Kauai Field Coordinator

OFFICE LOCATION

Līhu’e, Hawaii, USA

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, bipartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i program has forged partnerships to manage over 2 million acres of natural lands and has grown to include Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage 14 preserves and other sites in Hawai‘i and Palmyra Atoll. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore Hawai‘i’s native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we facilitate research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

The Kaua’i Terrestrial Program manages nine priority watershed protection units in Kaua’i’s upland montane forests and bogs. These units consist of over 15,000 acres, including both public and private lands, and 18 miles of ungulate fences. Our dedicated, enthusiastic team works out of offices in Lihue.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Kauai Field Coordinator plans, coordinates and carries out weed control field operations for natural resource management and supervises field activities, staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers. They scout and map weed populations, lead teams performing weed control, and manage weeding data for TNC and our contractors.

The Field Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four nights at a time every other week and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions.  Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, as well as helicopter operations. They supervise others in these environments, so a commitment to safety is essential.  

The Field Coordinator collects, manages, and conducts preliminary analysis of monitoring data. They assist with reporting. They plan trip schedules and logistics. They track progress on vegetation restoration objectives for TNC and its contractors. With a heavy workload, the Field Coordinator is expected to manage their time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations.  The Field Coordinator is expected to communicate and write effectively. 

Other activities include animal control, fencing, outreach activities, and vehicle, equipment, and facilities maintenance.  Occasional weekend work is required. This position is supervised by the Natural Resources Manager and will supervise Field Technician(s) and interns/volunteers. This is currently a termed, 3-year position.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment, come join The Nature Conservancy’s Terrestrial Conservation team as the Kauai Field Coordinator and contribute to native species conservation on this beautiful island!

This position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented person with experience in planning, conducting, and supervising natural resources management field operations in rugged conditions. We are looking for someone with experience in weed control operations, PPE use and maintenance, species-specific weeding techniques and retreatment cycles, and the safe use, proper maintenance. and storage of herbicides and hand tools (i.e. machetes, saws). Animal control and fencing experience is a plus. We are seeking someone who is excited to manage and train interns and technicians and recruit and lead volunteers into the field. Organizational skills are key in this role.

Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 3 years of experience working in natural resource management and a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience coordinating field projects in remote, rugged conditions involving invasive plant control, ecological monitoring, and helicopter operations.
• Experience working with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to land management.
• Native Hawaiian and alien plant and animal identification skills.
• Experience with weed control techniques, including chemical, mechanical, and aerial control methods and safety protocols.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience with using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field mapping techniques to collect ecological monitoring data.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience writing scientific reports on field data.
• Excellent organization and communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb. pack, hike up to 12 miles, and perform physical work in adverse conditions and inclement weather.
• Ability to camp in remote, rugged terrain for 3-4 nights every other week.
• Must be able to obtain Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification, helicopter safety and sling load training certification, and Hawaii State hunting license.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/  under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $54,100 – $57,340 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and whose county of employment is Kauai, HI. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55458, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/  by 5:59 PM HST on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected]. 

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected]  with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. The Nature Conservancy is also a “big tent” organization. We believe that all people benefit from conservation and that the cause should be inclusive of everyone regardless of their political persuasion. We work hard to make conservation a non-partisan issue through partnerships with stakeholders, elected officials, and industries that span the political spectrum.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.