Program Specialist (Animal Program Manager, 0081300T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist (Animal Program Manager) position is with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), specifically for the Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO). This role involves directing and supervising the ANRPO animal program staff, managing recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance evaluations, and day-to-day oversight. The position leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of the animal program, focusing on invasive species control and rare animal conservation. It requires coordination with various program managers and specialists, guidance on innovative animal management techniques, and oversight of data management and reporting. The role also includes managing contracts for animal program infrastructure, overseeing research and development, engaging in interagency collaboration, and enforcing safety standards. The position may involve operations in UXO-affected areas and other high-risk tasks.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Science, Natural Resource Management, Geography, Environmental Science, or related field.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience with natural resource management of biological resources.
Two (2) years of experience in rare or invasive animal management.
Two (2) years of experience in team leadership or supervision.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of rare and invasive animal management, strategies, monitoring, tools, and techniques in Hawai‘i.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; software for statistical analysis and graphing; and ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.
For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards/expectations, and foster professional development.
Knowledge of Hawaiian rare animals (e.g. birds, snails, bats, insects) and invasive animals (e.g. ungulates, small vertebrates, slugs, arthropods), including identification, biology, natural history, and threats.
Demonstrated working knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques, native ecosystems, native and invasive flora, and ecosystem threats.
Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor, including a government security investigation and eligibility verification for access to unclassified information.
Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire.
Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire.
Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire.
If selected for chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
Ability and willingness to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain).
Able to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
Required to comply with all applicable RCUH, University of Hawai‘i, and business entity policies, procedures, and training as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai‘i.
Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed, especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules.
Experience running field operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment.
Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
Experience obtaining State or Federal permits.
Familiarity with pesticide regulations, Experimental Use Permits, and Special Local Needs labels.
Experience publishing scientific studies, such as a thesis, peer-reviewed article, or technical paper.
Experience with contracts (writing, managing, procuring, or carrying out) and purchasing regulations.
Experience managing helicopter operations in the field.
Experience with building and maintaining ungulate-proof fencing, and back-country construction.
Ability to balance competing priorities across multiple projects, and lead projects from planning through completion.

Responsibilities

Directs, supervises, and supports Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO) animal program staff.
Manages recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance evaluations, promotions, disciplinary actions, and day-to-day oversight.
Leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of ANRPO’s animal program, focusing on invasive species control and rare animal conservation efforts.
Coordinates with program managers, coordinators, field supervisors, biologists, and specialists on animal program projects, initiatives, management plans, and actions.
Guides the development and operational use of innovative animal management techniques, field methodologies, and research-based practices.
Provides oversight, mentorship, and technical support for Biologists and Technicians conducting monitoring, control, and data collection activities.
Directs staff on relevant field actions.
Oversees and ensures consistency of data management, quality control, and analysis across animal programs.
Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of programmatic deliverables, including internal and external reports and presentations, action review, permit review and reporting, pesticide usage documentation, and collaborative agency updates.
Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
Implements, and monitors, and provides oversight for fieldwork initiatives focusing on invasive animal and rare animal management.
Develops, oversees, and monitors contracts related to animal program infrastructure projects (e.g., fencing, enclosures).
Oversees research, development, and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance animal management.
Conducts and manages experimental trials, distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve animal management practices.
Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination, participating in working groups, consultations, and meetings.
Incorporates and enforces comprehensive safety standards, ensuring program-wide adherence to standard operating procedures, timely reporting of incidents, and appropriate personnel action and training.
Reviews and revises standard operating procedures.
Leads and supports staff development activities, including hands-on training in field techniques, native and invasive species identification, and safety practices.
Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas, supports helicopter missions, and may perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Other duties as assigned.