Research Support Staff (Seed Production Technician), 0079333T & 0079745T

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the Native Plant Materials Development Program, a partnership between the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The role involves managing the establishment and maintenance of field sites for stock seed development and bulk seed production. Responsibilities include field plot preparation, pest and weed control, irrigation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and storage of seeds. The position also involves plant propagation activities, including seed germination, transplanting, nutrient management, and pesticide application under supervision. Additionally, the role implements protocols for collecting, accessioning, and processing wild plant materials, monitors plant phenology, collaborates with the Army Natural Resources Program Seed Conservation Laboratory, and assists with reporting and permit applications. Maintaining organized documentation and reporting issues to the supervisor are key aspects of the role. This is a temporary, annually renewable position.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Botany, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for working with native plant horticulture, agriculture, seed lab, greenhouse, or other biological research projects.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in native plant horticulture, agriculture, seed lab, greenhouse, or other biological research projects.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and systems associated with native plant horticulture, agriculture, seed lab, greenhouse, or other biological research projects.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes, and resolve common issues in the field of native plant horticulture, agriculture, seed lab, greenhouse, or other biological research projects.
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 in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software.
Proficiency in software for statistical analysis and graphing.
Proficiency in ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.
Familiarity with basic biological laboratory equipment and techniques.
Familiarity with basic plant propagation and greenhouse procedures.
Familiarity with classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature, and terminology.
Knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and their conservation.
Knowledge of plant taxa from the island of Oʻahu and the Endangered Species Act.
Basic understanding of plant physiology and principles of experimental design (including basic data/statistical analyses).
Knowledge of seed lab procedures.
Basic understanding of integrated pest management, plant production, and principles of agricultural production.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
Ability to be highly detail-oriented.
Ability to perform repeated tasks with a high level of accuracy and consistency.
Familiarity in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Strong ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize tasks in an appropriate manner.
Problem-solving skills related to propagule management and seed lab practices.
Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
Familiarity with biological database use and maintenance.
Proficient ability to organize biological data, conduct data analyses, and present findings, both written and oral.
Knowledge of plant identification tools and resources and proficient identification skills of native Hawaiian and non-native vegetation.
Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in field settings.
Knowledge of safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations.
Knowledge of hazard risk assessments and safety planning.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws.
Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts, and their interrelationships.

Responsibilities

Manage the establishment and maintenance of field sites for stock seed development and bulk seed production.
Prepare field plots, control weeds and pests, manage irrigation, plant, cultivate, harvest, process, and store seeds.
Implement plant propagation activities, including seed germination, transplanting, and nutrient management.
Safely apply pesticides and fertilizers in the greenhouse, adhering to environmental and safety regulations.
Implement and execute standardized protocols for the collection, accessioning, and processing of wild plant materials.
Monitor and track the phenology of target taxa for optimal seed collection timing and locations.
Carry out wild seed collection and handling protocols in the field, including collecting and preparing voucher specimens.
Collaborate with the Army Natural Resources Program Seed Conservation Laboratory to develop and test seed processing protocols.
Support the wild seed processing workflow, including accessioning, preparing seeds for storage, and data entry (biological and GIS).
Coordinate site access, logistics, and field activities with partner organizations.
Assist with the preparation and submission of reports for project funders and agency permits.
Maintain comprehensive and organized documentation in field and lab settings.
Promptly report all issues and concerns to the Native Plant Materials Development County Specialist.
Perform other duties as assigned.