Show NNRM HORTICULTURE & SEEDBANK TECHNICIAN – ID# 225726

RCUH is a State agency, established by the Legislature in 1965, and is attached to the University of Hawaiʻi for administrative purposes. Its enabling legislation is codified as Chapter 304A - 3001 to 3011 of the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes.

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

NNRM HORTICULTURE & SEEDBANK TECHNICIAN – ID# 225726.

CLOSING DATE:  January 15, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Linda Weaver 808-927-0331 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Nāpu’u Natural Resource Management (NNRM), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Hawai‘i Branch, on the Island of Hawai‘i at the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $4,220/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Works under the guidance of the Nāpuʻu Natural Resource Management Specialist and NNRM Project Manager to plan, implement, and review greenhouse and seed bank activities. Duties include, but are not limited to, facilitating plant propagule collection, seed collection, seed storage, seed database management, propagation, botanical surveys, and greenhouse operations in collaboration with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Assists with implementing a propagation program for rare and endangered plants for out-planting in the project area. Manages nursery production for endangered native plant species to be used in restoration activities. Adapts to changing plans and communicates observations and ideas to supervisors to help develop solutions to new and on-going challenges faced in implementing project goals. Participates in all aspects of propagation and cultivation of plants, pest management, receiving and acclimating plants from partner nurseries, leads interns and volunteers, enters data, writes reports, and assists with monitoring out-planted stock as needed. Collects seeds and propagules from in situ plant populations in the Nāpuʻu region. Utilizes knowledge and skills to assure the safe propagation of the rare and endangered plants. Assists in development and management of online database for recoding and sharing nursery and seedbank data. Tracks supplies and equipment inventories and gives notification to supervisor when additional items are required. Tracks and reports greenhouse and seed bank actions.  Drives project vehicles and rides in helicopters, as needed, to access field sites. Must be willing to work occasional weekends. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION
Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Terrestrial Biology, Botany, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
EXPERIENCE
Three to five (3-5) years of experience in natural resource management, to include at least one (1) year of experience with plant propagation techniques and seed collection in landscaping, nursery, or greenhouse management industry and at least one (1) year of experience leading a team (concurrent experience is acceptable). (A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Terrestrial Biology, Botany, Natural Resource Management, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience).
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of plant propagation, pest identification and control (integrated pest management), and fertilizer application. Knowledge of classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature, and terminology. Working knowledge of greenhouse and horticultural procedures and methods. Knowledge of seed collection protocols, seed cleaning, and seed storage.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Ability to identify native and non-native plants in Hawai‘i. Must be willing and able to work with and around pesticides. Ability to apply pesticides safely. Ability to use weedwhackers, chainsaws, and safely apply herbicide. Ability to input data into a computer using database and spreadsheet programs. Ability to use gardening equipment, including horticultural methods. Ability to use a map and compass to navigate in dense forests. Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to document rare element locations and remote monitoring plots and transects. Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection. Ability to lead volunteers and interns and to coordinate field projects and data collection. Must be organized and able to keep good records. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Ability to report field and laboratory results. 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 Conditions: Must possess 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 (A100) within twelve (6) months of hire. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. 
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted in remote areas on irregular and unmarked terrain, often under adverse physical conditions (e.g., heat, rain, rough terrain, poor footing). Able to work in warm indoor environments for extended periods of time. Ability to hike with backpack up to twelve (12) miles over rough terrain, through thick vegetation, or on unmarked trails over various substrates (e.g., rough lava, open pasture, and thick, dry forests). Ability to camp in remote areas under inclement weather conditions for up to five (5) consecutive days. Considerable amount of bending, stooping, crouching, and standing for long periods. Ability to work in warm indoor environments while standing for extended periods of time.
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:    

Knowledge of plant species and ecosystems occurring on Hawai‘i. Experience in propagation and cultivation of rare Hawaiian plant species. Experience working in a seedbank. Familiar with mobile electronic data collection methods (smart phones, tablets etc.). Familiarity with Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve and/or dry forest ecosystems. Background knowledge in soil science.
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 RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.

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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.