OPEN POSITIONS:
Click to view or scroll down:
PCSU/KFBRP FIELD ASSOCIATE (MOSQUITO) (multiple positions)
AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD TECHNICIAN (multiple positions)
PCSU/KFBRP FIELD ASSOCIATE (MOSQUITO) – ID# 226059.
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
CLOSING DATE: February 18, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the
RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Allison
Cabrera 818-216-6312 (Kauaʻi).
(3) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP), located in Kauaʻi, Hawai‘i.
Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY: $3,654/Mon.
DUTIES: Participates in fieldwork on research and management projects for the recovery of
Kauaʻi’s threatened and endangered forest birds, with emphasis on surveying, sampling, and controlling Culex mosquitoes to inform management of the threat of avian malaria.
Participates in research and management activities to benefit Hawaiian forest birds. Work is primarily done in the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve, Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, Kauaʻi. Deploys, operates, and maintains mosquito traps at multiple field sites and participates in surveys to document larval distribution. Assists with surveys of bird distribution, relative abundance and survival; and management tasks, including rodent trapping. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Assists with maintaining electronic records and databases. Helps present materials for outreach and environmental education.
Assists with equipment and vehicle management and maintenance. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college.
EXPERIENCE One to three (1-3) years of (paid or unpaid) experience in biological fieldwork (unpaid experience can include volunteer work or field study, and must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience working in remote areas.
KNOWLEDGE Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation.
ABILITIES & SKILLS Proficient ability to enter and manipulate data using spreadsheets and databases. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to navigate and hike off-trail in dense forest with compass, map, and GPS. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Demonstrated ability to safely drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on unimproved roads.
Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100), external sling load course (A219), and PCSU Crew Member certification within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain for duration of employment. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) 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 employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL
DEMANDS
Ability to hike up to eight (8) miles on obscure trails with up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Must be able to live and conduct fieldwork with other crew members in isolated field camps under inclement weather conditions for up to ten (10) days at a time on a regular basis. May require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.
POLICY/REGULATORY
REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).
SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience surveying birds by sight and sound and sampling plants. Experience working with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, especially Hawaiian forest birds, and familiarity with local conservation issues. Experience sampling insects with traps (e.g. scent lure traps, light traps, and/or C02 traps). Experience using mobile data collection applications. Interagency Aviation Training, Helicopter crewmember or Helicopter manager certifications. Possess basic mechanical and electrical skills to assist in maintaining project equipment, field camps, and vehicles.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job- openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position:
1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of
Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, please send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other
AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD TECHNICIAN (multiple positions)
CLOSING DATE: February 16th, 2026
Job Type: Seasonal, Full-Time
Duration: March 2026 to July 2026
Location: Alakaʻi Wilderness and Kaumakani, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Works independently in conjunction with a field crew conducting research and management projects for the recovery of native forest birds on Kauaʻi. Participates in carrying out research activities to determine factors influencing forest bird population dynamics, especially factors limiting populations, and management activities for the recovery of these species. Work is primarily done in the extremely wet, beautiful, and rugged montane rainforest of the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve, Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve, Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, Kauaʻi. This position will focus on (1) nest-searching and resighting color-banded ‘akekeʻe, ‘anianiau, and puaiohi, (2) assisting in free standing rope ladder set-ups for nest collections (3) conducting surveys to document distribution, relative abundance, and survival of birds, and (4) maintaining rat-control grids. Assists with mist-netting and banding as well. Assists with mosquito control management tasks. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Helps maintain electronic records and databases. Assists with equipment and vehicle management and maintenance. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college.
EXPERIENCE
One to three (1-3) years of (paid or unpaid) experience in biological fieldwork (unpaid experience can include volunteer work or field study, and must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience working in remote areas.
KNOWLEDGE
Proficient knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Applicants must be able to detect and identify birds by sight and sound, be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain off-trail with compass, map, and GPS. Experience with mist-netting, banding, color-band re-sighting, camera trapping, nest searching, behavioral observation, territory mapping, small mammal trapping, and plant and insect sampling is strongly desired. Applicants will be assisting with nest collections which require carrying a 40ft ladder through dense vegetation as a team, planning complex rope set-ups to suspend the ladder, and raising the ladder in a safe manner – prior experience with rope rigging and knot tying is desired.
Mechanical and electronics skills and current First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species (including controlling invasive species along the way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, and a positive attitude. When not in the field, office duties will include data entry and management, maintenance of field equipment, and other work around the office. Must have proficient ability to enter and manipulate data using spreadsheets and databases. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to safely drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on unimproved roads.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to hike up to eight (8) miles on obscure trails with up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Must be able to live and conduct fieldwork with other crew members in isolated field camps under inclement weather conditions for up to ten (10) days at a time on a regular basis. May require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.
POST OFFER/EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within three (3) weeks from date of hire. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
COMPENSATION
$3553/month. Housing when not in the field will not be provided, but we will assist in finding housing. Successful applicants must provide own travel to Lihue, Kaua’i, have a valid driver license, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted until February 16th, 2026 and will be reviewed as they are received. Required materials include a cover letter, current CV, transcript, and contact information for three references. Please email applications to puaiohijobs AT gmail.com
RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.
