Field Coordinator, Kona Hema Preserve

Na'alehu, Hawaii, USA

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, bipartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i and Palmyra program has helped protect more than 200 thousand acres of natural lands in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage over 40 thousand acres in 14 preserves and other sites, and through partnerships we impact the management of over 2 million acres of watersheds and habitat. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we catalyze research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

The Kona Hema Field Coordinator addresses critical threats at preserve and landscape scales, builds community support and fosters cross-site learning with other resource management partners, landowners and communities. The Field Coordinator will also provide technical leadership and logistical planning for controlling and eliminating priority weed species and invasive animals using a variety of methods such as herbicides, hand and motorized tools, firearms, traps, and other implements. They will also provide logistical support for community outreach, volunteer hikes or workdays and other programmatic operations or events.

The Field Coordinator develops, plans and advances conservation programs and coordinates multiple projects, and trains and directs field technicians, contractors and volunteers to enable them to lead or implement threat abatement and research projects. These projects include surveying, mapping, monitoring, and controlling alien species and their impacts to native forests. The Field Coordinator compiles, manages and conducts preliminary analysis of monitoring data and basic geospatial processing with a spatial database and assists the Natural Resources Manager with developing resource management plans and reports.

The Field Coordinator must be willing and able to camp in remote mountainous areas for up to five nights at a time and operate in extremely rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. A commitment to safety is essential, as the work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is a high possibility of injury, as well as helicopter operations. The Field Coordinator must be able to organize and plan logistically complex operations and effectively prioritize. Occasional weekend work is required. This position is supervised by the Natural Resource Manager.

If you're looking for a career with meaning and purpose, come join our Hawaii chapter as the Field Coordinator at our Kona Hema Preserve!

We're looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, action-oriented person with experience in planning, implementing, and supervising natural resources management field operations in potentially hazardous conditions. Cultural competency to the South Kona community, the ability to form strong relationships, and an enthusiasm for hands-on field work are key in this role.

• 3 years of related work experience in coordinating field projects in remote terrain involving invasive plant and animal control, fence construction, vegetation monitoring and helicopter operations, and a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience, such as 5 years of work experience and an associate degree, 7 years of work experience and a GED or high school degree, etc.)
• Experience working with Hawai‘i’s natural systems and cultural practices as they relate to land management.
• Experience managing and training staff or volunteers, including motivating, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., community members, internal scientists, etc. to meet natural resource management goals.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform physical work in remote rugged landscape, adverse conditions, during inclement weather, and at night.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Valid driver's license.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $52,000 – 55,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 54390, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 5:59 PM HST on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. The Nature Conservancy is also a “big tent” organization. We believe that all people benefit from conservation and that the cause should be inclusive of everyone regardless of their political persuasion. We work hard to make conservation a non-partisan issue through partnerships with stakeholders, elected officials, and industries that span the political spectrum.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.