Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician, 0077799T)

University of Hawaii • Honolulu, HI

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician) within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO). The role involves implementing a plant propagule conservation program in both lab and field settings. The technician will work with rare and common plants, process seeds and other propagules for storage and testing, prepare and maintain germination assays, estimate viability of stored collections, and propagate seedlings for reintroduction. The position also supports seed collection efforts, mapping, and nursery/greenhouse tasks. The technician will handle small objects like seeds and flowers for extended periods, potentially using magnification tools and microscopes. In the absence of the Propagule Conservation Biologist, this role includes leading lab work and training junior staff and volunteers. The position supports project planning, execution, and review, and schedules logistics for assigned operations. Safety is paramount, requiring adherence to program safety standards, PPE usage, participation in risk assessments, and timely reporting of safety incidents. The role also involves the safe application of pesticides and handling of treated plants, strictly adhering to environmental and safety regulations. Support for seed lab operations includes documentation, data collection and analysis, inventory management, collaboration with partners, and maintenance of facilities and equipment. The position contributes to improving program protocols through experimental trials on seed storage, propagation, and plant reproductive biology. Deliverables include reports, management plans, publications, and permit applications. The role involves advanced independent implementation of projects, such as developing collection guides, analyzing data, authoring reports, refining propagation protocols, and leading experimental research. Field work includes native plant collection, propagation, reintroduction, and monitoring, potentially in UXO-affected areas and supporting helicopter missions. This is a temporary, annually renewable position.

Requirements

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a biological laboratory, seed lab, or horticultural setting.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in plant propagation, horticulture, and biological laboratory protocols.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources, including the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes, and resolve issues in biological laboratory function, propagule conservation, plant propagation, and horticulture.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• Proficiency with programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software.
• Proficiency with software for statistical analysis and graphing.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.
• Proficient knowledge of basic biological laboratory equipment and techniques.
• Proficient knowledge of principles of experimental design.
• Proficient knowledge of basic data/statistical analyses.
• Functional understanding of plant physiology.
• Functional knowledge of basic plant propagation and horticulture.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.
• Functional knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawai‘i, including taxonomy, identification, botanical terminology, biology, natural history, and threats.
• General knowledge of natural resource management practices, native ecosystems, native and invasive animals, rare plants, collection and propagation, and ecosystem threats.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and record keeping skills.
• Familiarity with terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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 use and maintenance.
• Experience working in a seed lab, proficiency in standard seed lab procedures, experience using seed processing equipment, and/or familiarity with best management practices for propagule management.
• Familiarity with specialized propagule management techniques such as micro-propagation, tissue culture, cryo-storage, or hand-pollination, and their applications to propagule conservation.
• Experience working in plant conservation, especially in Hawai‘i.
• Experience working with threatened and endangered taxa.
• Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawai‘i.
• Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
• Basic experience in running operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessments.
• Proficient ability to organize biological data, conduct data analyses, and present findings, both written and oral.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in lab settings.

Responsibilities

• Independently implements plant propagule conservation program actions in the lab and field.
• Processes seeds and other propagules, preparing them for storage, testing, propagation, and restoration.
• Prepares and maintains germination assays and establishes germination and storage protocols.
• Estimates viability of stored collections and propagates seedlings for reintroduction.
• Supports seed collection efforts in the field, mapping using GPS, and propagation tasks in the nursery and greenhouse.
• Works with and handles small objects (seeds, flowers) for extended periods with and without magnification tools and microscopes.
• Provides leadership in the seed lab in the absence of the Propagule Conservation Biologist, including leading lab work.
• Trains junior staff and volunteers.
• Supports project planning, execution, and review with various program coordinators and specialists.
• Schedules logistics for assigned operations.
• Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures, wears appropriate PPE, and participates in risk assessments.
• Safely applies pesticides and handles plants treated with pesticides, adhering to environmental compliance and safety regulations.
• Supports seed lab operations through documentation, data collection, management, and analysis.
• Maintains propagation facilities, seed lab equipment, field gear, vehicles, base yards, greenhouses, and other facilities.
• Contributes to documenting and improving propagule conservation program protocols and best practices through experimental trials.
• Contributes to program deliverables, including reports, management plans, publications, presentations, and permit applications.
• Independently implements advanced projects such as developing collection guides, analyzing data, authoring reports, and refining propagation protocols.
• Conducts field work in natural areas for native plant collection, propagation, reintroduction, and monitoring.
• Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas, supports helicopter missions, and performs other high-risk tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annually renewable position contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.
• Commensurate with education and experience salary.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR through provided training.
• Helicopter safety training.
• State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides.
• Online Hazard Communication training.
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training.

What This Job Offers

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