Show PCSU NR/ER HORTICULTURAL ASSISTANT – ID# 224723

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.

PCSU NR/ER HORTICULTURAL ASSISTANT – ID# 224723.

CLOSING DATE:  November 20, 2024. INQUIRIES:  Tiffany Lum 808-343-3520 (Oahu). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Oahu Native Ecosystems Protection and Management (NEPM) Section, located in Pearl City, 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:  $3,400/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Serves as a horticultural crew member assisting in the production of native plants for outplanting. Assists in propagation and maintenance of native Hawaiian plant species, most of which are State and Federally listed as rare and endangered. Assists the NR/ER Research Horticultural Technician in maintaining plants and propagules in greenhouse. Uses appropriate pesticides to control pests and pathogens to prepare plants for outplanting into natural areas following all environmental compliance and safety rules and procedures. Keeps accurate nursery records and assists in the maintenance of the plant propagation database. Responsible for completing and documenting pest and pathogen inspections, and reporting findings and all plant health concerns promptly. Records growth and mortality of propagules from field and botanical gardens and prepares written reports of observations, as needed. Participates in outplanting and monitoring of species in field plots of natural habitat as needed. Waters and fertilizes plants and performs routine nursery maintenance and repairs. Cleans and maintains nursery infrastructure. Prepares media and other growing supplies. Maintains field equipment and notifies supervisor when repairs or maintenance are required. Assists with tracking inventory of supplies and equipment. Records data on species locations and status and inputs data into field GIS and database software, GPS equipment, and computers. Fieldwork requires working with herbicides, small power tools (e.g., chainsaws, weed whackers, etc.), and working in and around helicopters. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
EXPERIENCE
Up to one (0-1) year of experience in field activities related to Natural Resource Management or horticultural work.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna, or similar, and threats from alien species. Basic knowledge of principles of plant propagation, plant pathology and entomology, and horticultural procedures and methods. Basic knowledge of pest symptoms, construction and repair, safe application of pesticides and their regulation, and fertilizer application.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Ability to operate power tools (e.g., chainsaws, weed eaters, generators, chipper). Ability to apply pesticides safely. Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions. Ability to work well as part of a team. Must be able to make critical decisions in the propagation of native Hawaiian plant species, most of which are State and Federally listed as Endangered Species and will require very special and specific handling. Ability to enter mobile data (e.g., accurate records of survivability/longevity, growth rates, impact of predators and parasites, diseases, life history characteristics such as reproductive stage, flowering periods, seed production). Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. 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 Conditions: 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. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS
Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, up to five (5) consecutive days. Must be able to backpack, lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Ability to work on feet in hot, humid conditions within a greenhouse structure with frequent bending and stooping.
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 in Hawai‘i, especially on Oahu. Experience in nursery management or the agriculture industry. Experience working in plant conservation in Hawai‘i. Ability to identify common nursery plant pests. Experience with Oahu NEPM and familiarity with NARS.

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.