IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
(3) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH), Forest Inventory and Analysis Project (FIA), located in Hilo, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds.
MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $1,871/Mon.
DUTIES: Gathers ecological and forestry research data using a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques. Collects data from multiple sites and modifies procedures as necessary. Plans and carries out procedural and technical steps required to complete surveying and field data collection projects, including using maps and aerial photographs to determine research areas. Gathers, measures, and records varied research field data, including information on species and their characteristics. Follows procedures for measuring and recording field data on such things as the number, size, age, quality, and condition of sample trees. Identifies disturbance agents causing discoloration, defoliation, or mortality. Interprets and classifies land use and vegetative conditions. Records understory vegetation coverage. Exercises initiative in developing solutions to common technical and procedural problems such as changes in priorities, need for extended field time, minor adjustments related to the need for additional equipment or personnel, or other comparable issues. Makes suggestions and recommendations for more efficient collection of field data. Interprets the results of standardized tests that are performed on a routine basis.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in a related field of study. EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of field work collecting data in Hawaiian forested ecosystems. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Basic knowledge of the flora of Hawaii, ability to key out and identify unknown species. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of forestry and other biologically based resource management fields. Knowledge of the basic principles of biological sciences including ability to assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc. Basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and loss of life. Ability to understand and relate the significance of the results to the higher objectives to which the activity is related, i.e., must assess the worth of the data by considering its applicability to the higher objective, by assessing and reporting on the characteristics and quality of the source of the data, or by otherwise creatively interpreting the data produced. Ability to interpret results of standard tests repetitively performed in the organization based on previous experience and observations. Skill in operating equipment needed to perform forest field data collection and survey work (i.e., clinometer, diameter tape, laser, GPS unit, data recorder, etc.). Ability to identify common tree species and shrubs, major classes of insect and disease agents (i.e., defoliators, rusts, heart rot, root rot, etc.) volume loss indicators, and physical attributes of a site in order to accurately collect and record field data. Ability to identify Hawaiian understory vegetation and to characterize disturbances occurring in Hawaiian forested ecosystems. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to perform field-related activities such as gathering specimens in an outdoor, unimproved setting. The work requires a capacity for strenuous physical effort such as walking off trail and climbing over steep, rugged terrain with a 45 pound pack, often covering significant distance and elevation. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. The work is performed in a forest environment where the terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, and covered with thick and tangled vegetation. Temperatures may range from very hot and dry to cool and extremely wet. Rain, wind, or dust may be encountered. The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts and may require living in remote field camps, and traveling and living in close quarters with fellow employees. Work requires the use of safety equipment such as boots, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats. Employees must exercise safe work practices.