Predator Control Technician

Position Overview
The Predator Control Technician will aid in eradication efforts and rodent suppression within a newly constructed 600-acre mammalian exclusion fence at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. The primary focus of this position is the detection, control, and eradication of invasive predators including mongoose, feral cats, rats, and feral pigs to protect native and endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, at-risk seabirds, and coastal ecosystems. This is a highly field-based position requiring work in wetland, lowland forest, and coastal environments under challenging weather conditions. The position involves the use of firearms, lethal and non-lethal traps, rodenticides, and herbicides, and requires strict adherence to safety protocols.

Primary Duties:

Invasive Species Control (80%)

• Conduct detection and removal of invasive mammals.
• Implement and maintain trapping grids (live traps, kill traps, and specialized predator control devices).
• Assist with control of invasive avian predators, including trapping and dispatch of barn owls.
• Safely operate firearms in accordance with all federal and state regulations.
• Deploy and monitor trail cameras and tracking tunnels.
• Fence inspection and maintaining access via veg clearing.
• Habitat restoration including invasive plant removal. 
• Apply rodenticides and herbicides in accordance with label requirements and refuge policy.
• Record detailed field data on control efforts, captures, and observations. 

Native Species Monitoring (20%)

• Conduct surveys for nesting activity, population counts, and habitat use of native and endangered species.
• Assist with habitat restoration that includes plant propagation and outplanting.

Qualifications

• Experience with or willingness to learn wildlife trapping, hunting, invasive species control techniques, and safe use of firearms.
• Ability to work long days in remote field conditions with minimal supervision. 
• Physically capable of hiking long distances over uneven, muddy, and wet terrain; lifting and carrying 40+ lbs. 
• Willingness to use pesticides including rodenticides in compliance with safety standards. 
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail in data collection.
• Must have valid driver’s license. 

Desired Skills and Experience
Experience with predator control, especially mongoose, feral cats, and/or pigs. Familiarity with Hawaiʻi ecosystems and conservation challenges. Experience using trail cameras, GPS units, and GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, Field Maps). Knowledge of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and wetland systems. Experience working within fenced units or eradication