OANRP HORTICULTURAL ASSISTANT – ID# 16538

OANRP HORTICULTURAL ASSISTANT – ID# 16538. 

Pacific International Center for High Technology Research.  (2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR), Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP), performing project tasks on land controlled by the U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Natural Resources Section located at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawai‘i. 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:  $2,372/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. Conducts nursery and other ex-situ and inter-situ living collection propagation and maintenance of native Hawaiian plants, including rare, threatened and endangered species.  Implements routine nursery maintenance and repairs, germinates seeds and utilizes additional propagation techniques to propagate plants (e.g. air-layering, cuttings) for outplanting and maintain viable genetic representation of rare plants in cultivation. Manages plant pathogens and insect pests, conducts weed and rat abatement activities, implements nursery phytosanitary procedures and decontaminates plants prior to outplanting. Collaborates in the development of an Integrated Pest Management Plan and implements it. Cleans and maintains nursery infrastructure and maintains inventories.  Keeps accurate nursery records and assists in the maintenance of the plant propagation database.  Works in the field on activities such as plant propagule collection, outplanting, post-planting care and monitoring.  May occasionally work in areas with unexploded ordnance under the supervision of an explosive ordnance disposal specialist. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Biological, Botanical, Horticultural, or Environmental Science (or other related field) with basic/related biology/botany courses.  EXPERIENCE:  At least two (2) years of paid work experience with plant propagation techniques in horticultural industries or botanical conservation. (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university may substitute for 1 or more years of experience depending on overall qualifications.) ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  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. Familiarity with classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature and terminology.  Good working knowledge of computers, word-processing and databases. Must have thorough knowledge of nursery and horticultural procedures and methods and be able to make critical decisions in the propagation/cultivation of native Hawaiian plant species, most of which are federally listed as Endangered Species.  Basic plumbing and electrical skills (for irrigation systems). Able to apply pesticides safely. Must be able to perform repeated tasks with a high level of accuracy and consistency. Able to effectively use word processing, database and spreadsheet programs. Ability to enter data in Microsoft Access database.  Ability to manipulate data in Microsoft Excel and proficiency in Microsoft Word.  Strong organizational/record-keeping skills. Strong communication skills to contribute to the weekly task list in the nurseries and inter-situ sites and effectively convey plant health issues.  Must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of personal vehicle insurance and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must possess the American Red Cross 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 be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout employment. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s intial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to pass a DOD security check for employment as an Army contractor and maintain clearancce throughout the duration of employment.  Must complete UXO Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment, as job duties may require work in UXO areas. Failure to meet these post offer conditions may result in disciplinary action, which could include termination of employment.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Physically able and willing to carry out organized fieldwork under rigorous physical conditions.  Able to hike up to five (5) miles per day and backpack carrying up to thirty (30) pounds of load unassisted.  Able to work in warm indoor and outdoor environments for extended periods of time.  Considerable amount of bending, stooping, crouching, standing for long periods and lifting loads up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted are required. Able to apply pesticides using hand-held and backpack sprayers. Able to stand for long durations and reach with arms and back for extended periods of time when watering and applying pesticides. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Annual respirator medical clearance and fitting is required.  All reasonable accommodations will be made based on fitness for duty.  Medical costs will be paid for by the employer. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  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:  Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological, Botanical, Horticultural, or Environmental Science (or other related field) with basic/related biology/botany courses. Knowledge of plant species and ecosystems occurring in Hawai‘i, especially on Oahu.  Experience in professional nursery management or the agriculture industry.  Experience working in plant conservation and/or natural resource management, especially in Hawai‘i. Ability to use a Global Information System (GIS).  Experience with Army natural resource organizational, logistical and safety systems and procedures.  Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws.  Identification of common nursery plant pests.  Identification of common plant diseases and nutrient deficiency symptoms.  Experience in propagation and cultivation of rare plant species, especially rare Hawaiian plant taxa. 

INQUIRIES:  Matthew Garma 285-5139 (Oahu). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) 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 rcuhhr@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872. 

CLOSING DATE:  November 10, 2016. 

RCUH’s mission is to support the research and training programs of the University of Hawai‘i and to enhance research, development, and training generally in Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.