Position Summary 

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a motivated and conservation minded Invasive Species Placement to support habitat restoration and invasive species management across one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland ecosystems. This position offers hands on training and experience in field biology, natural resource management, and public engagement while contributing directly to the protection of endangered species and native habitats. Placements will work closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff to survey, map, and control invasive species; restore native vegetation; and support ongoing ecological monitoring. This position is ideal for early career professionals interested in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, or conservation work in Hawaiʻi.

Location 

Kihei, HI

Schedule 

April 20, 2026 - April 17, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Maintain, bait, and check live and kill traps targeting feral cats, mongoose, and rats

• Use backpack and tank sprayers to apply herbicide to control invasive weeds

• Utilize various hand tools to manually remove invasive weeds

• Clean and maintain equipment including sprayers, hand tools, and vehicles

• Conduct field surveys to identify, map, and monitor invasive plants and animals

• Prepare summaries and data reports of trapping success and treatment effectiveness

• Participate in training sessions on species identification, field techniques, and ecological principles.

Marginal Duties 

• Support habitat restoration by planting native species and maintaining restoration sites

• Assist with propagation of native plant species in the nursery

• Help coordinate volunteer workdays

• Work alongside refuge staff to support ongoing conservation projects.

Required Qualifications 

• Interest in conservation, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related fields.

• Ability to work outdoors in hot, humid, and variable weather conditions.

• Comfortable with physical tasks such as hiking, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment.

• Willingness to learn plant identification, field techniques, and safe herbicide handling.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Comfort with seeing the dispatching of invasive mammals including feral cats and mongoose.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience and certification with chainsaw, firearms, and ATVs are a plus, but optional

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Free housing is available at Keālia Pond NWR. This includes a shared RV trailer with a kitchen and nearby shower facilities. Interns using refuge lodging are required to sign a bunkhouse agreement and are expected to be organized, clean, and respectful of other tenants.

Compensation  

$800/week living allowance

$1,100 one-time roundtrip travel stipend

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not Needed

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

Interpretive Skills

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.