Research Associate (Animal Program Technician, 0077546T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary, full-time position for a Research Associate (Animal Program Technician) within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO). The role involves implementing planned invasive and native rare animal program actions in the field, supporting program coordinators and biologists, and contributing to program deliverables. The position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience with natural resource management of native or invasive animals in island ecosystems; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the areas of natural resource management of biological resources, particularly terrestrial rare, endangered, common, and invasive animals, including strategies, monitoring methods, tools, and threat control techniques.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources, including the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of natural resource management of biological resources, particularly terrestrial native and non-native animals.
Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency with programs 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.
Functional knowledge of invasive animal identification, biology, and natural history.
Functional knowledge of natural resource management strategies and control techniques for invasive animals and pests, such as surveying and monitoring, small vertebrate trapping and baiting, ungulate removal and exclusion, fence construction and maintenance, and invertebrate pest control.
Basic knowledge of rare animal identification, biology, natural history, and threats.
Functional knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques for rare and endangered animals, such as surveying, monitoring, handling, collection, translocation, and reintroduction techniques.
Familiarity with pesticide use, handling, reporting, and related safety protocols.
General knowledge of natural resource management practices and control techniques for invasive plants, rare plant management, and ecosystem habitat monitoring.
Functional knowledge of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems, biota, endangered species, and threats.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and record keeping skills.
Familiarity with terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
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 through provided training. Certification must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
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 and maintain throughout duration of employment.
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 and maintain throughout duration of employment.
Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day with a 35-pound backpack, camp in rugged terrain and in remote areas for up to four (4) days at a time, and conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., mud, extreme weather, steep terrain).
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.
Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
Familiarity with biological database use and maintenance.
Attendance in hunter education training.
Experience conducting ungulate control via hunting or trapping.
Expertise in building or repairing ungulate exclusion fences.
Field experience conducting rodent control in a wildland setting and knowledge of rodent control techniques.
Experience controlling other small vertebrate pests, such as birds, mongoose, or feral cats.
Experience controlling invasive invertebrate and forest pests, such as coconut rhinoceros beetle and little fire ant.
Field experience with rare snails, rare arthropods, rare birds, or other rare vertebrates.
Proficient identification of native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i.
Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawai‘i.
Experience conducting pest management on Army installations, including communications with customers and community members.
Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
Knowledge of safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations and knowledge of hazard risk assessments and safety planning.
Proficient ability to organize biological data, conduct data analyses, and present findings, both written and oral.
Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in field settings.

Responsibilities

Independently implements planned invasive animal program actions in the field under the direction of the Animal Program Coordinator, including fence clearing, construction, inspection, materials staging and management, repair, assisting in oversight of construction contracts, maintenance of predator exclusion enclosures, conducting control field work, assisting with development of novel tools and techniques, clearing trails, and mapping with GPS.
Independently implements planned native rare animal program actions in the field, including surveying for and monitoring rare animals such as snails, birds, bats, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, damselflies, picture-wing flies, and other arthropods.
Supports Animal Program Coordinator, Animal Team Biologists, coordinators, field team supervisors, and specialists in project planning, execution, and review.
Schedules logistics for assigned operations.
Leads assigned projects.
Trains junior staff and volunteers.
Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures, participates in and stays current on training, wears all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate, participates in and, when necessary, leads risk assessments and safety evaluations, and reports safety incidents in a timely manner.
Safely applies pesticides, strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.
Supports Animal Team operations via documentation of day-to-day field work; data collection, management, and analysis; maintenance of field gear, vehicles, base yards, and other facilities; inventory of supplies; action review; assistance with planning and logistics; and collaboration with partners.
Contributes to efforts to continually document and improve animal program protocols and best practices, researches new technologies and methods, contributes to experimental trials, and contributes to program deliverables, including internal/external reports, management plans, presentations, permit applications/reports, and pesticide-usage documentation.
Implements Army installation animal pest control actions in response to direct requests from the US Army Garrison -Hawai’i Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, including surveying, mapping, monitoring, employing control and deterrent methods, developing new management techniques, collecting data, and preparing reports.
Assists USAG-HI Integrated Pest Management Coordinator with pesticide reporting for Army installations on O’ahu.
Supports the Animal Team through advanced independent implementation of projects, such as leading complex field operations, designing and implementing trials and research, developing new control techniques and strategies, conducting complex data analyses, and preparing analytical reports with recommendations.
Secondarily supports general ANRPO field operations, including rare plant management, invasive plant management, and field team projects.
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.