Kauai Field Technician

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 Kaua‘i Field Technician works in the remote native forests of Kaua‘i, carrying out invasive weed and animal control field operations for natural resource management. They scout and map native and invasive plant and animal populations, collect data and perform preliminary analysis. 

The Field Technician 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.  The work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, as well as helicopter operations, so a commitment to safety is essential.   

The Field Technician performs invasive species control, checks and repairs fences, and collects biodiversity monitoring data. With a heavy workload, the Field Technician must manage their time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations. The Field Technician is expected to communicate and write effectively. They must write trip reports and communicate over email. 

Occasional weekend work is required. This position is supervised by the Field Coordinator. 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 Hawai‘i Terrestrial Conservation team as the Kaua‘i Field Technician and contribute to native species conservation on this beautiful island! 

This position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented person with experience in invasive animal control, invasive weed control, native species identification and monitoring, conservation fence maintenance, and a love for working outdoors in rugged conditions.  

Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 1.5 years’ experience working in natural resource management and a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience executing field projects in remote, rugged conditions involving invasive plant control, ecological monitoring, and helicopter operations.
• Experience with weed control techniques, including chemical, mechanical, and aerial control methods and safety protocols.
• Experience with ungulate tracking and control techniques, including: snaring, trapping, and strategic hunting with dogs.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $25.11 – $26.63 hourly with a 35-hour work week. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and county of employment is Kauai, HI. Where a successful candidate’s 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.