Research Support Staff (NRM Technician, 0097012T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This position implements natural resource management actions in the field for a Natural Resource Management (NRM) Field Team under the direction of a NRM Field Supervisor. The role involves tasks such as rare species monitoring, identification, collection, and reintroduction (plants and animals); mapping using GPS; threat control of weeds, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and ungulates; and ecosystem monitoring. The technician will follow all program safety standards and standard operating procedures, participate in training, and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They will also participate in risk assessments and safety evaluations, and report safety incidents. Under supervision, the role includes safely applying pesticides while adhering to environmental compliance and safety regulations. Support for NRM Field Team operations includes documenting field work, data collection, management, and analysis, maintaining field gear, vehicles, and facilities, action review, and assisting with logistics. The position contributes to program deliverables such as reports, management plans, presentations, and permit applications. Operations may be conducted in UXO-affected areas, support helicopter missions, and involve other high-risk tasks. With experience, the role is expected to gain independence, train junior staff and volunteers, conduct risk assessments, and assume team leadership in a specialty area.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or related field and zero (0) years of progressively responsible professional experience with natural resource management of biological resources in island ecosystems; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of natural resource management of biological resources.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources.
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.
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.
General knowledge of Hawai'i’s native ecosystems, biota, endangered species, and threats.
General knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques for rare and endangered plants and/or animals, such as surveying, monitoring, handling, collection, and reintroduction techniques.
Basic knowledge of ecosystem habitat monitoring.
General knowledge of natural resource management strategies and control techniques for invasive plants and/or animals, such as surveying and monitoring, weed control and herbicide use, habitat restoration and outplanting, small vertebrate trapping and baiting, ungulate removal and exclusion, and invertebrate pest control.
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.
Knowledge of plant identification tools and resources.
Proficient identification of native and non-native plants in Hawai'i.
Basic identification of native and non-native animals in Hawai'i.
Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawai'i.
Experience conducting natural resource management of rare, endangered, common, and invasive plants and animals.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws.

Responsibilities

Implements natural resource management actions in the field for a Natural Resource Management (NRM) Field Team.
Conducts rare species monitoring, identification, collection, and reintroduction (plants and animals).
Performs mapping using GPS or similar technology.
Engages in threat control of weeds, invertebrates, small vertebrates, and ungulates.
Conducts ecosystem monitoring.
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 risk assessments and safety evaluations.
Reports safety incidents in a timely manner.
Safely applies pesticides under NRM Field Supervisor oversight, strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.
Supports NRM Field Team operations through documentation of day-to-day field work.
Performs data collection, management, and analysis.
Maintains field gear, vehicles, base yards, and facilities.
Conducts action reviews.
Assists with logistics.
Contributes to program deliverables for NRM Field Teams, including internal/external reports, management plans, presentations, permit applications/reports, and pesticide-usage documentation.
Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas.
Supports helicopter missions.
May perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
With increased experience and mastery of tasks, is expected to perform actions with increased independence.
Is assigned additional responsibilities, such as training junior staff and volunteers.
Conducts risk assessments.
Assumes team leadership role in one natural resource management specialty area, including associated action review and data quality control.
Performs other duties as assigned.