BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma and 1 years experience in field operations. Experience recognizing plant and animal species. Experience operating various types of equipment and tools. Experience performing physical work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Maui Program Field Technician position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented person to play an essential role in ecosystem threat abatement operations. These operations include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to Mauis forests. The Field Technician must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to five nights at a time 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, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Technician will assist the Maui team and partners with field operations and office support that may include alien plant removal, fence construction/maintenance, feral ungulate control, trail maintenance, baseyard, vehicle and equipment maintenance, data entry to record field data, and with outreach activities. Outreach activities include assisting with interpretive hikes, special events and working with or leading volunteers in alien plant and animal removal. Compliance with field safety protocol, preserve use policies, baseyard rules, and alien species cleanliness protocols is essential. The Field Technician must be able to communicate with hike participants and colleagues on field conditions and project status. This position is supervised by the Maui Program Field Coordinator.
DUTIES: Assist with natural resources management field operations which include: controlling and eliminating alien plants and animals using a variety of methods (herbicides, hand and motorized tools, fencing, firearms, and other implements). Participate in special-use helicopter operations that include sling loading, low-elevation surveys, helicopter spray ball weed control, and remote landings. Maintain ungulate fences, traps, and other animal control material. Maintain baseyard, vehicles and field equipment. Mix and apply herbicide according to label instructions. Assist with GPS mapping, data collection, and data entry. Work with partners, volunteers, and interns in field operations. Assist with interpretive hikes, outreach events, and fund raising efforts to help build good community relations. Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: High school diploma and 1 years experience in field operations. Familiarity with Maui conservation challenges and relationship with local Maui communities. Knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities. Sensitivity towards Hawaiis local culture. Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc) Ability to follow instructions from colleagues. Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications such as wilderness first aid, CPR, herbicide application and Hawaii State hunting license. PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records. Must have a current valid drivers license.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated. Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY: Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including other staff or volunteers.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Ability to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers. Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information, possibly leading preserve field trips. Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: The Field Technician may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions: Require ability to perform physical work, camp an work in remote rugged areas, sometimes under adverse weather conditions or in inclement weather for up to a week at a time. Require willingness and ability to hike up to 12 miles over steep rugged terrain, carrying 60lb packs. Involves exposure to job hazards with high possibility of injury.
TO APPLY: Submit cover letter outlining relevant work experience as it relates to the required knowledge and skills and resume to jeber@tnc.org by May 12, 2008. Please include job title in subject line of email.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
