Seasonal Forest Technician

About Forest Solutions:

For more than 25 years, Forest Solutions Inc. (FSI) has been the leading forestry and land management company in Hawaiʻi. We specialize in a diverse range of forest management services, including some of the largest tree planting projects in the state, targeted control of invasive species, wildfire pre-suppression, native forest management, establishment and maintenance of native and exotic timber plantations, forest inventory, development of traditional agroforest systems, forest planning and permitting, and community engagement.

We are a team-oriented small business with project managers, foresters and natural resource specialists, forest technicians, and field crews that all contribute experience and insight to addressing resource management challenges in Hawaiʻi. Our work is always practical, rewarding, based on best available science, informed by field observations and experience, and connected to Hawai‘i’s biocultural heritage. Our forest technicians support a variety of forest management work across hundreds of thousands of acres of Hawai‘i’s forests.

As a part of our diverse team, you can have a role in shaping the future of large-scale forest management in Hawaiʻi! If you value Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources, enjoy working in the rugged outdoors in beautiful locations, and want to engage in worthwhile conservation work – this position is for you!

About the Job:

We are seeking a Seasonal Forest Technician to support our West Hawai’i/Kona based projects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship, along with practical field experience. They should be adept at navigating and camping in remote areas, have the relevant skills and/or educational background, and a connection to Hawai’i. This is an entry to a mid-level position that works under the direction of our foresters and supports field crews.

We have projects island-wide, often in unique and special places that are otherwise inaccessible to the general public. Work duties will depend on project location and need. The position involves extended off-road driving in remote locations with limited communication, camping up to a week at a time, and use of small to midsize equipment (e.g., weed eater, chainsaw, pruners, tractors, etc.). Considerable cross-country hiking/traversing is regularly needed, sometimes as far as 6 miles. Some of the work is in thick forests, in the rain, sometimes both. Work is project-based so location will change as projects are completed. Productivity, dependability, communication, and a positive attitude are essential.

This is a full time, seasonal position with benefits, with a 5-8 month contract starting in March. The work schedule is typically four, 10 hour days Monday – Thursday, with the occasional need for some Fridays and weekends, as needed, to complete time-sensitive projects.

Candidate Selection Criteria:

The successful candidate will have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forestry, botany, natural resource management, biology, or related field; or 2-4 years of equivalent field experience with some formal training.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Support and implement field operations across various projects (including planting, weed control, backpack spraying, and other field work with crews to show demonstration methods)
• Lead and support field, inventory, and intern crews
• Organize and ensure projects can be completed safely and within allocated time
• Keep teams on task to complete job efficiently, effectively, and safely
• Review project site to ensure crews have necessary equipment, including safety and camping, to complete assigned task
• Work closely and communicate regularly (daily to weekly) with project managers to ensure project deliverables are being met
• Collect project and field data needed for reporting purposes
• Creatively address project issues and needs
• Other duties as assigned
• Camping in remote locations for up to a week at a time with 3-day weekends, and occasionally for multiple, consecutive weeks at a time

Essential Qualifications:

• Willingness and ability to work alone or in small teams in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone coverage
• Physically able to walk long distances in rugged terrain, over sharp lava fields or in thick forests for a full workday collecting field data in all weather
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience operating small powered tools safely such as weed eaters, chain saw, etc.
• Experience in the use of a computer and Microsoft Office suite, basic knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software, able to upload/download GPS data
• Willing to mix and apply pesticides and chemical fertilizers in strict accordance with label requirements
• Able to drive 4WD, manual transmission vehicles on rough roads, valid US driver’s license at the time of hire
• Able to legally work in the United States at the time of hire

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Ability to problem solve
• Works well in a team environment and experience as a team leader
• Able to work independently as needed with minimal guidance
• Interested in natural resource management and enthusiastic about working outdoors
• Knowledge of Hawaiian natural resources, ecology, and biocultural heritage
• Mechanically inclined
• Speak or understand languages other than English; especially Spanish

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement:

Forest Solutions Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, gender, religion, or any other protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the Application process or in performing this role, please contact us to discuss your needs.