Kekaha, HI
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
PCSU/PMRF BOTANIST– ID# 224605.
CLOSING DATE: October 14, 2024, 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: Stephen Rossiter 341-4314 (Kauai).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), performing project tasks on land controlled by the U.S. Navy, located at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), in Kekaha, Kaua‘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: $4,703/Mon.
DUTIES: Manages all aspects of the nursery including seed collection, seed storage, propagation, pest management (including sanitation), and nursery plant inventory. Plans and oversees all greenhouse/nursery routine maintenance, repair, and improvements. Manages seed collection database and inventory. Propagates and maintains plants and propagules in nursery and prepares for outplanting to field sites. Develops and implements horticultural protocols for the cultivation of plants native to Kaua‘i, including the application of appropriate integrated pest management techniques, irrigation, fertilization, and greenhouse/nursery sanitization. Surveys various selected sites for incipient plants (native and alien species) with Global Positioning Systems (GPS); downloads data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database for trend analysis. Monitors native Hawaiian plants (in situ & ex situ), through installation of photo-points, rare plant field surveys, and outplant survival monitoring in management areas. Drives project vehicles to access field sites. Implements restoration strategies and monitoring protocols for restoration within the INRMP management areas. Conducts analysis of common and rare (threatened and endangered) plant populations, seed collection areas, and establish high priority restoration management areas. Responds to reports of injured wildlife, potentially outside of core working hours. Responsible for inventory control of equipment as well as the repair and maintenance of tools and equipment, facilities, and communication systems. Compiles field data into the database, designs maps of project areas and target species for field activities, reports, and presentations.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION |
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Botany, Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field. (Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in related field and an additional two (2) years of equivalent work or field experience in management of Hawaiian flora, or an additional five (5) years of equivalent work or field experience in management of Hawaiian flora may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree.). |
EXPERIENCE |
Two to four (2-4) years of experience working in the field of plant propagation for horticultural industries or botanical conservation, botany, natural resources, or related field. Experience needs to be well-documented (include dates and hours per week) paid, and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field. |
KNOWLEDGE |
Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora including threatened and endangered species and restoration techniques for native plants. Good working knowledge of common weedy species in Hawai`i. In-depth knowledge of Hawaiian biota and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of plant propagation in a nursery or greenhouse, and integrated pest management practices. Basic knowledge of principles of plant propagation, plant biology, nutrition and physiology, environmental physiology and ecology, soil science, applied chemistry, plant pathology and entomology. Basic knowledge of irrigation operation, construction and repair, pest symptoms, identification and control, safe application of pesticides and their regulation, and fertilizer application. Working knowledge of restoration or outplanting, and weed control techniques. Knowledge of field survey and sampling techniques, data analysis, and report presentation. |
ABILITIES & SKILLS |
Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i. Ability to identify common plant species in Hawai‘i, including agricultural and landscape plants and roadside weeds. Ability to use, collect and prepare botanical reference and herbarium specimens to identify unknown plants. Basic plumbing and electrical skills (for irrigation systems). Ability to apply pesticides safely. Ability to work well in a team setting, as well as work independently on tasks. Must be able to maintain a positive professional attitude in support of a productive work environment. Must have good oral and written communication skills. Ability to take good field notes and record biological data with a global positioning system (GPS). Ability to use word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and mapping software programs. Must be able to obtain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. 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 post offer criminal background check and security clearance for employment as a Navy Contractor. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to unclassified information. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) 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. |
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS |
Ablility and willingness to work in hot outdoor environments for extended periods of time. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Ability to conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., extreme weather, thick brush, steep terrain) on a secured military base. |
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:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Botany, Environmental Studies, or Natural Sciences. Experience identifying unfamiliar plant species and curating botanical specimens. Experience in professional nursery management or the agriculture industry. Possess the State of Hawai’i Pesticide Applicator Certification. Ability to identify common nursery plant pests, common plant diseases, and nutrient deficiency symptoms. Experience in propagation and cultivation of rare Hawaiian plant species. Ability to effectively use and manage a database. Knowledge of Department of Defense natural resources programs, and the policy, organizational contexts within which they are managed. Familiarity with data analysis and using critical thinking skills in reviewing reports. |
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional 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 or (808)956-0872. 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.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.
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