Propagule Conservation Technician Job ID#222279

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), performing project tasks for the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG), Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Environmental Office, Natural Resources Section, located on the island of Oahu. 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:  $2,573.00-$4,730.00/Mon.

DUTIES:  A primary goal is to ensure that the military mission is accomplished and that training opportunities are realized to the fullest extent possible in a manner consistent with Federal, State, and Army environmental quality policies.  Work must be done in accordance with applicable Army, Federal, and State regulations and laws, especially regarding endangered species, safety and health, and pesticides.  Majority of tasks take place on Army lands.

Implements the OVPRI/Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP) propagule conservation program to meet program goals for the Makua Implementation Plan (MIP) and Oahu Implementation Plant (OIP), and to keep the Army in compliance with Biological Opinions.  Serves as a laboratory technician and research assistant in the Army Seed Conservation Laboratory (ASCL). Processes fruit collections, enters data in the ASCL and Army Rare Plant databases, conducts and maintains viability assays, transplants and maintains seedlings, maintains all laboratory equipment, and performs other work necessary for the operation on the seed storage facility.  Other duties include plant propagation, plant inventory, and assisting in plant reproductive biology and pollination studies.  Assists with other research duties as assigned.  Duties include working with small objects (seeds) and handling/viewing them for several hours (three to five (3-5) hours) at a time with or without the aid of a stereo microscope. Assists in reporting on progress in written reports and via oral presentations to groups, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Army Biologist and NR Manager, other partners, and OANRP managers.  Complies with all safety policies and procedures.  Rides in helicopters and drives off-road. Works in areas with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) with professional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Science, Botany, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science with basic or related biology courses, or another related field.
EXPERIENCE: Two to four (2-4) years of experience working in a biological laboratory, greenhouse (or other horticultural experience) or other biological research projects.
KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with basic biological laboratory equipment and techniques, basic plant propagation, and greenhouse procedures.   Familiarity with classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature, and terminology.  Knowledge of Hawaii’s native ecosystems and their conservation.  Knowledge of plant taxa from the island of Oahu and the Endangered Species Act.  Basic understanding of plant physiology and principles of experimental design (including basic data/statistical analyses).
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisor and co-workers. Demonstrated leadership skills. Proficient ability to organize biological data and present findings. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance. Ability to use computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; and software for basic statistical analysis and graphing. Ability to enter and extract data in Microsoft Access database.    Strong organizational/record-keeping skills. Ability to be highly detailed oriented. 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.
Post Offer/Employment Condition:  Must be able to pass a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to unclassified information. Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout employment.  Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawaii Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months 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. 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 complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment, as job duties may require work in UXO areas.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Able and willing to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain). Able to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: 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:
Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species on Army lands in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed.  Experience with Army natural resource organizational, logistical and safety systems and procedures.  Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws. Experience working in plant conservation and/or natural resource management, especially in Hawai‘i.  Experience in propagation of rare plant species, especially rare Hawaiian plant taxa. Familiarity with seed storage and/or best management practices for propagule management.

INQUIRIES:  Melissa Makanani Akiona 221-2984 (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) Supervisory References, 4) 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)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.