Field Technician, Hawai' in Honolulu, Hawaii

Field Technician

Application Instructions:
As we aim to have the Field Technician start as soon as possible, if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply early, as we will remove this posting as soon as we have a competitive candidate pool. If this posting is live on our Careers site, we are still accepting applications. We will review and consider all submitted applications.

Internal applicants (TNC employees) must apply through Workday via the Jobs Hub.

What We Can Achieve Together:
The Hawai'i Island Terrestrial Program manages 12,800 acres at three TNC-owned preserves located on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa volcano in the districts of South Kona and Ka'ū. The Field Technician will support stewardship priorities at each preserve and be based out of the Kona Hema Preserve where 23 miles of fences protect wet, mesic and seasonally mesic forest extending from 2,000 to 5,720 feet elevation.

The Program office is located in Waiʻōhinu, Ka'ū but this position will report to Honomalino.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Field Technician position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented, self-starter to play an essential role in ecosystem threat abatement operations. These operations include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to forests and native ecosystems. The Field Technician must be able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to five nights at a time each quarter in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions as well as do multiple day trips.

The work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, including helicopter operations and handling firearms, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Technician will assist the Hawai'i Island team and partners with all aspects of field operations and office support that may include fence construction/ surveys/ repairs, feral ungulate control, predator control, trail maintenance, alien plant removal, vegetation monitoring and baseyard, vehicle and equipment maintenance.

The Field Technician will regularly use GPS in the field and download, compile and manage monitoring data with a spatial database to produce GIS summary maps, and will assist the Natural Resource Manager (NRM) with developing resource management plans and reports using a database or PC. The Field Technician may assist with leading volunteers and volunteer groups on service work events and help conduct outreach activities which include assisting with interpretive hikes, special events and educational field trips.

Compliance with field safety protocols, preserve use policies, baseyard rules, and alien species cleanliness protocols is essential. The Field Technician must be able to communicate with hike participants and colleagues on field conditions and project status. This position is supervised by the Kona Hema Field Coordinator. The Field Technician is expected to manage their time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations.

The Field Technician must communicate and write effectively. Night work while in the field and occasional weekend work may be required. Some remote office work may be required. This is a termed, full-time position with an estimated end date of August 10, 2028.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Requires work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain and long hours in isolated settings.
• Will obtain licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Aid/CPR, helicopter safety and sling load training, Hawai'i State hunting license, and commercial drone pilot license to be able to perform the essential functions of the Field Technician.
• Will be expected to provide aid and respond to injuries by administering first aid or CPR while out working in the field or leading hikes.
• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers with responsibility for training and development.
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to meet program goals and gain support for the Conservancy.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; must make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in science-related or similar field and 1 year of related experience in Hawai'i natural resources management or custodial and ecological land management (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as an associates, technical or vocational degree and 3 years of related experience).
• Experience with natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to land management in Hawaii.
• Experience operating, using and repairing various types of equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.,…