Field Technician, Hawai'i Island

Application Instructions:

As we aim to have the Field Technician start as soon as possible, if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply early, as we will remove this posting as soon as we have a competitive candidate pool.

If this posting is live on our Careers site, we are still accepting applications. We will review and consider all submitted applications.

Internal applicants (TNC employees) must apply through Workday via the Jobs Hub.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program manages 12,800 acres at three TNC-owned preserves located on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa volcano in the districts of South Kona and Ka‘ū. The Field Technician will support stewardship priorities at each preserve and be based out of the Kona Hema Preserve where 23 miles of fences protect wet, mesic and seasonally mesic forest extending from 2,000 to 5,720 feet elevation. The Program office is located in Waiʻōhinu, Ka‘ū but this position will report to Honomalino. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

The Field Technician position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented, self-starter to play an essential role in ecosystem threat abatement operations. These operations include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to forests and native ecosystems. The Field Technician must be able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to five nights at a time each quarter in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions as well as do multiple day trips. The work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, including helicopter operations and handling firearms, so a commitment to safety is essential. The Field Technician will assist the Hawai‘i Island team and partners with all aspects of field operations and office support that may include fence construction/ surveys/ repairs, feral ungulate control, predator control, trail maintenance, alien plant removal, vegetation monitoring and baseyard, vehicle and equipment maintenance. 

The Field Technician will regularly use GPS in the field and download, compile and manage monitoring data with a spatial database to produce GIS summary maps, and will assist the Natural Resource Manager (NRM) with developing resource management plans and reports using a database or PC. The Field Technician may assist with leading volunteers and volunteer groups on service work events and help conduct outreach activities which include assisting with interpretive hikes, special events and educational field trips. Compliance with field safety protocols, 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 Kona Hema Field Coordinator. The Field Technician is expected to manage their time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations. The Field Technician must communicate and write effectively. Night work while in the field and occasional weekend work may be required.  Some remote office work may be required. This is a termed, full-time position with an estimated end date of August 10, 2028.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE 

• Requires work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. 

• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain and long hours in isolated settings. 

• Will obtain licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Aid/CPR, helicopter safety and sling load training, Hawai'i State hunting license, and commercial drone pilot license to be able to perform the essential functions of the Field Technician. 

• Will be expected to provide aid and respond to injuries by administering first aid or CPR while out working in the field or leading hikes. 

• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers with responsibility for training and development. 

• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to meet program goals and gain support for the Conservancy. 

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; must make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. 

• Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.  

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in science-related or similar field and 1 year of related experience in Hawai‘i natural resources management or custodial and ecological land management (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as an associates, technical or vocational degree and 3 years of related experience). 

• Experience with natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to land management in Hawaii.                     

• Experience operating, using and repairing various types of equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., machete, weed eater, chainsaw, two-way radio, GPS, etc.)  

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.  

• Experience performing physical work in remote rugged landscape, adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.  

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.  

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). 

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).   

• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. 

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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

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.