Research Associate – Field Crew Leader Hawai’ VINE Project

Job Purpose

Conduct investigative research requiring the application and analysis of standard tests and procedures as defined by the project.

We are seeking an experienced biologist to be the field crew leader for a project on Oʻahu, Hawai'i as part of the Hawaiʻi VINE (Vertebrate Introductions and Novel Ecosystems) Project. The project is a multi-disciplinary effort between University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa, Northern Arizona University, University of Wyoming, and US Army Natural Resources Program. The VINE project has been running since 2014 and has involved over 70 field technicians, 20 undergraduate students, and 6 graduate students.

The project has also been involved in over 150 outreach events on Oʻahu, an essential part of our mission. The VINE project investigates seed dispersal networks comprised of interacting native and non‑native plant and vertebrate species in mesic and wet forest ecosystems. Specifically, the project will focus on (1) quantifying vertebrate seed disperse rs and their interactions across space and time, (2) conducting an experiment to remove non‑native plant species and evaluate the impacts on bird behavior and seed dispersal of the remaining plants, and (3) evaluating the factors that influence temporal variation in seed dispersal.

Field work will include invasive plant removal, behavioral observations, point counts, game cameras on plants, identification of and surveys of plants, and plant experiments. The candidate selected for this position will work closely with the graduate students on the project. The candidate will train field technicians, help hire field technicians, conduct field work, oversee monthly reports to funding agency, help organize monthly outreach, and oversee equipment maintenance.

• Supervise a field crew of 4-8 people
• Coordinate with graduate students on the project
• Travel to sites associated with the project to collect data/specimens.
• Aid in hiring and training new field technicians
• Oversee monthly reports to funding agency and VINE Team
• Oversee equipment maintenance
• Help organize monthly outreach
• Communicate with field technicians, graduate students, and PIs on the project in an efficient and respectful manner

• May perform additional assignments as directed

• Adaptability and flexibility
• Responsibility
• Positive Attitude
• Organization
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Integrity
• Problem analysis/identification
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources management, wildlife biology or related field

Experience:

1 year work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, and registration or other requirements:

• Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP

• Two years of field experience
• Previous supervisory experience of field crews
• Previous work experience in Hawaiʻi, particularly on plants
• Previous experience with plant identification
• Demonstrated clear, articulate, and respectful written and oral communication skills
• Experience and demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and as a team
• Effective time management skills, clear organization and prioritization of time-sensitive tasks
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office

Complete the online application. The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application:

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 6/18/2026 will receive full consideration.

This position is grant funded and considered at-will employment.

Remote/Flexible Work:
This position requires the successful candidate to be available to work in the field or at the crew house full-time

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship for H-1B work authorization or work visa is not available…