Imagine starting your day on Oahu’s North Shore, where the Pacific meets lush green valleys. You gather your team, drive into the misty forests near Haleiwa, and spend the day observing how birds and plants interact in ecosystems that have changed dramatically over the past century. You are not just collecting data — you are helping answer urgent questions about how nature functions when native species disappear and new ones arrive. This is the daily reality for the Field Crew Leader for the Hawai’i VINE Project.
The University of Wyoming, in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Northern Arizona University, and the U.S. Army Natural Resources Program, is now hiring an experienced biologist to lead the field crew for this long-running research initiative. The position offers a competitive salary of $46,800 per year plus full benefits, a flexible start between early July and mid-August 2026, and the rare chance to combine scientific leadership with life on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: University of Wyoming, in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Northern Arizona University, and the U.S. Army Natural Resources Program
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Salary: $46,800 per year, etc.
What Is the Hawai’i VINE Project and Why Does It Matter?
Hawaii is a global biodiversity hotspot that has lost many of its native birds. In their absence, non-native birds and other vertebrates have stepped into key ecological roles, especially seed dispersal. The Hawai’i VINE (Vertebrate Introductions and Novel Ecosystems) Project studies these “novel ecosystems” — forests where native and non-native species now interact in new ways.
Since 2014, the project has collected data across multiple sites on Oʻahu to understand:
- How seed dispersal networks change across space and time
- What happens to bird behavior and seed movement when non-native plants are removed
- Which factors drive variation in seed dispersal from season to season
The research combines field experiments, behavioral observations, point counts, game cameras placed on plants, detailed plant surveys, and invasive plant removal work. Findings help land managers decide which invasive species to control and how to support the recovery of native Hawaiian plants that still depend on seed dispersal to survive.
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This is not abstract science. It directly informs conservation decisions in one of the most invaded island systems on Earth. Previous team members have gone on to graduate programs, contributed to peer-reviewed papers, and built careers in ecology and natural resource management.
What Does the Field Crew Leader Actually Do?
This is a true leadership role, not a standard technician position. As Field Crew Leader you will:
- Train and supervise field technicians (the project has hosted over 70 technicians and numerous undergraduates since 2014)
- Help recruit and hire new crew members
- Conduct and oversee all field work: invasive plant removal, behavioral observations of birds and other vertebrates, point counts, camera trap deployment on plants, plant identification and surveys, and experimental work
- Work closely with graduate students from the partner universities
- Prepare monthly reports for the funding agency
- Help organize monthly public outreach events (the project has already participated in more than 150 outreach activities on Oʻahu)
- Maintain field equipment and ensure data quality and safety protocols
You will spend the majority of your time outdoors in mesic and wet forest environments, but you will also develop strong project management, training, and science communication skills — exactly the experience that hiring committees and graduate admissions panels look for.
Many people picture field biology as solitary work. In reality, this role combines hands-on research with team leadership and community engagement, giving you a well-rounded professional profile.
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Who Should Apply for Field Crew Leader For Hawai’i VINE Project?
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or a closely related field
- At least one year of field experience
- Previous supervisory experience with field crews
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with plant identification
- Previous work in Hawaii, especially with plants or in forest ecosystems
If you have strong organizational skills, enjoy mentoring others, and want to contribute to research that has real-world conservation impact, this position is worth your serious consideration. The project values people who can work independently in remote field settings while maintaining high standards for data collection and team safety.
Compensation, Timeline, and Benefits of Field Crew Leader for Hawai’i VINE Project
- Salary: $46,800 per year
- Benefits: Full University of Wyoming employee benefits package (health insurance, retirement contributions, and more)
- Duration: Approximately one year, with flexible start between July 1 and August 30, 2026, and end date between June 30 and August 29, 2027
- Location: Based in Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore
- Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (field schedule can include early mornings and occasional weekends)
Review of applications begins June 10, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Living and Working on Oahu’s North Shore
Haleiwa offers a unique island lifestyle — world-famous surf breaks, farmers markets, and quick access to both forest field sites and beautiful beaches. The North Shore moves at a slower pace than Honolulu, which many field biologists appreciate after long days in the forest.
Be aware that Hawaii has a high cost of living, particularly for housing. Many researchers share accommodations or find creative housing solutions. The salary and benefits package for this leadership position is competitive within the field biology sector and reflects the responsibilities involved.
Why This Role Can Accelerate Your Career
Field crew leader positions that combine research, supervision, and outreach are relatively rare. Most field jobs are pure technician roles with limited leadership responsibility. This position gives you documented experience managing people and projects — experience that stands out on resumes for graduate school, federal agency jobs, or non-profit conservation organizations.
You will also build relationships with researchers at four institutions: University of Wyoming, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Northern Arizona University, and the U.S. Army. These connections often lead to strong letters of recommendation and future opportunities.
Previous VINE Project participants have moved into graduate programs and professional positions in ecology, wildlife biology, and natural resource management. The combination of rigorous fieldwork, leadership duties, and science communication makes this an excellent stepping stone.
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How to Apply for the Field Crew Leader Position
All applications must be submitted through the official University of Wyoming job portal:
Apply here: https://eeik.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/261272
Required application materials (combine into a single PDF):
- Letter of interest
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your field experience and supervisory skills
For questions about the position, contact:
- Corey Tarwater (corey.tarwater@uwyo.edu)
- VINE graduate students (vine.hawaii@gmail.com)
- Jeff Foster (jeff.foster@nau.edu)
- Don Drake (dondrake@hawaii.edu)
Learn more about the science behind the project at the official site: https://www.tarwaterlab.com/hawaii-vine-project
Take the Next Step in Your Ecology Career
The Field Crew Leader for the Hawai’i VINE Project is more than a job. It is an opportunity to lead meaningful research in one of the world’s most distinctive island ecosystems while developing the leadership and project management skills that will serve you for the rest of your career.
If you have the required field experience, supervisory background, and a genuine interest in conservation biology and novel ecosystems, this could be the role that defines your next chapter.
Applications are already under review starting June 10, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
Apply today through the official University of Wyoming portal and take your place leading field research in Hawaii’s forests.
The forests of Oahu are waiting. The data you help collect could shape conservation decisions for years to come. This is your chance to lead from the front.