Predator Control Specialist, Hallux Ecosystem Restoration

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Salary: $56,000 to $58,000 per year

Education Required: High School Diploma or GED (Bachelor’s preferred)

Experience Required: At least 2 years of remote field work in natural resource management

Description

Hallux Ecosystem Restoration is hiring a Predator Control Specialist on Kauai, Hawaii, at $56,000 to $58,000 per year, with applications due June 30, 2026.

Hallux Ecosystem Restoration LLC is a locally owned company on the island of Kauai dedicated to protecting native ecosystems through innovative predator control and invasive species management. The team works to protect threatened and endangered seabirds in both the remote mountainous wilderness and coastal preserves of Kauai, combining best-available science with traditional trapping knowledge.

The Predator Control Specialist works as part of a collaborative team monitoring and controlling non-native invasive vertebrates within and around endangered ‘ua’u (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and ‘a’o (Puffinus newelli) colonies in the remote Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve. The position reports to the Managing Biologists and Associate Biologists, with project planning and scoping by the Lead Biologists.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and manage traps for invasive mammals including cats, rats, mice, and feral pigs.
• Participate in hunting operations for invasive Barn Owls following Hallux SOPs, biosecurity protocols, AVMA humane standards, and IACUC protocols.
• Modify and develop traps; perform seasonal trap maintenance.
• Audit and maintain predator-proof and ungulate fences.
• Collect and process biological samples.
• Operate power tools, vehicles, and helicopter sling-load operations.
• Use radios, GPS units, trail cameras, telemetry, transmitting camera systems, and map/compass navigation.
• Collect detailed field data on trapping, survey, and hunting operations.
• Assist with data proofing, monitoring camera review, site map preparation, and reporting.
• Document presence of endangered seabirds and other native species, sharing data with collaborators.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of remote field work experience in natural resource management.
• Ability to legally acquire and handle a firearm in Hawaii.
• Ability to pass state and federal criminal history background check.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• Hunter’s safety or firearm safety certification (or willingness to acquire within first month).
• Ability to pass random non-DOT drug test.
• Ability to use compass, map, and GPS for navigation and data recording.
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to euthanize trapped animals humanely.
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles on challenging terrain carrying 35-pound packs.
• Ability to live and work in remote primitive conditions for 4 to 5 days at a time.
• Full Covid-19 vaccination required (proof or recent vaccination prior to hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, or Environmental Science.
• Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from invasive species.
• Knowledge of ecology and wildlife biology principles.
• Experience with safe use of firearms and wildlife traps.
• Conservation and research-related hunting or trapping experience.
• Previous experience monitoring threatened or endangered species.
• Experience using remote cameras to monitor wildlife.
• Basic mechanical and carpentry proficiency.
• Applicants from Kauai and neighboring Hawaiian Islands.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, one-year commitment preferred.
• Benefits include full healthcare, vision, and dental through HMSA, 112 hours sick time, 160 hours vacation with 80 hours rollover.
• 80 Lima Hana hours allocated for community and conservation volunteering.
• Retirement options available after 1 year with up to 5% match.
• Crew live and work in remote conditions for 4 to 5 days at a time with limited cell service.
• Field sites accessed via helicopter or on foot.
• Advancement available based on experience, performance, and trap-handling competence.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references, copies of degrees or transcripts and certifications, and proof of COVID-19 vaccine and recent boosters to admin@hallux-eco.com. Applications are taken as they are submitted and the job may close before the closing date. For questions, contact Kyle Pias at 808-635-6135 or admin@hallux-eco.com.