MOLOKAI PLANT EXTINCTION PREVENTION PROGRAM TECHNICIAN III – ID# 226125

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

MOLOKAI PLANT EXTINCTION PREVENTION PROGRAM TECHNICIAN III – ID# 226125.

CLOSING DATE:  March 13, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  PCSU HR 808-956-9512 (Molokai). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), working in support of the Molokai Plant Extinction Prevention (PEP) Program, located in Kaunakakai, 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:  $4,703 - $4,900/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 in conjunction with the East Molokai Watershed Partnership on land controlled by the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, and private landowners. Implements office and fieldwork designed and planned by the Molokai Plant Extinction Prevention (MoPEP) Coordinator, including but not limited to: rare plant collection, monitoring, and surveying; management actions, such as invasive plant control, invertebrate and vertebrate pest control, ungulate control, fencing; outplanting; assisting in scheduling, planning, logistics, and documenting day-to-day fieldwork; and recording and analyzing field data using 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. Required to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles off-road and travel by helicopter to remote sites. Occasional use boats for transportation to field sites and to conduct on-deck botanical surveys along shorelines and off-shore islets. 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

Seven to nine (7-9) years of experience dealing with biological resources in Hawai‘i. Experience needs to be well documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, and non-profit organization in the appropriate field. Includes at least one (1) year of experience supervising or performing as the lead to subordinates. Must have prior experience supervising paid staff and attendance in supervisory training programs. (Bachelor’s Degree in a natural sciences or communication related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.).

KNOWLEDGE

Expert knowledge in vegetation or rare plant monitoring techniques and data collection. Knowledge of herbicide use and weed control techniques. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures. General knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Familiarity with agricultural chemicals and their safe and legal application. Familiarity with basic construction tools and techniques, especially those applicable to fence construction. Knowledge of basic safety practices associated with this type of work.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work and evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct reports. Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to supervise a crew working in a remote outdoor environment. Ability to learn to identify numerous plant species typically encountered at work sites. Ability to safely operate power tools including chain saws, weed eaters, generators, chipper, etc. and hand tools such as machetes, shovel, sledgehammer, etc. Ability to operate desktop computers and other basic office equipment. Must be able to swim and snorkel. 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 willing to maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission in off-road and rugged conditions. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) 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 of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Certifications are contingent on the availability of training and on funding.  Employee will not be expected to carry out the activities without appropriate training and certification. 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 additional duties, such as rappelling, must be certified and be approved by PCSU/RCUH prior to activity. For rappelling duties, must be able to complete rappelling training.

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, and steep terrain).   Ability to hike up to ten (10) miles per day and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, up to five (5) consecutive days. Must not be acrophobic (afraid of heights) due to the need to fly in helicopters, and to work on or near steep terrain. Must be able to work outdoors in poor weather, often at high elevation and with the potential for daily elevation changes of several thousand feet. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry forty (40) pounds unassisted and to move heavy objects weighing over one hundred (100) pounds assisted.

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:    

College coursework in biology, natural sciences or related fields. Technical or research experience with a natural resource management agency, especially pertaining to vegetation or wildlife management.   Familiarity with computers and Geographic Information System (GIS). Work experience using herbicides or other chemicals to control pest organisms.  Experience living/working in a wilderness setting for extended periods of time. Training/experience with helicopter operations.

For a full list of requirements and to apply, please visit us at https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/.