Hawaii Island
HCSU Botany/Restoration Ecology Research Technician – ID# 223716.
CLOSING DATE: November 15, 2023, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).
INQUIRIES: Lori Bufil (808) 932-7977 (Hawai‘i).
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Hawai’i Cooperative Studies Unit (HCSU) at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (UHH) in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (USGS PIERC). Work location is in the USGS PIERC office in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park 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.
MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,166-$5,000/Mon.
DUTIES: Assists with managing restoration field experiments aimed at furthering manager-researcher connections and development of climate-smart restoration strategies, and testing the efficacy of seed sourcing as a strategy to increase drought resiliency of native Hawaiian forest species. Leads and oversees all field, logistical, and operational components of the project. Works with the Project Leader to help create and write field and lab methodologies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Works with the Project Leader to train team members in implementing ecological experiments and sampling protocols and ensures that SOPs and safety requirements are adhered to in the field, at the office, and in the lab. Works with the Project Leader to track and monitor project progress to ensure objectives and goals are met. Obtains necessary permits for access. Communicates with partners and collaborators to coordinate plant propagation, outplanting and experimental setup including construction of drought shelters and deploying environmental sensor arrays, and leading monitoring of out-plants and coordinating plant trait characterization. Drives to project sites as necessary. Collects soils and plant material in the field, obtains and maintains plant survey data, and ensures proper data collection protocols are followed in the field. Utilizes ArcGIS (Geographic Information System) to create maps, transfer data between handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) and databases, and perform some spatial analyses. Gathers, organizes, and interprets ecological data through developing graphs and tables. Performs basic statistical techniques, carefully documents analyses, performs data management and database archiving. Submits regular progress reports on fieldwork, and works with the Project Leader to develop reports for technical or journal publications following USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP). Presents results at workshops and presentations, including preparing outreach products for different audiences. Creates tools and workshops to facilitate co-development of restoration strategies under a changing climate.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
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EDUCATION |
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other biological field. |
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EXPERIENCE |
One to two (1-2) years of field experience, including technical work conducting biological field research related to forest ecology and restoration. Includes at least six (6) months of experience in plant survey work. Prior experience setting up and managing terrestrial field experiments, data management, and science communication. |
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KNOWLEDGE |
Knowledge of general methods involving gathering and recording field data for research and management projects, including use of computers to download data under field conditions. Knowledge of the use of environmental sensors and data loggers for collecting environmental/climatalogical data. Knowledge of techniques of vegetation ecology and field botany including vegetation cover assessments using quadrats and transects with point-intercept methods. Thorough familiarity with the operation of personal computers and spreadsheet, database, and graphics programs. Familiarity with R and experience with data analysis. Knowledge of scientific writing, editing, literature searches, and statistical applications. |
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ABILITIES & SKILLS |
Ability to manage a project team and coordinate field logistics for working at remote field sites, including training team members. Ability to safely operate, maintain, and service biological recording and measurement instruments, and work with high attention to detail for completion and verification of data collection procedures. Ability to work with ArcGIS and data management software (e.g., Excel, R). Ability to write progress reports and field/lab protocols to assist with project reports and publications. 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 be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within six (6) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete the USGS-PIERC vehicle safety training within one (1) month from date of hire. |
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PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS |
Must be able to work at remote field sites where exposure to hot and cold temperatures, heavy rainfall, mosquitoes, and difficult terrain is common. Must be able to bend, walk, and hike over rough and uneven terrain for fieldwork. Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. |
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POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT |
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. 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:
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Additional years of experience in plant survey work. Experience with climate manipulation experiments, deploying and managing environmental sensor arrays desired. Familiarity with Hawai‘i flora and climate change conservation issues. Familiarity with historical land use in Hawai‘i, present-day restoration projects, and conservation issues centered around native Hawaiian forests and watersheds. |
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_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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