Forest and Conservation Worker jobs in Hawaii

Background

The Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) use technical, financial, and educational resources to help local land users conserve soil, water, and related natural resources. Maui SWCD’s are also involved in a variety of additional activities such as: erosion control plan reviews; developing, reviewing, and approving conservation plans in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); supporting farmers and ranchers in their effort to obtain government funding for installing conservation practices, wildlife habitat preservation, and conservation education outreach. Each of the 16 Hawaii SWCD’s are governed by a voluntary board of five directors—three elected by agricultural land occupiers and two appointed by the SWCD board members.

The Conservation Planner position supports the four Maui SWCDs (Central Maui, Hana, Olinda-Kula and West Maui) NRCS, in their work with landowners and operators to provide conservation technical assistance and Farm Bill conservation program delivery support, including the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

Role and Responsibilities

• Applies principles of specialized fields of science such as soil science or agriculture, to achieve natural resources conservation objectives.
• Coordinates with SWCD clients to develop conservation plans in accordance with the USDA-NRCS standards and specifications and other governmental agencies, to provide for use and treatment of land according to needs and capability.
• Maintains standards to fulfill requirements of the Maui County Grading Ordinance; and Hawaii Revised Statues (HRS) Chapter 342 D&E.
• Maintains knowledge of county, state, and federal regulations while ensuring government reporting requirements, as related to SWCD functions, policies, and procedures, are complying.
• Coordinate with SWCD clients to conduct site visits to assess their land for potential resource concerns, take soil health assessments, gather GPS data, and other field work in preparation of environmental evaluation.
• Confers and assists the SWCDs in the development, coordination, and implementation of programs dealing with soil, water, air, plant and animal resources, which may require presentation to the district cooperators, farmers, landowners and/or public.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans/reports.
• Assists in coordinating, planning, and attending education outreach events along with staff.

Schedule:

• 8-hour day shift
• 40-hour work week
• Monday to Friday
• Some nights and weekends for outreach events

Supervision

This position is a member of the conservation team at the USDA-NRCS Kahului Service Center. Technical supervision in relation to conservation planning will be provided by the NRCS District Conservationist. Administrative, as well as general supervision, will be provided through Maui SWCDs District Manager and Directors of each of the four Districts.

Selection:

After interviews are conducted, the interview committee will select a candidate. The candidate will receive a tentative job offer, which will be contingent upon passing a background check, and security clearance through USDA-NRCS. The background and security clearance are conducted after the candidate completes a required security packet, provided by USDA, which will include the following: a questionnaire for non-sensitive persons, signing a Fair-Credit Release form, submitting fingerprints, and any other forms the USDA deems necessary to complete the security clearance.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount

Flexible spending account

• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and Sick Leave
• Vision insurance

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related field OR
• 2 years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education/experience
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft applications

Preferred Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft applications
• Experience using GIS programs
• Knowledge of government processes and/or regulatory frameworks
• Soil science related work experience

Additional Notes

• License required: must have or be able to obtain a State of Hawaii Class 3 Driver’s license within 30 days of start date.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific, technical, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write articles for publication in quarterly/annual reports and newsletters. Ability to effectively present information in public settings.
• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to perform fieldwork which may include dust, changes in temperature, high altitudes, and occasional inclement weather with wet conditions. Must also be able to walk a minimum of 3 miles consecutively, lift and carry 30 pounds, and walk in a muddy field and on slippery surfaces.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

How to Apply:

1. Email resume to MauiSWCDs@gmail.com

2. Two references with telephone number and mailing address.

3. College transcripts: A) Must show courses and degree conferral. B) Unofficial/Copy will initially be accepted. C) Official transcripts will be required before start date.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $43,680.00 per year

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Kahului, HI 96732 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person