PCSU FORESTRY FIELD PROJECT ASSISTANT (LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION) - ID# 224420

The PCSU Forestry Field Project Assistant position is a full-time role based in Kahului, HI, focused on landscape conservation and forest ecosystem management. Responsibilities include monitoring and controlling alien plants and wildlife, conducting ungulate control, and performing habitat protection tasks. The role requires fieldwork, data input, and frequent camping. Candidates should have field experience, knowledge of ecology, and a valid driver's license.
About the position

The PCSU Forestry Field Project Assistant (Landscape Conservation) position is a full-time role with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, supporting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) in Maui, Hawaii. This position involves a variety of fieldwork tasks aimed at conserving and managing forest ecosystems. The successful candidate will assist in building, inspecting, and maintaining fences, as well as monitoring and controlling alien plants and wildlife, including feral pigs, axis deer, and feral goats. The role requires conducting ungulate control and monitoring activities in designated management areas, deploying game cameras and bait stations, and inputting data into GPS equipment and computer databases. Additionally, the assistant will conduct alien and native plant monitoring, invasive plant control, and habitat protection activities such as site preparation, seed collection, and out planting. The position also involves conducting flora and fauna surveys, which may include invertebrates, and requires frequent camping for four to five days a week, up to two weeks per month. The assistant will drive project vehicles to work sites and may work in and around helicopters, often during extended and irregular hours.

Responsibilities
• Assist with building, inspecting, and maintaining fences.
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• Monitor and control alien plants and feral animals in designated management areas.
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• Conduct ungulate control and monitoring activities.
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• Deploy game cameras and bait stations for wildlife capture.
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• Input data into GPS equipment and computer databases.
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• Conduct alien and native plant monitoring and invasive plant control.
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• Establish and monitor transects for forest recovery evaluation.
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• Perform habitat protection duties including site preparation and seed propagation.
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• Assist with flora and fauna surveys.

Requirements
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
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• 1-3 years of field experience surveying plant and animal populations in remote settings.
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• Basic knowledge of flora and fauna, and threats from alien species.
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• Working knowledge of ecology and wildlife biology principles.
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• Ability to navigate using a compass, map, and GPS units.
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• Ability to apply herbicides and work independently.
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• Ability to inspect and repair fences.
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• Proficient in using a computer for data recording and analysis.
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• Valid driver's license and personal vehicle insurance.

Nice-to-haves
• College coursework in biology, ecology, wildlife management, or botany.
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• Experience in hunting feral animals.
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• Experience using radio telemetry and GIS.
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• Experience constructing or repairing enclosure fencing.
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• Knowledge of endangered species in Hawaii.

Benefits
• Health insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• Retirement savings plan
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• Paid holidays
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• Paid time off
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• Professional development opportunities