated and controlled. Maintains program work areas and vehicles, care of program tools, equipment, storage of herbicides, maintaining program inventory, and scheduling and planning daily fieldwork.

Requirements

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent.
EXPERIENCE: Three to five (3-5) years of manual labor or semi-skilled work experience, which includes experience with natural resource management activities.
One to two (1-2) years of that experience must include ungulate proof fence construction and maintenance.
Experience in use of pesticides and power tools.
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of Native Hawaiian Plants, Hawaiian biota, local game mammal, game bird species and threats from alien species to native ecosystems.
Knowledge of invasive species removal and ungulate/predator control methods.
Knowledgeable of current Forest Health issues on Kauai.
Knowledgeable in ESRI field applications.
Knowledgeable of fuel reduction and fire pre-suppression mitigation methods.
Knowledge of applicable Forest Reserve rules and regulations and policies.
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to identify game mammals and game bird species.
Ability to identify common, threatened, or endangered native and introduced plants.
Ability to use a GPS to navigate in remote field settings on Kauai.
Ability to work with small-mechanized equipment in a safe manner (e.g. chain saws, hedge trimmers, chippers, etc.).
Ability to calculate herbicide formulations and follow label instructions of herbicides used in controlling incipient weeds.
Ability to perform tasks using small equipment to perform fire pre-suppression tasks and assist in maintenance of infrastructure and facilities (e.g. skid steer, mini excavator, etc.).
Ability to make necessary preparations to accomplish work assignments.
Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
May be required to provide a clean driver's abstract as deemed necessary by the job requirements and/or the project.
Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform, efficiently and effectively, under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. heat, stinging insects, difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions, etc.).
Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted over uneven terrain.
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.).

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in the fields of Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management or related field.
Experience with ESRI field applications and database systems.
Experience using drones.
Field experience in an active resource or management program to protect ecosystems on Kauai.
Experience working with and coordinating volunteer and environmental education projects.

Responsibilities

Conducts field operations and maintenance to implement natural resource management and watershed protection activities within Kauai's State Forest Reserves in a manner consistent with the DOFAW statewide Forestry program.
Works with partnering agencies as members of the Kauai Watershed Alliance.
Drives project vehicle to access field sites.
Works in the field, as directed, to mitigate threats to forest ecosystems and resources.
Activities include removal and treatment of noxious/invasive species, roadside and natural area fuel reduction and removal, survey/construct/maintain ungulate proof fencing, out-planting of native species, feral ungulate and predator control, maintenance of DOFAW infrastructure, facilities and roadways, and assistance with outreach activities.
Assists supervisor in keeping records of areas that have been treated and controlled.
Maintains program work areas and vehicles, care of program tools, equipment, storage of herbicides, maintaining program inventory, and scheduling and planning daily fieldwork.