The Natural Resource Manager plans and oversees the implementation of priority threat abatement and management activities for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation on TNC managed lands on Hawai'i Island. This position is funded through June 30, 2021.
The Natural Resource Manager (NRM) provides technical and scientific guidance for conservation actions including field operations, data collection and analysis, conservation action planning (CAP), and measures of conservation success and reporting. The NRM also works with other resource managers, partners, landowners to build and sustain a collaborative approach toward management activities across the island. Activities include alien animal and plant control, research, resource monitoring, evaluation of project sites, performing or overseeing forest resource inventories, developing sustainable forest management plans, working forest conservation easements and forest carbon projects. The NRM assists, leads or guides the development of long-range, annual, and specific management and conservation plans and budgets, and negotiates and manages contracts to accomplish management objectives. The NRM oversees safety protocols and training for field staff and volunteers. The NRM is responsible for maintaining records of management plans and budgets, management activities, and scientific information, including resource and threat monitoring and research conducted by other partners. The NRM assists with fundraising and community outreach. Some weekend work is required. The NRM may supervise Field Coordinators, Field Technicians, volunteers, and interns.
Responsibilities include the following functions:
- Develops and implements large-scale threat abatement projects aimed at controlling invasive plants and animals.
- Manages experimental weed and feral animal control operations in remote, rugged areas.
- Develops deliverables for threat abatement grants and contracts.
- Develop methods and implement forest inventories for private and public landowners.
- Conduct forest and ecological inventories and develop certifiable forest management plans for private landowners, partners and TNC preserves.
- Conducts field and helicopter surveys to monitor threat status and assess the efficacy of threat abatement strategies.
- Collects and manages GPS and GIS data related to threat abatement goals, objectives, and activities.
- Provides spatial data analysis, and reports on program actions.
- Supervises field staff in planning and executing fieldwork and other essential tasks.
- Participates in field operations in remote, rugged terrain involving camping and helicopter transport.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Perform fieldwork including ecosystem assessment and field monitoring.
- Deliver tools, biodiversity data, field services and training to staff and partners.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Acts independently on assigned tasks and exercises independent judgements based on analysis, experience and judgement.
- Interprets guidelines, evaluates information and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data and preparing reports of findings.
- Experience collecting and managing GPS and GIS data related to threat abatement goals, objectives and activities.
- Experience coordinating multiple field projects in remote, rugged conditions involving invasive plant & animal control, fence construction and helicopter operations.
- Experience working with Hawai'i’s natural systems and cultural resources and management practices.
- Current and valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications.
- Attention to detail and proven organizational skills.
- Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
- Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Desktop application.
- Experience in conducting and leading alien species control or other natural resource management operations in remote and rugged terrain using hazardous material and equipment.
- 5 or more years professional experience working in collaborative partnerships preferably with private landowners to successful completion of shared outcomes, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience conducting forest and ecological inventories with knowledge of forest carbon markets preferable.
- Ability to explain forest management and conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and climate change adaptation.
- Experience in agricultural production or rangeland management.
- Experience with herbicidal weed control techniques and regulations.
- Experience with map reading and orienteering. Must be able navigate extremely rugged terrain using maps, compass, and GPS.
- Experience supervising others in the completion of tasks in an outdoor setting. Responsibilities include training others, managing performance, and communicating goals.
- Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications such as, Wilderness First Aid/CPR, Helicopter Safety and Sling Load, Hawaii State Hunting License, Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator License, and Rappelling.
- Ability to perform physical work in adverse conditions and inclement weather.
- Experience with various communities and partners on Hawaiʻi Island and knowledge of how to navigate and work with sensitivity to cultural norms for successful results.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
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.