Scientific Program Manager Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Position Number: 0097332T

Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Pohakuloa Training Area Natural Resource Program (PTA NR)

Location: Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawai'i Island

Closing Date: August 18, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Band: C

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Duties and Responsibilities

(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)

• ** Directs and manages the Pohakuloa Training Area Natural Resource Program (PTA NR) and provides leadership and administrative oversight for PTA NR
• **Ensures PTA NR meets goals set via biological consultations and Army integrated natural resource management plans. Contributes to federal consultations.
• **Manages and oversees field projects conducted by natural resource crews, ensuring efficient execution of conservation work including rare species monitoring, invasive species management, and ecosystem protection efforts.
• **Directs, supervises, and assigns work to PTA NR staff to ensure operational excellence, high-quality performance, and adherence to established standards.
• **Utilizes sound judgment in reviewing and approving time reporting and HR Portal transactions (including eTimesheets) in the absence of the Principal Investigator (PI) (with PI concurrence) and/or the Environmental Stewardship Center Program Manager, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional protocols.
• **Leads the performance management process by conducting regular performance evaluations, including biannual/annual reviews of Program Coordinators, Field Supervisors, and other subordinate staff; identifies successes and improvement areas, and implements necessary developmental interventions.
• **Develops direct reports through targeted training and ongoing instruction to enhance skills, abilities, and overall proficiency in executing job duties and responsibilities.
• **Ensures subordinates' compliance with safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work-related safety requirements; promptly investigates and reports accidents, instituting corrective actions as needed.
• **Provides comprehensive biological, administrative, and logistical training to direct reports to sustain effective operational capabilities.
• **Organizes and leads monthly management meetings and quarterly staff meetings to promote clear communication, coordination, and team engagement.
• **Offers oversight and direction to Data Program Staff regarding program priorities related to the PTA NR database and Geographic Information System (GIS) products, facilitating effective inter-departmental communication.
• **Provides project oversight for conservation planning, execution, and reporting. Guides and assists Coordinators and Biologists in setting goals, developing effective management programs, and reviewing plans and actions with field teams. Ensures prompt completion of reports, including timely production of high-quality year-end reports.
• **Implements and monitors fieldwork initiatives such as rare species management, control of vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant threats, and resource monitoring; ensures that Coordinators and Biologists conduct structured quarterly action reviews with field teams.
• **Oversees subcontract agreements and collaborates with partner agencies and stakeholders to drive integrated management planning which benefit PTA NR goals. Assists Army cooperators with conservation access agreements and obtains necessary permits from State and Federal agencies.
• **Ensures compliance with procurement policies and authorizes purchases
• **Oversees safety program compliance. Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Risk Assessments annually. Facilitates training programs. Ensures subordinates comply with safety protocols and handles work-related accidents through timely investigations and corrective actions.
• 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:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Biological Science, or related field and 5 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for supervising a team conducting natural resource management in Hawai'i and at least three (3) year or more years of experience with contract management and (3) or more years of documented staff supervision or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of developing and emerging concepts, principles and methodologies in the area of natural resource conservation management in Hawai'i.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of principles, theories, federal and state laws and systems associated with natural resources management and the Endangered Species Act.
• Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving, and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and innovative approaches
• Demonstrated written and verbal competence in presenting ideas, concepts and models clearly using persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
• 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, proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications, ArcGis, and relevant biological research software.
• For supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a Department of Defense (DoD) security check and meet eligibility requirements for access to unclassified information, and comply with all RCUH, UH, and business entity policies.
• Substantial knowledge of common and rare native taxa (e.g., plants, snails, birds, insects), native ecosystems, invasive species, and ecosystem threats In Hawaii.
• Knowledge of natural resource management strategy and techniques, including monitoring, collection, propagation, threat control, and ecosystem restoration.
• 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 of direct reports.
• Demonstrated experience with operational oversight of administrative systems including HR time reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven record of interpreting performance data to drive improvements and strategic decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a steadfast commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
• Ability to hike up to 6 miles per day while carrying a 35-lb backpack and work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., extreme weather, steep terrain, remote locations).
• Ability to camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four days at a time.
• Ability to withstand high risk activities including but not limited to accessing UXO areas, working with helicopters, applying pesticides, etc.
• Requires a valid U.S. driver's license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Must fulfill required safety certification requirements (e.g., helicopter safety, pesticide application, hazard communication, First Aid/CPR, UXO training) within the specified deadlines following the start of employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Possession of a Master's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in managing endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai'i, with a strong understanding of conservation strategies in military environments.
• In-depth knowledge of Army natural resources programs, environmental laws, and occupational safety regulations, ensuring compliance with military conservation policies and legal frameworks.
• Knowledge of state and federal occupational safety and health regulations and programs (e.g. HIOSH, OHSA).
• Experience obtaining State or Federal permits.
• Demonstrated success in publishing scientific research in peer-reviewed journals and securing State and Federal permits for conservation initiatives.

To Apply:

Select the "Apply" button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:

• Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the