The Field Coordinator is a part-time field and part-time office position. They will act as an integral part of the Kaua‘i Forest Program field team in our management areas in remote watersheds across the island as well as assist with reporting on grants, writing management plans, project planning, additional written assignments, and other office functions. This position is funded through June 30, 2021.
This position requires an enthusiastic, motivated, detail-oriented person with experience in planning, conducting, and supervising natural resources management field operations in potentially hazardous conditions. This position also requires demonstrated experience writing scientific reports on field data, understanding collected data and ability to share written information with both donors and the larger conservation community. Field operations include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to native forests. The Field Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to four 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, so a commitment to safety is essential.
The Field Coordinator compiles and manages monitoring data with a spatial database and assists the Natural Resource Manager (NRM) with analysis, reporting and developing resource management plans. The Field Coordinator assists the NRM with training and supervising volunteers, interns, and contractors and building partnerships with other resource management agencies and organizations. Other activities include outreach activities, vehicle, equipment, and facilities maintenance. With a heavy workload, the Field Coordinator is expected to manage his/ her time well and effectively prioritize day-to-day operations. The Field Coordinator is expected to communicate and write effectively. Occasional weekend work is required. This position is supervised by the Natural Resources Manager and will share supervision of program interns.
Responsibilities include the following functions:
- Plan, coordinate, and carry out natural resources management field operations which include: controlling and eliminating alien animals and plants using a variety of methods (herbicides, hand and motorized tools, firearms, traps, and other implements).
- Carry out field operations which may require carrying a 60lb pack up to 12 miles and camping for 3-4 nights in remote, rugged terrain.
- Plan, supervise, and conduct special-use helicopter operations that include sling loading, low-elevation surveys, and remote landings.
- Maintain ungulate fences, traps, and other animal control material.
- Collect, compile, and manage monitoring data and provide information on ecological threats and resources.
- Maintain vehicles and field equipment: Chainsaws, weed eaters, ATV’s and hand tools.
- Conduct safety briefings for partners, volunteers, interns, and staff to ensure compliance with all TNC-Kaua‘i safety procedures, this would include a safety briefing to staff, interns, and volunteers prior to engaging in field work.
- Ensure compliance with all TNC – Kaua‘i Standard Operating Procedures and safety procedures.
- Compile information for report writing, management plans, presentations and other written documents needed to support and share the Kaua‘i Forest Program projects with both internal and external audiences.
- Facilitate contract management, payments and communications.
- Act as primary point of contact and provide office support for field operations as needed.
- Assist with interpretive hikes, outreach events, and fundraising efforts to help build good community relations.
- Other duties, including office administration, troubleshooting of office IT equipment, and office management, as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of Hawaiian biota, Hawaiian conservation biology, native Hawaiian and alien plant and animal identification skills.
- Experience navigating extremely rugged terrain using maps, compass and GPS.
- Experience or previous training performing physical work, on difficult and hazardous terrain, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps and manipulate layers.
- Experience using field mapping techniques and monitoring & compiling data.
- Experience managing staff in the completion of tasks in an outdoor setting, where responsibilities include training others and the communication of goals.
- Experience coordinating field projects in remote areas doing invasive plant and animal control, fence construction, and helicopter operations.
- Experience writing scientific reports on field data.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Demonstrated experience with compiling information to produce high-quality written reports and presentations of results for professional audiences.
- Experience with ungulate control techniques used in Hawai'i; snaring, trapping, and strategic hunting with dogs.
- Ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment, including power and construction tools.
- Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications such as Wilderness First Aid/CPR, helicopter safety and sling load training, Hawai'i State hunting license, and Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator license.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.