PCSU MAUI NUI FUELS MITIGATION FIELD CREW LEADER – ID# 226697

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

PCSU MAUI NUI FUELS MITIGATION FIELD CREW LEADER – ID# 226697.

CLOSING DATE: November 13, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES:  Abraham Puz 808-268-6315. 

(2) 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), Forest Management section located in Maui, 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:  $4,220/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Assists with overseeing and assigns work to Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) Fuels Mitigation Crew and works alongside of field personnel involved in fuels mitigation, fire break maintenance, fuel break upkeep, building and maintaining fence lines, controlling alien plant invasions, restoring native vegetation, monitoring the native ecosystems. Oversees temporary staff, interns, and volunteers, in the field, in carrying out resource management efforts. Utilizes good judgement in reviewing and approving time reporting; assessing performance of direct reports by evaluating work quality and performance of specified job duties (e.g., conduct performance evaluations of direct reports). Develops direct reports through instruction for increased proficiency in abilities, skills, and knowledge in relation to job duties/responsibilities and pre-determined standards. Provides assistance with training field crew in appropriate work methods and procedures. Organizes schedules and produces work plans for all field activities under the guidance of the Maui Forest Management Supervisor. Ensures field staff compliance with RCUH/PCSU standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field work, and crew safety/safe work practice. Initiates appropriate disciplinary measures  for non-compliance when necessary. Collaborates with Maui Forest Management Supervisor and Forester IV on a regular basis in developing natural resource goals and project objectives, and assigning fieldwork responsibilities to Field Assistants, temporary staff, interns, and volunteers. Assists with overseeing fuel mitigation and vegetation management work, fence building, inspections, and maintenance programs.  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. Travels and works in and around helicopters. Works extended, irregular hours. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college or university. (High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and two (2) years of experience in work related to natural resource management may substitute for an Associate’s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE:

Two to four (2-4) years of field experience directly related to natural resource conservation, agriculture, forestry, or similar work in Hawai‘i. Includes at least one (1) year of experience overseeing or performing as the lead to subordinates, including prior experience supervising paid staff and attendance in supervisory training programs.

KNOWLEDGE:

General knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. General knowledge of fire and fuel breaks. 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 communicate orally and in writing and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to assist with overseeing 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 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. Post-Offer/Employment Conditions: 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 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 chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of 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 complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months from date of hire.

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, wildfire science, natural sciences or related fields. Technical or research experience with a natural resource management agency, especially pertaining to vegetation, wildfire 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) 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.