Kauai Field Technician

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Field Technician supports The Nature Conservancy’s Kaua‘i Terrestrial Program by performing natural resource management activities in some of the island’s most ecologically important native forest areas. These operations occur across nine remote watershed protection units totaling over 15,000 acres, including public and private lands and 18 miles of ungulate-proof fencing.

This position plays a key role in the conservation of native ecosystems through (and not limited to): feral ungulate control/management, habitat monitoring, trail and fence construction and maintenance, and safe and effective weed control. Activities also include all aspects of resource management including detailed organization, data collection, logistics, and vehicle, equipment, and facilities maintenance.

The Field Technician must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas, typically for 4 days/3 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 and firearms use, so a commitment to safety is essential.

With a heavy workload, the Field Technician must manage their time well and effectively prioritizing day-to-day operations. The Field Technician is expected to communicate and write effectively. They must write trip reports and communicate over email. Occasional weekend work is required to meet our goals. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you motivated to apply your outdoor, hunting, and navigation skills to the protection of native Hawaiian ecosystems? We’re looking for a Field Technician who is comfortable accessing remote mountain areas via helicopter, hiking long distances in difficult terrain, and controlling invasive species. Experience with forest ecosystems and strong teamwork skills are key.

What You’ll Bring:

• Associate’s degree in a science-related field and 3.5 years of work experience in natural resource management (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as a bachelor’s degree and 1.5 years of work experience, a GED and 5.5 years of work experience, etc.).
• Experience with ungulate control through including snaring, trapping, hunting with rifles, and/or the use of dogs.
• Ability to meet state and organizational requirements for owning, handling, and acquiring firearms in Hawaii.
• Ability to carry a 50 lb. pack, hike up to 12 miles, and perform physical work in remote rugged landscapes, adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night.
• Ability to navigate rugged terrain using GPS, maps, and compass.
• Experience with invasive plant identification and control methods.
• Knowledge of native plant species and interest in conducting ecological surveys.
• Competency in using tools such as machetes, weed eaters, chainsaws, smart phones and GPS devices.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.: Word, Excel, Web browsers). 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with ungulate control for feral pigs, black-tailed deer, and feral goats.
• Experience with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and cultural land management practices.
• Experience and training with firearms and holding a current Hawai'i State (or equivalent) hunting license.
• Experience with helicopter operations, and training in basic helicopter safety and external sling loads.
• Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS and mobile data collection apps.
• Experience with 4WD on rough roads.

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor. 

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our 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, 401(k) plan, 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.