NNRM RESTORATION & OUTPLANTING FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 225459

Sep 03 2025
Category: Environmental
Job Description

 

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

 

 

 

NNRM RESTORATION & OUTPLANTING FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 225459.

 

CLOSING DATE: September 24, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Linda Weaver 808-927-0331 (Hawai‘i). 

 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Napu‘u Natural Resources Management (NNRM) project, located 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:  $3,525/Mon. 

 

DUTIES:  Participates in a wide variety of activities associated with the NNRM project and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) at the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a State Forest Reserve (PWW) and Pu‘uanahulu Game Management Area (PAHGMA). Assists in the restoration, outplanting, and maintenance of native Hawaiian plants and restoration areas, including rare, threatened, and endangered species. Assists in a varietyof activitiesrelatingtohabitat restoration intheprojectareaincluding: 1)driving project vehicles to conduct outplanting activities, and monitoring native and threatened and endangered plant species, 2) controlling non-native plants through chemical and mechanical means, 3) up-potting and maintaining plants in the NNRM Native Plant Nursery, 4) managing plant pathogens and insect pests in the nursery, 5) coordinating and leading groups of volunteers and interns in outplanting activities to meet yearly outplanting goals, 6) constructing, checking and repairing conservation fences, 7) collecting technical field data and entering data into the database using smart devices. Other duties will include conducting weed and rodent abatement activities, performing routine greenhouse maintenance and repairs, following greenhouse phytosanitary procedures including Integrative Pest Management (IPM), and collection of plant propagules. Adapts to changing plans and communicates observations and ideas to supervisors to help develop solutions to new and on-going challenges faced in implementing project goals. Work schedule may vary but is typically four (4)/ten (10) hourdaysbutmustbewillingto workoccasionalweekendsorfive(5)daywork weeks, as needed. 

 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

 

EDUCATION

HighSchoolDiplomaorG.E.D.equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

At least one (1) year of field experience working in natural resource management or a closely related field, preferably in Hawai‘i.(At leastone(1)yearofcollegelevelcourseworkfromanaccreditedcollegeor university in a related discipline (i.e., Biology, Zoology, or related Natural Science) may substitute for the experience requirement).

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Good working knowledge of natural resource management practices. Knowledgeofcompass,map,andGPShand-held unitsandnavigationtechniquesinremoteareas.Knowledgeofmethodsfor takingdetailedfieldnotesanddatacollection.Knowledgeof safepesticide application practices. Knowledge of techniques for constructing, maintaining, and repairing ungulate exclusion fences. Knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to take detailed field notes and collect data. Ability to input field data into spreadsheets and databases, andabletoassist inpreparationof draft reports.Ability to use GPS units to document rare plantsandseedcollectionsites.Goodverbalandwritten communication skills. Ability to safely apply pesticides. Ability to lead volunteers and to coordinate field projects and data collection.Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to drive on steep and challenging road.Must possess avaliddriver’slicense(andifuseofpersonalvehicle onthejobisrequired,mustalsohavevalidpersonal 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 possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within twelve (12) months from date of hire. 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 obtain chainsaw certification within twelve (12) months of hire and maintain throughout employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Able to lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds unassisted on irregular, unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions in remote areas.Able to collect field and nursery data often under difficult conditions (heat, rain, poor footing), which requires  attention  to  detail. Able  to  hike  with backpack up to twelve (12) miles over various substrates including rough lava, open pasture, dry forests, rough terrain,thickvegetation,orunmarkedtrailsandcampinremoteareasunder inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days. Considerable amountofbending,stooping,crouching,andstandingforlong periods.

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:    

 

Basicprinciplesofplantpropagation,irrigation design and construction, pest identificationandcontrol,andfertilizerapplication.FamiliaritywithimplementingIPM practices.Identification of common nursery plant pests.Identification of common plant diseases and nutrient deficiency symptoms.Experience in propagation and cultivation of rare Hawaiian plant species.Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) software.

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/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, you may 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/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ 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.