Mkwp Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator

Show MKWP WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION COORDINATOR – # 226347

RCUH is a State agency, established by the Legislature in 1965, and is attached to the University of Hawaiʻi for administrative purposes. Its enabling legislation is codified as Chapter 304A - 3001 to 3011 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.

Full‑Time:
Regular, Full‑Time, RCUH Non‑Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) located Lahaina, Maui, Hawai‘i.

Monthly Salary: $5,497.35 – $6,500/Mon.

Closing Date:
June 30, 2026.

This position involves regular field work in remote and challenging terrain to implement wildfire mitigation and recovery strategies. The overarching aim of this position is to reduce landscape level watershed threats from wildfire within and around the 50,000‑acre watershed project area. It manages, plans, implements, coordinates, and facilitates wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs under the guidance of the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) Program Manager and the MKWP Watershed Management Plan.

The role works as part of a team to serve the MKWP mission to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by threats such as invasive species, human impacts, and especially, wildfire. It leads and supports on‑ground actions such as vegetation control (manual and chemical), construction of fire and fuel breaks, and other landscape‑level wildfire prevention efforts. Travel to field sites—by vehicle or air—is required.

The position works with MKWP land‑owning partners, NGOs, the County of Maui Fire Department, State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, other agencies, landowners, contractors, and MKWP staff to implement and update plans and actions. The coordinator represents MKWP and helps coordinate and attend meetings involving strategies to mitigate wildfire threats, define priorities and enhance collaboration. It writes and manages grants to support partnership planned priorities and hires personnel.

It develops and implements post‑fire rehabilitation plans and strategies. It maintains spatial data in GIS and produces map products and reports for internal and grant requirements. Fieldwork requires working with herbicides, working in and around helicopters. This position is not involved or exposed to direct fire line suppression operations.

Education

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Natural Science, or related field (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Biological or Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Wildfire Science or related field and an additional two years of related work experience may substitute for a Master’s Degree).

Experience

• One to three (1–3) years of experience in natural resource management, fire prevention planning, or environmental outreach. Experience must include grant writing, budget formulation and project management.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of wildland fire, invasive species and control methods.
• Knowledge of using word processing software including Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Knowledge of GIS and data management.

Abilities & Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups both orally and in writing, and present a positive public image.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations, take the initiative, and come up with innovative approaches to educating the public about wildland fire.
• Willingness to implement mitigation projects and educational and community events with a high degree of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, prioritize and schedule time, and effectively communicate scheduling.
• Ability to craft media releases and outreach materials.
• Ability to safely apply pesticides, use power tools and hand tools (e.g., weed whackers and sickles).
• Ability to use a GPS to take waypoints and track files.
• Ability to take detailed field notes and collect data by hand or on smart devices.
• Ability to coordinate and work with agency, landowner and volunteer groups.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license…