Research Associate (Animal Program Technician, 0077546T)

Title: Research Associate (Animal Program Technician)

Position Number: 0077546T

Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO)

Location: Schofield Barracks 

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Closing Date: June 26, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience, 1 position available.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time 

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: This position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)

• **Independently implements planned invasive animal program actions in the field under the direction of the Animal Program Coordinator.  Field actions are developed and planned by Animal Team Biologists for the ungulate, small vertebrate, and forest pest programs.  This includes but is not limited to: fence clearing, construction, inspection, materials staging and management, and repair; assisting in oversight of construction contracts, including facilitating access for contracted crews; maintenance of predator exclusion enclosures for rare snails; conducting ungulate, small vertebrate, and forest pest control field work with the best available techniques; assisting with development of novel tools and techniques; clearing trails to facilitate animal projects; and mapping with GPS or similar.  
• **Independently implements planned native rare animal program actions in the field under the direction of the Animal Program Coordinator.  Field actions are developed and planned by Animal Team Biologists for the rare snail, rare vertebrate, and rare insect programs. This includes but is not limited to surveying for and monitoring rare animals such as snails, birds, bats, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, damselflies, picture-wing flies, and other arthropods using best practices, protocols, tools, and strategies. 
• **Supports Animal Program Coordinator, Animal Team Biologists, coordinators, field team supervisors, and specialists in project planning, execution, and review.   Schedules logistics for assigned operations.  Leads assigned projects. Trains junior staff and volunteers. 
• **Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures.   Participates in and stays current on training.  Wears all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate.  Participates in and, when necessary, leads risk assessments and safety evaluations.  Reports safety incidents in a timely manner, and assists with incident documentation and review when necessary.  
• **Safely applies pesticides, strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.  
• **Supports Animal Team operations via: documentation of day-to-day field work; data collection, management, and analysis; maintenance of field gear, vehicles, base yards, and other facilities; inventory of supplies; action review; assistance with planning and logistics; and collaboration with partners. 
• **Contributes to efforts to continually document and improve animal program protocols and best practices.  Researches new technologies and methods.  Contributes to experimental trials.  
• **Contributes to program deliverables for the Animal Team, including internal/external reports, management plans, presentations, permit applications/reports, and required pesticide-usage documentation.  
• **Implements Army installation animal pest control actions in response to direct requests from the US Army Garrison -Hawai’i Integrated Pest Management Coordinator. This includes surveying, mapping, monitoring, employing a variety of control and deterrent methods, developing new management techniques, collecting data, and preparing reports.  
• **Assists USAG-HI Integrated Pest Management Coordinator with pesticide reporting for Army installations on O’ahu.
• Supports the Animal Team through advanced independent implementation of projects, such as: leading complex field operations; designing and implementing trials and research; developing new control techniques and strategies; conducting complex data analyses; and preparing analytical reports with recommendations. 
• Secondarily supports general ANRPO field operations, including rare plant management, invasive plant management, and field team projects. 
• Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas, supports helicopter missions, and may perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Professional Work Experience:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience with natural resource management of native or invasive animals in island ecosystems; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the areas of natural resource management of biological resources, particularly terrestrial rare, endangered, common, and invasive animals, including strategies, monitoring methods, tools, and threat control techniques, demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources, including the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws. 
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of natural resource management of biological resources, particularly terrestrial native and non-native animals.  
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals. 
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency with programs including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; software for statistical analysis and graphing; and ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications

• Functional knowledge of invasive animal identification, biology, and natural history.   Functional knowledge of natural resource management strategies and control techniques for invasive animals and pests, such as surveying and monitoring, small vertebrate trapping and baiting, ungulate removal and exclusion, fence construction and maintenance, and invertebrate pest control.
• Basic knowledge of rare animal identification, biology, natural history, and threats.   Functional knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques for rare and endangered animals, such as surveying, monitoring, handling, collection, translocation, and reintroduction techniques. 
• Familiarity with pesticide use, handling, reporting, and related safety protocols.
• General knowledge of natural resource management practices and control techniques for invasive plants, rare plant management, and ecosystem habitat monitoring.
• Functional knowledge of Hawai?i’s native ecosystems, biota, endangered species, and threats.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and record keeping skills.
• Familiarity with terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor, including a government security investigation and eligibility verification for access to unclassified information.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training. Certification must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day with a 35-pound backpack, camp in rugged terrain and in remote areas for up to four (4) days at a time, and conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., mud, extreme weather, steep terrain)
• Required to comply with all applicable RCUH, University of Hawai‘i, and business entity policies, procedures, and training as a condition of employment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai‘i.
• Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed, especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules.
• Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
• Familiarity with biological database use and maintenance.
• Attendance in hunter education training. 
• Experience conducting ungulate control via hunting or trapping. 
• Expertise in building or repairing ungulate exclusion fences. 
• Field experience conducting rodent control in a wildland setting and knowledge of rodent control techniques.  
• Experience controlling other small vertebrate pests, such as birds, mongoose, or feral cats. 
• Experience controlling invasive invertebrate and forest pests, such as coconut rhinoceros beetle and little fire ant. 
• Field experience with rare snails, rare arthropods, rare birds, or other rare vertebrates. 
• Proficient identification of native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i.
• Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawai’i.
• Experience conducting pest management on Army installations, including communications with customers and community members. 
• Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
• Knowledge of safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations and knowledge of hazard risk assessments and safety planning. 
• Proficient ability to organize biological data, conduct data analyses, and present findings, both written and oral. 
• Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in field settings.

To Apply:

Select the "Apply" button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:

• Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.
• Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Professional References: The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references.
• Unofficial Transcripts: Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application, though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
• Foreign Credential Evaluation: For degrees earned outside the U.S., you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.

Important Note: To protect your privacy, do not include any photos, Social Security Numbers, or dates of birth in your packet. Only the most recent application will be reviewed, and all submitted materials become the property of the University of Hawai’i. Please ensure all documents are complete and legible to be considered by the search committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Inquiries:

Jared Char; charjared@gmail.com