ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program Greenhouse Specialist

Position Title: ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program Greenhouse Specialist 

Who We Are

The ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program (ʻŌDRP) is a multi-partner initiative to support the disease resistance needs of Hawaii’s most important tree species, ʻŌhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha). This partnership includes federal, state and university entities, and is led by the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Hawai‘iʻs natural and cultural resources. The greenhouse specialist position is based at the Akaka Foundation, and promotes disease resistance research and application. The Foundation supports biocultural education, biocultural restoration, and sustainable livelihoods as a way to realize the Foundation’s vision of vibrant forest communities alive with the voices of Hawai‘i from one generation to the next. To learn more about ʻŌhiʻa Disease Resistance Program, please visit www.akakaforests.org. 

Purpose of the Position / Summary of Duties 

The ʻŌDRP Greenhouse Specialist guides and supports the continued success of the ʻŌDRP by using scientific approaches to manage all greenhouse operations related to identifying natural resistance in ‘ōhiʻa to Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). While this focuses on managing greenhouse and nursery operations, including supporting experiments, the positon also supports outreach activities, proposal writing, and publishing to further ʻŌDRP work. Specifically: 

1. lead the growing and propagation of ʻōhiʻa in a nursery setting, coordinate the maintenance of the nursery facilities and nursery inventory; 

2. coordinate field collections of ʻōhiʻa propagative materials, occasionally visiting field sites and assisting in collections; 

3. work closely with ʻŌDRP collaborators including USDA Forest Service staff, Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests staff, KUPU Service members, and other partners; 

4. plan and conduct disease screenings of ʻōhiʻa and assist with resistance-related pathology research; 

5. provide leadership for greenhouse and field technicians and coordinate weekly work 

6. conduct laboratory maintenance of Ceratocystis cultures and assays for ROD infection; 

7. record, input, and analyze data, and produce written reports on research; 

8. coordinate and support fundraising efforts including writing funding proposals; 

9. plan and host monthly ʻŌDRP meetings to update collaborators on program progress, and attend monthly ROD meetings. 

Primary Qualifications 

Education / Training 

Bachelor’s Degree in plant pathology, horticulture, biology, or a closely related field from an accredited four (4) year college or university. 

Experience 

Professional experience with forest ecology, forest genetics, forest pathology, and a background in propagating and growing tropical hardwood species. At least two (2) years of experience with laboratory, nursery, or ecological field work. Experience coordinating research programs is desirable. 

Knowledge 

Knowledge of plant greenhouse and nursery operations practices, including plant propagation. Knowledge of fungal pathogens including Ceratocystis. 

Abilities & Skills 

Ability to use greenhouse techniques to support ROD resistance research, including plant propagation. Successful applicants will be familiar with forest ecology, will be able to identify native and non-native plants, and will follow mālama ‘āina protocol. They will exhibit professionalism, have good organizational skills, and effective communication skills, and work well with collaborators. Applicants must possess a valid driverʻs license and have a clean driverʻs abstract. 

Physical / Medical Requirements 

Ability to work in adverse field conditions (hot and dry and/or cold and wet) and hike up to three miles over rough terrain. Ability to lift and carry up to thirty (30) pounds unassisted. 

Policy and/or Regulatory Requirements 

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests policies and procedures. Violation of Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forest 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.). 

This position will be supervised by Rebekah Ohara, CEO for the Akaka Foundation and will work directly with a team of Forest Service staff who support on-the-ground supervision and collaboration. 

Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests is an Equal Opportunities Employer Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran are encouraged to apply. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. 

Salary: $42,000-$52,000 / year depending on qualifications. Benefits include medical insurance, PTO, and holiday pay. 

INQUIRIES: Please send a Cover Letter and your CV or Resume with information on three professional references to kokua@akakaforests.org.