Job Details

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

KMWP FIELD OPERATIONS COORDINATOR – ID# 225483. 

CLOSING DATE: September 25, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Craig Gorsuch 808-420-8072 (Oahu). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Ko‘olau Mountain Watersheds Partnership (KMWP), located in Pearl City, Oahu, 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:  $5,286.68 - $5,498.84/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Responsible for the implementation of the Ko‘olau Mountains Watershed Partnership management plan. Develops control strategies and monitoring protocols for maximizing watershed function and mitigating threats from target alien plant and animal species within Ko‘olau region. Field work will range from 25% to 50% of the time with office work taking precedence. Oversees KMWP field operations, wildlife, and GIS programs. Trains staff in equipment maintenance and use. Serves as assistant project safety officer. Conducts safety meetings and inspections and follows up on accidents. Coordinates safety trainings. Serves as helicopter manager for KMWP operations and oversees trip planning and helicopter operations coordination. Works in the field to eradicate or control invasive alien plant and animal species. Drives project vehicles to access field sites. Fieldwork involves reconnaissance, thorough surveys, and mechanical/chemical removal for invasive alien species in natural, urban, and suburban areas. Collects, maintains, and analyzes data, and ensures that project databases are updated and maintained. Assists to develop and write management plans for grants and contracts. Works closely with KMWP Program Manager and field programs, and appropriate partner agencies. Assists with coordinating multi-agency rapid response operations. Manages field work for remote sensing projects designed to assess watershed function and the presence/absence or abundance of invasive species targets. Works in the field with community groups, individuals, and/or Partners. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to KMWP staff. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences, Resources Management/Conservation, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of work experience in field activities relating to invasive species control or natural resources management in Hawai‘i, including communicating and coordinating with agency personnel and private landowners. Experience with large scale landscape restoration. Experience must include one to two (1-2) years of work experience supervising a field crew and at least one (1) year of experience using geographic information systems (GIS) and database applications to analyze data and create interpretive maps. Experience needs to be well-documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field and can include paid internships.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of Hawaiian natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques appropriate for KMWP target species. Knowledge of common native species. Knowledge of appropriate mechanical/chemical control techniques for invasive species, including safe and effective use of pesticides. Knowledge of Hawaiian community, culture, economy, and politics. Knowledge of standard computer programs (i.e. MS Office, Google Suite) including databases and GIS and data collection/management procedures. Knowledge of safety programs and protocols for field operations. Knowledge of aviation programs for tracking helicopter flights and training. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of people. Excellent organizational skills and ability to independently complete multi-step projects by set deadlines. Demonstrated proficiency in following project`s administrative, operational, and safety protocols and use and maintenance of project gear and equipment. Ability to accurately collect, store, and manage data for survey and control activities and to train/mentor staff in these activities. Mapmaking abilities using ArcGIS. Ability to train, work, and troubleshoot with staff in the use of small-mechanized equipment. Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps, state tax map keys (TMK), aerial photographs, and use Global Positioning System (GPS). Ability to collect detailed field data, organize and summarize data, and write clear and concise reports. Ability to use hand tools, heavy equipment, and portable pesticide applicators. 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 review work,  evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct reports. 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. Ability to work in and around helicopters and maintain a helicopter manager certification. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within one (1) month from date of hire. Must be able to complete helicopter external transport (A219) within twelve (12) months of hire. Must be able to complete helicopter manager courses within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification or equivalent training in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). Must possess FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate (or be able to obtain the certificate within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). 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 the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and steep rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions for up to four (4) consecutive days. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to forty (40) pounds. Ability to work in an office environment.

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 island ecosystem processes, Hawaiian watersheds, incipient alien plant invasions, and animal invasions. Experience conducting biological surveys, weed control efforts, and monitoring and mapping vegetation and stream resources within the Ko‛olau Mountains or similar environments. Experience using pesticides and working in and around helicopters. Demonstrated experience using chainsaws. Demonstrated leadership ability. Experience with public speaking. Knowledge of spatial analysis, GIS programming, or graphic representation. Knowledge of Hawaiian tradition and cultural practices. Previous sUAS experience.

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 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.