Job Details

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

NR/ER ORNITHOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN – ID# 225424. 

CLOSING DATE:  September 18, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Brendan Wang 808-439-9560 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Natural Resources/Ecosystem Restoration (NR/ER), 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: $4,220/Mon. 

DUTIES: Participates in a variety of activities associated with the Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Performs various resource management and monitoring activities around the Island of Hawai‘i focusing on native endangered birds. Activities include assisting in the capture, banding, radio-tagging, telemetry tracking, re-sighting of banded forest birds, and identifying birds by sight and sound for forest bird point count surveys. Assists with seabird management including nocturnal surveys, remote sensing, and predator control. Habitat management techniques include small mammal monitoring and trapping, mosquito monitoring, fence-building, and operating a motor vehicle and a variety of field equipment. Must be able to work around and fly in approved helicopters. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college in a biological discipline (e.g., Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or Ecology).

EXPERIENCE

Four to six (4-6) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork (volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). (Bachelor`s Degree in a biological discipline substitute for two (2) years of experience.) Demonstrated experience with at least two (2) of the following techniques: mist netting, banding and collecting blood samples from passerines; radio-tracking and re-sighting marked birds; conducting forest birdsurveys and identifying birds by sightand sound; nestsearching and monitoring, seabirdmonitoring methods, operating ornithological radar, song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management. Demonstrated experience working in remote areas.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of avian ecology, wildlife biology and conservation.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to use mapand compass to navigate in dense forests. Demonstrated hikingability, including off-trail navigation. Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to follow transects and/or mark rare plant or bird locations. Ability to take detailed field notes and use Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel, Access) and other software programs to enter data and generate reports. Must be able to identify Hawai‘i Island`s forest birds by sight and soundand accurately read color bandedbirds. Ability to identify common Hawaiian forest plants. Ability to safely apply herbicides. Must possess a valid driver`s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, mustalso have validpersonal 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 Condition: Must be able to passbasic helicopter safetycourse 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 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. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to lift/carry up to sixty (60) pounds assisted. Abilityto camp in remotes areasfor four to five (4-5)days a week. Ability to work at high altitudes, in cold and rainy or hot and dry 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:   

Experience working with nativeHawaiian flora and fauna,especially Hawaiian forestbirds, and familiarity with local conservation issues. Experience in hunting feral animals. Experience using radio telemetry, GPS, and Globe Information System (GIS).

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.