Position Information:
Band: A Career Group: Research Support Group
Functional Title: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE,
Campus: MA College/Office: RES & DEAN OF GRAD D
Geographic Location: LYA Department: LYON ARBORETUM
Section:
Bargaining Unit Code: 08 Employing Agency Code: 2238610
Supervisor: DIRECTOR OF LYON ARBORETUM, 0089065
Account Code: MA1132182
Duties & Responsibilities
(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)
- **Possesses taxonomic skills to discern planted accessions that form part of our collections from weeds and invasive species.
- **Under supervision of Grounds manager, works independently and in teams to assist with various grounds maintenance activities, such as planting, weeding, clearing vegetation, trail construction and maintenance.
- **Coordinates external requests for research and educational activities on the grounds to avoid any negative impact to the landscape and plant collections, including but not limited to assistance in locating research plots, plot setup, and/or collection of specimens.
- **Coordinates Grounds Department outreach and volunteer activities in coordination with the Education Department that oversees activities for Lyon Arboretum.
- **Collaborates with grounds manager to choose and locate new plantings, considering horticultural needs of the plant, theme of the area, ease of maintenance, insurance of survival, and aesthetics.
- **Conducts inventory and monitoring of plant collections on a regular basis, and rescues plants not doing well.
- Provides horticultural and botanical information when requested to visiting University students and faculty, businesses, government, and the general public.
- Assist at Arboretum events such as open houses, dedications, memorial services, and plant sales, which will include periodic weekend activities and events.
- Prepares procurement documents of needed supplies and equipment, or coordinates the borrowing of supplies and equipment from other University departments.
- Other duties as assigned.
Judgement Exercised
Results of analysis, recommendations or implementation efforts; assists in providing the basis for decision made by higher level personnel.
Originality
Applies or adapts standard policies, principles, regulations, and currently accepted methods and practices of the specialty area.
Controls Over Position
The incumbent works with moderate supervision and performs most assignments with instruction as to the results expected.
Supervision Exercised
Assists in supervision of student help and volunteers.
Basic Minimum Qualifications
Education and Professional Work Experience
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in horticulture, botany, natural resource management, landscaping, or a related field, and a minimum of 1 year of progressively responsible professional experience in one of these fields; or equivalent education/training or experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the field of horticulture or landscape design as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of pertinent standards and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems related to safety procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- 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 and use word processing software.
Equivalencies
- Any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skill and abilities as indicated.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of and experience in plant identification and taxonomy.
- General understanding of field research studies and ability to manage field project requests.
- Experience coordinating volunteer groups and managing outreach activities.
- Work experience in botanical gardens.
- Must be able to lift and carry weights in excess of 50 lbs.
- Must be able to work in uneven terrain and under inclement conditions.
- Valid driver's license.
- Must be able to use computers and common data processing software.
Desirable Qualifications
- Working knowledge of native Hawaiian plant species and non-native tropical species.
- Experience in landscape design, especially as it pertains to botanic gardens.
- Background and experience in integrated pest management.
- Knowledge and experience working with palms, Zingiberales, Bromeliads and/or ethnobotanical collections – all major groups at Lyon Arboretum.
- Knowledge of conservation issues in Hawaii.
- Experience in making signs using a laser engraver.
- Experience fixing and repairing small engines as pertains to weed trimmers, lawn mowers, blowers and chainsaws.
- Takes pride in being a steward of nature.
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