NR/ER FIELD CREW LEADER – ID# 225519

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

NR/ER FIELD CREW LEADER – ID# 225519.

CLOSING DATE:  October 29, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Michelle Takai 808-797-7889 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), working in support of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Native Ecosystem Protection and Management (NEPM) located in Kamuela, Hawai‘i. Work sites are in Natural Area and Forest Reserves throughout Hawai‘i district, and occasionally on other Hawaiian Islands.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $4,220/Mon.

DUTIES:  Supervises and assigns work to Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) Natural Resources/Ecosystem Restoration (NR/ER) personnel involved in building and maintaining fence lines, controlling alien plant invasions, restoring native vegetation, vertebrate pest management, monitoring the native ecosystem and controlling feral animals. Oversees Field Technicians, temporary staff, interns, and volunteers in carrying out resource management efforts. Develops personnel by instruction for increased proficiency in abilities, skills, and knowledge in relation to job duties/responsibilities and pre-determined standards. Duties include, but are not limited to, project management, leadership of work, and managing safety of personnel. Provides assistance with training field crew in appropriate work methods and procedures. Manages schedules and produces work plans for all field activities under the guidance of the Hawai‘i Natural Resources Management Specialist. Ensures staff compliance with RCUH/PCSU standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field work, and crew safety/safe work practice. Initiates appropriate disciplinary measures (with concurrence of Hawai‘i Natural Resources Management Specialist) for non-compliance when necessary. Collaborates with Hawai‘i Natural Resources Management Specialist on a regular basis in developing natural resource goals and project objectives, and assigning fieldwork responsibilities to Field Technicians, temporary staff, interns, and volunteers. Leads fence building, inspections, and maintenance programs. Performs and delegates responsibilities to Field Technicians for fence maintenance and repair. Leads feral animal removal projects. Responsible for the use, basic maintenance, and inventory of vehicles, tools, equipment, and supplies, and ensures proper and safe use by field crew. Operates 4-wheel drive (4WD) trucks, All-Terrain Vehicles, and such equipment and tools as chainsaws, drills, weed-eaters, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), handheld radios, cameras, etc. Assists with collection of various data in the field and entry of data into computers, preparation of simple maps, and other basic record keeping. Performs simple maintenance on tools and vehicles. Must adhere to equipment use, pesticide use, and invasive species prevention protocols. Upon approval, loads, unloads, aims, and fires air guns from a variety of body positions in authorized project-related research or wildlife control programs. Performs these functions in a safe manner in varying environments and weather conditions. Disassembles, cleans, inspects, and reassembles air guns. Maintains air guns and related equipment in a proper, functional, and safe manner. Travels and works in and around helicopters. Works extended, irregular hours. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: Please view full list of qualifications on the RCUH website.

EDUCATION

Associate’s Degreefromanaccredited community college or university. (High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and two (2) years ofexperienceinwork relatedto natural resource management may substitute for an Associate’s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of field experience directly related to naturalresourceconservation,agriculture,forestry,orsimilarworkinHawai‘i. Includes at least one (1) year of experience supervising or performing as lead to subordinates.

KNOWLEDGE

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 threatsfrom alienspecies.Familiaritywithagriculturalchemicalsandtheir safe and legal application. Familiarity with basic construction tools and techniques,especiallythoseapplicabletofenceconstruction.Knowledgeof 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 througheffectivecommunicationandleadership.Abilitytoassignworkand to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work.Ability to review work and evaluate performance, and develop requiredjobcompetenciesofdirectreports.Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to comprehendcomplexverbalandwritteninstructions.Abilitytosupervisea crew working in a remote outdoor environment.Ability to learn to identify numerousplantspeciestypicallyencounteredatworksites. Abilitytosafely operatepowertoolsincludingchainsaws,weedeaters,generators,chipper, etc.andhandtoolssuchasmachetes,shovel,sledgehammer,etc.Abilityto operatedesktopcomputersandotherbasicofficeequipment.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 maintainthroughoutthedurationofemployment.Mustbeabletodrivea4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to hike 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. Skilled trades work such as carpentry, engine mechanics or other construction/maintenance experience. 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.

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) 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/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.