HCSU BOTANY/RESTORATION TECH #226236

The HCSU Botany/Restoration Technician position at RCUH in Honolulu, HI, involves assisting with ecological restoration field experiments, data management, and plant propagation. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a biological field and some field experience. The role requires knowledge of vegetation ecology and data collection methods, and it is a full-time position located at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

HCSU BOTANY/RESTORATION TECHNICIAN – ID# 226236.

CLOSING DATE: April 29, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Lori Bufil 808-932-7977 (Hawai‘i).

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Hawaii 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. <br><br>MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $3,752 - $3,986/Mon. <br><br>DUTIES: Assists with restoration field experiments aimed at furthering manager-researcher connections and development of climate-smart restoration testing the efficacy of seed sourcing as a strategy to increase drought resiliency of native Hawaiian forest species. Works with the Crew Lead to implement 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. Supports Crew lead in plant propagation, outplanting and experimental setup including construction of drought shelters and deploying environmental sensor arrays, and 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. Gathers and organizes ecological data. Assists with data management and database archiving. Supports Crew Lead in producing regular progress reports on fieldwork. <br><br>PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: <br><br>EDUCATION<br><br>Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other biological field.

EXPERIENCE

Six (6) months to one (1) year of field experience, including technical work conducting biological field research related to forest ecology and restoration. Prior experience setting up and carrying out terrestrial field experiments, and data management.

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 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.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to work on a project team and assist Crew Lead with coordinating 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 safely operate power tools including table saws, skill saws, band saws, impact drivers, drill, etc. and hand tools such as machetes, shovel, hammer, sledgehammer, etc. Ability to work with ArcGIS and data management software (e.g., Excel, R). Ability to write field/lab protocols to assist with project reports and publications. Must possess a valid drivers license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal drivers insurance equivalent to Hawai‘is No-Fault Drivers Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Applicants selected must be a US Citizen, and must be able to meet security requirements for working in a Federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a Federal background check performed within one (1) month from date of hire. 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. Must be able to complete machine guarding and power tool safety training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

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.

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:

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 https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official 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, please 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/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUHs Benefits for eligible employees.<br><br>RCUHs 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.