ANRPO Vegetation Management Program Coordinator

Description

• **Leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of ANRPO’s vegetation management program, focusing on invasive plant control and native plant restoration efforts in alignment with biological opinions, federal consultations, and Army integrated natural resource management plans. Coordinates with program managers, coordinators, field supervisors, biologists, and specialists on vegetation management program projects, initiatives, management plans, and actions.
• **Develops innovative techniques, designs monitoring protocols, provides field oversight, and oversees staff training on critical vegetation management and restoration practices and actions. Provides oversight, mentorship, and technical support for Biologists and Technicians conducting management activities. Directs staff on relevant field actions.
• **Directs, supervises, and supports the vegetation management program team, including 2 FTE positions, subject to change based on evolving organizational needs and priorities. Manages recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance evaluations, promotions, disciplinary actions, and daily operations to ensure team productivity and safety compliance. Ensures that Biologists conduct action review and project collaboration with field teams.
• **Manages and analyzes vegetation management data to monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure data accuracy.
• **Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of programmatic deliverables, including internal and external reports and presentations, action review, permit review and reporting, pesticide usage documentation, and collaborative agency updates. Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• **Implements, monitors, and provides oversight for fieldwork initiatives focusing on vegetation management (invasive plant management and native plant restoration).
• **Oversees research and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance vegetation strategies. Conducts and manages experimental trials, distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve vegetation management practices.
• **Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination, participating in working groups, consultations, and meetings to inform, innovate, and implement shared conservation strategies related to vegetation management, invasive plant control, and restoration.
• **Incorporates and enforces comprehensive safety standards, ensuring program-wide adherence to standard operating procedures, timely reporting of incidents, and appropriate personnel action and training. Reviews and revises standard operating procedures.
• **Leads and supports staff development activities, including hands-on training in field techniques, native and invasive species identification, and safety practices. Coordinates education days and promotes professional growth opportunities.
• 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

• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of vegetation management including strategies, monitoring methodologies, and tools including herbicide use and habitat restoration as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency 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.
• For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards/expectations, and foster professional development.
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawai'i, including identification, biology, natural history, and threats.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques, native ecosystems, native and invasive animals, rare plants, collection and propagation practices, and ecosystems threats.
• Knowledge of plant identification tools and resources.
• Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
• 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.
• If selected for chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
• Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Ability and willingness to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain).
• Able to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
• 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.
• Experience running field operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
• Experience obtaining State or Federal permits.
• Familiarity with pesticide regulations, Experimental Use Permits, and Special Local Needs labels.
• Experience with budgets and purchasing regulations and best practices.
• Experience publishing scientific studies, such as a thesis, peer-reviewed article, or technical paper.
• Familiarity with invasive plant resources (such as risk assessments, noxious weed lists, and technical guides), propagule management, horticultural practices, and restoration theory and best practices.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA