PCSU Rapid Ohia Death Technician ID 18475

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), located at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry on the island of Hawai‘i.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $2,509/Mon.

DUTIES:  Conducts forest ecology, pathology, and climatological studies to understand the relationship between abiotic variables such as climate on temporal and spatial distributions of Ceratocystis lukuohia and C. huliohia.  Maintains a network of spore collectors (rotorods) and climate stations.  Maintains new and existing climate stations, which includes data retrieval, sensor and logger troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, replacement, and recalibration.  Downloads, enters, organizes, and conducts quality control of climate data.  Collects, processes, and analyzes plant tissue samples to determine the presence of Ceratocystis species.  Uses both traditional microbial culturing techniques and new molecular DNA detection techniques.  Participates in other vegetation management activities as requested, including data entry and analysis, scientific monitoring, and rapid response activities. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Environmental Studies, Biology, Botany, Geography, or related field.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of field experience in forest ecology  and plant pathology that includes measuring vegetation as well as collecting, processing, and analyzing fungal samples using both culturing techniques and molecular DNA approaches in the laboratory, and navigating remote forest areas using Global Positioning System (GPS), preferably in Hawai‘i.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge of native Hawaiian and invasive non-native flora.  Knowledge of general methods involved in gathering and recording field data for research and management projects.  Basic knowledge of the principles of climatology.  Knowledge of clean laboratory microbial culturing techniques and molecular DNA tests. Working knowledge of Hawai‘i Island’s geography. Working knowledge of Microsoft Access and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ArcMap.  Ability to navigate with map, GPS unit, and compass; to work alone in remote situations; to communicate well orally and in writing with supervisor and coworkers; to work well both independently and with others in a field crew setting; to follow and execute complex disease sampling, processing, and analysis instructions in a laboratory environment; and to accurately record biological data both in the field and laboratory.  Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel for data management and spreadsheet development.  Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.  Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.  Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment).  Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within six (6) months from date of hire.  Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months of from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Work involves the ability to safely conduct fieldwork, climb and work atop tall instrument towers.  Able to hike up to ten (10) miles per day, backpack with up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to five (5) days at a time.  Ability to conduct work under extremely strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain) as well as in ultra-clean laboratory conditions. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  Experience in the use of automated sensing systems, especially Campbell Scientific, Inc. data loggers.  Experience with pathogens or insects and/or invasive species management.  Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle.  Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. 

INQUIRIES:  Michelle Miyata 956-9512 (Oahu). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.