Are you passionate about native flora and fauna in Hawaiʻi? Are you interested in living in a small, friendly community with history and connection to the land? While Lānaʻi has experienced many years of habitat degradation (like most of the Hawaiian Islands), there are still amazing native species and populations worth protecting, including significant populations of endangered Hawaiian petrels, endangered koʻoloaʻula (Abutilon menziesii), and other species of plants and animals endemic only to Lānaʻi.
Pūlama Lānaʻi (www.pulamalanai.com) is hiring a Biosecurity and Invasive Species Specialist to lead the biosecurity inspection and quarantine program, and incipient invasive species control activities on Lānaʻi. Learn more about some of the work our team has done in videos here: https://www.facebook.com/Lanai96763/videos/
This is a permanent, salaried (exempt) position with vacation time, insurance, and benefits. Our department has dynamic responsibilities that allow opportunities for growth as programs and priorities develop. Assistance finding housing on Lānaʻi may be possible. Vehicle for personal use not provided.
If you have any questions about the positions, please email rsprague@pulamalanai.com
BIOSECURITY AND INVASIVE SPECIES SPECIALIST
Number of Vacancy(ies): 1 Full Time (exempt)
Location: Lāna`i City
RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision and guidance of the Plant Conservation Program leadership, assists with executing the Department’s biosecurity program. The Biosecurity Specialist is responsible for planning, management, and execution of biosecurity inspection and quarantine program, and incipient invasive species control activities. The Biosecurity Specialist conducts inspections of incoming plants, tracks shipments from arrival through release from quarantine, identifies the species of any pest detections, and oversees necessary treatments. The Biosecurity Specialist also conducts routine monitoring and surveillance programs for priority invasive pests, and conducts control of incipient invasive species to prevent establishment on Lānaʻi.
The Biosecurity Specialist prepares plans, resource needs and operating budgets, develops program priorities with supervisors, maintains databases, rare plant permits, and proper reporting, prepares grant proposals, and develops policies and procedures for the Department’s Plant Conservation Program. The Biosecurity Specialist also aids in building and enhancing community, partner, and constituency group relationships, including, but not limited to, nursery; horticulture and agriculture groups; County, State, and Federal agencies; non-governmental organizations; and other relevant associations. The position also handles sensitive information and performs administrative duties associated with biosecurity and invasive species management.
REQUIREMENTS (see full list online): Combination of experience and education equivalent to a Bachelors of Science in natural resources, plant conservation, biology, environmental science, habitat restoration, or a similar field, with a strong background in native Hawaiian flora. Graduate degree preferred. Must have knowledge and experience with Hawaiʻi's flora, fauna, and culture. Must be able to know or learn species common and scientific names and become familiar with priority pest species, how to identify them, and appropriate courses of response. Must be able to make detailed observations and keep accurate and organized data. Must be willing to work irregular hours, and serve on-call, to assist in other program areas. Must be able to work in remote field conditions, steep (but beautiful) terrain, and inclement weather. Must be able to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles. Must have (or be able to obtain) valid Hawai‘i Driver’s License and be able to successfully complete Motor Vehicle Record review. Must be able to use computers, GPS, tablets, and other electronic devices and software. Must be willing to fly in and work around helicopters. Ability to hike over uneven terrain for up to 3-5 miles.
View all open positions at Pūlama Lānaʻi here.
