Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
HCSU FUTURE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FELLOW – ID# 226213.
CLOSING DATE: April 22, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Lori Bufil 808-932-7977 (Hawai‘i).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Hawai’i Cooperative Studies Unit (HCSU) at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo (UHH) in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (USGS PIERC). Work location is in the USGS PIERC office in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai‘i. 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: $3,815 - $4,030/Mon.
DUTIES: Provides support to project staff in the development and implementation of all aspects of research across the diverse suite of research projects within Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center’s (PIERC) portfolio. Trains on protocols and helps with field and laboratory components for projects. Assists with creating and writing field and lab methodologies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). UsesGlobal Positioning System (GPS) and maps to navigate in remote forested areas. Creates maps and transfers data between handheld GPS units and databases using ArcGIS (Geographic Information System). Drives a government vehicle over a combination of paved and 4WD roads to ranging in distances from thirty to one hundred and five (30-105) miles from the field station, to get to remote field sites. Enters and manages data both in the field, laboratory, and at the office. Enters data into databases, data file repositories, and spreadsheets, assures data is properly collected, performs data quality control and management, and assists with other aspects of the project. Submits regular progress reports on fieldwork and works with the Project Leaders on developing reports for technical or journal publications.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or related conservation science, natural resources, or biological discipline.
EXPERIENCE
Up to one (0-1) year of experience conducting biological research, field survey or laboratory work in Hawai‘i including data collection, management, and method documentation.
KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of Hawai‘i’s diverse ecosystems, conservation challenges, flora and fauna, principles of Hawai‘i terrestrial ecology and conservation biology, and social landscapes. Familiarity with scientific research methods related to conservation biology. Knowledge of general methods involving gathering and recording field data for research and management projects, including use of computers to download data under field conditions. Competent in word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Effective oral and written communication skills to plan and document activities, write progress reports and field and lab protocols to assist with project reports and publications. Demonstrated ability to work at remote field sites in a safe and efficient manner. Ability to perform field and laboratory data collection and data management. Ability to maintain good rapport with project staff in collection of data. Ability to develop strategies and protocols for data collection efforts. Ability to safely operate power tools including table saws, skill saws, band saws, impact drivers, drill, etc. and hand tools such as machetes, shovel, hammer, sledgehammer, etc. Ability to record and navigate to field sites using a map, compass, and handheld GPS unit. Ability to work with ArcGIS and data management software (e.g., Excel, R). Ability to enter and manage data, and perform basic data analysis. 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. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within six (6) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. 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. Applicants selected must be able to meet security requirements for working in a Federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a Federal background check performed within one (1) month from date of hire. Must be able to complete machine guarding and power tool safety training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Fieldwork will involve bending, walking, and hiking over rough and uneven terrain. Must be able to work under exposure to conditions ranging from hot and dry to cold and wet. Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Ability and willingness to conduct field work in rugged terrain under difficult conditions (e.g., steep and uneven trails, cold, dust, high winds, poor footing, etc.). Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, for up to five (5) consecutive days. Laboratory work will involve use of standard laboratory equipment, including pipettes, centrifuges, autoclave, and other equipment as needed.
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:
Past participant of the Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Science (PIPES) undergraduate internship program. Additional years of experience in ecological research in Hawai‘i.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University ofHawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.