Job Details

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

‘ALALĀ RESEARCH & RECOVERY FIELD COORDINATOR – ID# 225359. 

CLOSING DATE: August 5, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Caroline Thow 808-797-8711 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), East Hawai‘i Wildlife (EHW), located in Hilo, 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:  $5,742.65 - $5,973.12/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Conducts fieldwork and develops reintroduction planning, small mammalian predator control program, post-release monitoring research and adaptive management needed to recover ‘Alalā (Hawaiian Crow) in Hawai‘i, with a primary focus on releases on Hawai‘i Island. Develops and implements the Hawai‘i Island ‘Alalā Reintroduction Plan. Coordinates and supervises the field teams and all necessary tasks to implement the plan. Coordinates research and field activities, quantifies threats, identifies limiting factors, develops strategies to mitigate threats and establish additional populations of ‘Alalā. Develops research and management goals and strategies with the ‘Hui Alalā and ‘Alalā Planning Groups. Convenes meetings and provides updates and   reports to the ‘Alalā Working Group and partners. Track expenses and organizes purchasing paperwork. Assists with grant reports and grant proposals to support and develop research and management activities to supplement funds. Recruits and oversees seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. Procures equipment, assures maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. Drives project vehicles to field sites. Identifies the primary community groups, organizations, landowners, and individuals with an interest in ‘Alalā recovery and educates the public on the reintroduction. Increases public knowledge of the threats to ‘Alalā and its habitat requirements. Promotes ‘Alalā recovery in the state, national, and international media by developing news releases, promoting special activities (e.g., exhibits, fundraisers, and volunteer activities), and recognizing stakeholders and landowners. Conducts data analysis and drafting of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at meetings. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Master`s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science or related field.  (Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university and at least two (2) years of independent research/management in conservation of a critically endangered avian species, in addition to the experience requirement may substitute for a Master`s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE

Three to five (3-5) years of experience conducting research on birds or other wildlife. Experience must also include at least three (3) years of experience on three or more of the following: (1) working with endangered species; (2) working on reintroduction/translocation projects; (3) mist-netting, handling and banding experience; (4) demonstrated grant writing and fundraising experience; (5) experience in partnership projects. Experience must include at least three (3) years of experience overseeing staff.

KNOWLEDGE

Working knowledge in the principles and techniques of conservation biology, remote field operations, predator control, and conservation management. Working knowledge of natural history relevant to native Hawaiian wildlife, or similar environments. Working knowledge of native Hawaiian ecosystems, native Hawaiian plants and wildlife, or similar environments. Proficient knowledge of techniques used to inventory and monitor wildlife, and other natural resource assets, including experimental design and data analysis.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to organize, lead, and train others, including volunteers. Ability to respond to the public and media requests, develop targeted reintroduction plans, and associated compliance documents, and acts as a liaison for interested stakeholders. Ability to keep records and prepare reports. Abilitytoorganizemulti- faceted projects with excellent attention to detail. Able to conduct data management and analyses. Ability to estimate costs associated with complex projects and to project budget requirements for future program needs. Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers.Mustbeableandwillingtooverseeandimplementexotic mammal control methods.Mustpossessavaliddriver`slicense(andifuse 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 thedurationofemployment.Mustbeabletodrivea4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid (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 (A100) within three (3) months from date of hire and (A219) within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to hike, backpack, camp, andworkeffectivelyandsafelyinremoteandruggedareasforupto five (5) days at a time under inclement weather conditions, while carrying heavy packs of up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.

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:   

Experience in project management and administration and public relations. Helicopter operations management experience. Knowledge of Hawaiian biota and ecosystem threats.KnowledgeofHawaiian cultural practices or Hawaiian studies. Field experience with critically endangered Hawaiian birds. Expertise in database design and management. Avicultural experience, including husbandry and blood extraction. Experience with reintroduction or translocation of avian species.

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 rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. 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 of Hawai‘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.