Research Associate (Native Plant Restoration Biologist, 0079392T)

University of Hawaii • Honolulu, HI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Research Associate (Native Plant Restoration Biologist) within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO). The role involves leading the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of the native plant restoration program, aligning with biological opinions, federal consultations, and Army INRMPs. The position requires coordination with various program staff, oversight of logistics, design and direction of restoration activities, and development of innovative techniques and monitoring protocols. The Research Associate will implement, monitor, and provide oversight for fieldwork, including propagule collection, outplanting, site preparation, and threat management, while directing and training staff. Data management and analysis are crucial for monitoring program effectiveness and ensuring accuracy of deliverables. The role also involves research and development for continuous improvement, conducting experimental trials, and disseminating findings through publications. Interagency collaboration and staff development are key components, along with enforcing safety practices and operating in potentially hazardous environments (UXO-affected areas, helicopter missions).

Requirements

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience with natural resource management of biological resources, including two (2) years of experience in vegetation management and restoration; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience.
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of vegetation management and restoration in island ecosystems, including strategies, monitoring methods, tools, and threat control techniques.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; software for statistical analysis and graphing; and ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of native plant restoration management, techniques, and strategies.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian native plants, including identification, biology, natural history, and threats.
• Knowledge of invasive plant identification and control techniques, including herbicide use, handling, and reporting.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques, native ecosystems, ecosystem threats, native and invasive animals, and threat control.
• Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
• Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor, including a government security investigation and eligibility verification for access to unclassified information.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training.
• Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
• 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 duration of employment.
• Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• If selected for chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
• Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day with a 35-pound backpack, camp in rugged terrain and in remote areas for up to four (4) days at a time, and conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., mud, extreme weather, steep terrain).
• Required to comply with all applicable RCUH, University of Hawai‘i, and business entity policies, procedures, and training as a condition of employment.
• Must be able to work a non-standard work schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai‘i.
• Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed, especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules.
• Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
• Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance.
• Field experience with native plant restoration in Hawai‘i.
• Familiarity with propagule processing and storage methods.
• Familiarity with horticultural practices.
• Familiarity with outplanting logistics and techniques.
• Expertise in taxonomy and identification of native Hawaiian plants.
• Familiarity with plant identification tools and resources.
• Working knowledge of rare and federally listed Hawaiian plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates.
• Familiarity with working under federal and state permitting requirements for endangered species.

Responsibilities

• Leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of ANRPO’s native plant restoration management program in alignment with biological opinions, federal consultations, and Army Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans (INRMPs).
• Coordinates with program managers, coordinators, field supervisors, biologists, and specialists on native plant restoration program projects, initiatives, management plans, and actions.
• Ensures actions are scheduled and reviewed with field teams.
• Oversees the native plant restoration program logistics, including scheduling, gear and supply inventory, purchasing, facilities maintenance, data collection, and ensuring successful action completion.
• Designs and directs native plant restoration program activities.
• Develops innovative techniques, monitoring protocols, and management strategies.
• Implements, monitors, and provides oversight for fieldwork initiatives focusing on native plant restoration, including related propagule collection, outplanting, site preparation, and threat management.
• Directs staff on relevant field actions.
• Oversees and conducts staff training on critical native plant restoration and related threat control practices and actions.
• Provides oversight, mentorship, and technical support for field teams, technicians, and temporary staff conducting management activities.
• Manages and analyzes native plant restoration data to monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure data accuracy.
• Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of programmatic deliverables, including internal and external reports and presentations, action review, permit review and reporting, pesticide usage documentation, and collaborative agency updates.
• Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• Oversees research, development, and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance native plant restoration.
• Conducts and manages experimental trials, distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve native plant restoration practices.
• Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination, participating in working groups, consultations, and meetings to inform, innovate, and implement shared conservation strategies related to native plant restoration.
• Leads and supports staff development activities, such as education days and hands-on training in field techniques, native and invasive plant identification, propagule collection and processing, outplanting, habitat management and safety practices.
• Reviews, revises, and enforces safety practices and standard operating procedures.
• Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas, supports helicopter missions, and may perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR or ability to obtain within three (3) months.
• Helicopter safety courses completion within six (6) months.
• State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months.
• Online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire.
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months.
• Chainsaw training within twelve (12) months (if applicable).
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level