PCSU/KESRP FIELD TECHNICIAN – ID# 225662
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
PCSU/KESRP FIELD TECHNICIAN – ID# 225662.
CLOSING DATE: December 2, 2025. INQUIRIES: Dilek Sahin 808-639-2644 (Kauai).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), located in Lihue, Kaua‘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: $4,701/Mon.
DUTIES: Implements management (primarily predator and invasive plant control) and research activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i: ‘a‘o (Puffinus newelli), ‘ua‘u (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and ‘akē‘akē (Oceanodroma castro). Assists Project Coordinator in coordinating all aspects of the invasive animal and plant management activities. Conducts fieldwork regarding locating and monitoring, endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i. Operates lethal predator traps and air guns for predator control, a motor vehicle and a variety of equipment for research studies. Uses manual and chemical control methods for invasive plant management. Requires biological fieldwork primarily in remote areas, accessed by 4-wheel drive, helicopter, small boat, or extended hiking.Camping for up to two (2) weeks in remote field sites required as part of duties. Requires the use of air guns for predator control. Works irregular hours, with some duties occurring in the evening or very early morning.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in a related biological science.
EXPERIENCE
Three to five (3-5) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork (volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: natural resource conservation related hunting and trapping experience (lethal predator control), seabird monitoring methods, auditory point counts. Demonstrated remote area experience.
KNOWLEDGE
Proficient knowledge of safe use of firearms and wildlife traps. Knowledge of the importance of animal welfare. Knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation. Working knowledge of conservation and monitoring techniques of bird populations.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Demonstrated ability to euthanize trapped animals humanely and understand the importance of humane treatment of all species. Skills in applying herbicides safely and effectively following label directions and safety protocols (no restricted-use products). Ability to maintain, clean, and troubleshoot common field tools, traps, and herbicide application equipment. Ability and skills in avian population ecology research and conservation techniques, particularly colonial nesting seabirds. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation using a handheld GPS and maps.Proficient ability to use Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace to undertake fieldreporting.Abilityto communicateeffectivelybothorallyandinwriting. Attention to detail and high level of organization. Mustbeabletolocatebirdsbytheircalls. 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. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete online basic helicopter safety (A100) course within one (1) month and crew member level training within one (1) year from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must possess 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 throughoutduration of employment.Must pass twelve (12) month probationary period and receive minimum satisfactory performance evaluation prior to approval of air guns usage. Must obtain and maintain National Rifle Association or National Park Service firearms training (or other comparable training) and State of Hawai‘i/DLNR Hunter Education Program firearms certification and maintain throughout duration of employment. As a condition of employment, all certifications must be obtained and maintained as specified by the certifying agency or as required by State and Federal laws. Failure to pass the air gun qualification requirements may be grounds for disqualification of part or all of the job duties.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Fieldwork will be required in remote, densely vegetated, wet forest areas, sometimes with extremely wet and cool conditions as well as on offshore islets with extremely hot conditions.Requires strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted. Ability to live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. Requires ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended period of 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:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest and background training in predator control for conservation or seabird ecology, particularly burrow-nesting seabirds. Demonstrated ability to identify local native and non-native flora and fauna. Experience working with endangered bird species and/or Hawaiian birds. Banding experience, particularly with seabirds. Experience with use of Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) and open-source data analysis (R, Python, etc.) software.
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.
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