Job Details

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

NĀPUʻU NRM FENCING & UNGULATE ASSOCIATE I – ID# 226379. 

CLOSING DATE: July 15, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Linda Weaver 808-927-0331 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management (NNRM) at Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and Puʻu Anahulu, located on the island of Hawaiʻi. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,927/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Under the direction of the Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management (NNRM) Specialist, leads fence construction and maintenance, and ungulate control actions in management units in the Project Area. Duties include, but are not limited to checking, maintaining, and constructing conservation fences, conducting native forest restoration and re-vegetation activities, invasive vegetation removal, and trapping, baiting and removing ungulates from fenced units. 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. Leads a variety of activities associated with the NNRM within project area including 1) construction and maintenance of conservation fences; 2) controlling non-native ungulates; 3) checking, baiting, and maintaining ungulate traps and game cameras, and associated data collection; 4) compiling technical field data for monthly and grant reporting. Drives project vehicles and rides in helicopters, as needed, to access field sites. Participates in out planting and outreach and weed control activities. Maintains databases and analyzes data to prepare reports, posters, and/or oral presentations for use in symposia and conferences. 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. Must be willing to work occasional weekends. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Progression job with minimum experience requirements for Level I, and combination of experience and demonstrated competence and abilities for Levels II, III. It will assume the employee to start at Level I (unless justified and qualified to start at a higher level). Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on “time-in-grade”, rather upon incumbent`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. Concurrent experiencies acceptable. (Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college in Terrestrial Biology, Botany, Natural Resource Management, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.). Three to five (3-5) years of experience in natural resource management, to include at least one (1) year of experience in fence construction and ungulate control in a safe and effective manner in a natural setting and at least one (1) year of experience leading a team. 

KNOWLEDGE

Basic knowledge of invasive plant and animal species that occur in Hawai‘i. Basic knowledge of ungulate trapping and dispatch methods. Basic knowledge of conservation fence construction and maintenance. Basic knowledge of safe pesticide application techniques. Basic knowledge of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Basic knowledge of the safe use of air guns.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i. Ability to use global positioning system (GPS) units and smart devices (e.g., tablets) and make maps of management work. Ability to operate power tools including rock hammer and drill, compressor, generator, weed whackers, chainsaws, and mowers. Ability to safely apply pesticides. Ability to take detailed field notes, collect data, and prepare reports. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to lead field assistants and interns. Must be well organized, capable of working independently, have attention to detail, and the ability to communicate observations and ideas to supervisor. Ability to perform repeated tasks with a high level of accuracy and consistency. Ability to coordinate field projects and data collection. 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 with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess the American Red Cross 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 throughout duration of employment. Must complete Wilderness First Aid training within twelve (12) months of hire. Must complete all IACUC required training within six (6) months of hire. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) and sling load training (A219) 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 complete chainsaw training within (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration 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

Ability to lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds unassisted in remote areas on irregular and unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions (e.g., heat, rain, rough terrain, poor footing). Ability to hike with a backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain, through thick vegetation, or on unmarked trails over various substrates (e.g., rough lava,openpasture,andthick,dryforests). Ability to camp in remote areas under inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days. Considerable amount of bending, stooping, crouching, and standing for long periods. Ability to work in physically demanding field conditions (e.g., heat, rain, rough terrain, poor footing), or remote areas where camping and long, irregular workhours are required. Ability to drive manual 4-wheel drive vehicles on steep and challenging roads and to hike long distances over various substrates including rough lava, open pasture, and thick, dry forests, often in wet or cold conditions.

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:   

Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna including threatened and endangered species and restoration techniques for native plants. Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software, such as ArcMap or equivalent. Experience hunting ungulates in Hawai‘i or elsewhere. Knowledge of Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserveand Puʻu Anahulu Game Management Area.

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 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/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 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.