Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
KAUAI PLANT EXTINCTION PREVENTION PROGRAM TECHNICIAN I – ID# 226409.
CLOSING DATE: August 5, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Scott Heintzman 808-264-8403 (Kauai).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Plant Extinction Prevention (PEP) Program, located on Kauai, 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: $4,071/Mon.
DUTIES: The primary goal of the PEP Program is to implement rare plant conservation actions to prevent the extinction of critically rare species, focusing on species that have fewer than 50 wild plants remaining (i.e., PEP species). Work will be conducted on land controlled by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), private landowners, and watershed partnerships located on the island of Kauai. Assists in office and/or field work planned by the supervisor including, but not limited to, rare plant collection, monitoring, surveying, and protection; and alien plant and animal control (e.g., weed control, invertebrate and vertebrate pest control, ungulate control, and fencing). Drives to access field sites. Assists in planning and documenting work such as scheduling, planning logistics, and documenting day-to-day field work. Records and analyzes field data using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and computer aided programs. Work must be done in accordance with applicable Federal and State regulations and laws, especially regarding endangered species, safety and health, and pesticides use. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee’s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college or university in a Biological or an Environmental Science field.
EXPERIENCE
Three to five (3-5) years of experience dealing with biological resources in Hawaiʻi. Experience needs to be documented well and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field. (Bachelor’s Degree in a natural sciences or communication related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.).
KNOWLEDGE
Good knowledge of vegetation or rare plant monitoring techniques and data collection. Knowledge of herbicide use and weed control techniques.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Ability to use a GPS, altimeter, compass, and maps. Computer literate. 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 with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within six (6) months from date of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) 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 employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. If selected for rappelling duties, must be able to complete rappelling training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Able and willing to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain). Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day, backpack with up to 35 pounds of weight, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
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:
Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on the island of Kauai, Hawai‘i. Knowledge of endangered species management, safety, and logistical requirements necessary to carry out field operations. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws. Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and display natural resource assets, environmental impacts, and their interrelationships. Previous experience in weed and ungulate control (especially monitoring and fence construction), helicopter operations in Hawaiʻi; work with chain saws and digging and cutting tools; and herbicides. Current State of Hawaiʻi certification to apply pesticides. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. Ability to record biological data with a GPS and download data from GPS unit into a computer.
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.