0097627T Research Support HRPP Seed Lab

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists in the operation of the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program - Seed Conservation Laboratory, including curation of seed collections, maintenance of associated records and databases, and propagation of native Hawaiian plants from seed. Contributes to germplasm conservation research and the implementation of established and new seed conservation and storage strategies for native Hawaiian plants, including rare, threatened, and endangered taxa. Processes, accessions, documents, and stores incoming seed collections; enters and maintains accession and research data; and provides analytical support to the Seed Conservation Laboratory Manager. Maintains the integrity and viability of seed germplasm collections through routine monitoring, germination and other viability testing, and assistance with the development and refinement of conservation protocols. Prepares growing media, stock solutions, and other materials required for seed germination and viability testing. Assists in providing technical information and seed bank training to partners and stakeholders through presentations, demonstrations, and written materials. Prepares and documents seed and other plant materials for transfer from the Seed Conservation Laboratory to partner organizations. Provides instruction and training to volunteers, interns, and student assistants on established laboratory procedures and assists in coordinating their assigned work. Assists with routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, reports equipment requiring specialized repair, and maintains accurate inventories of laboratory supplies and chemicals. Assists with Seed Conservation Laboratory tours and other outreach activities for visiting donors, schools, partners, and community groups. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biology, Botany, Horticulture, Plant Science, Ecology, or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for biological laboratory work, including seed banking, plant conservation, and/or plant propagation; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of seed banking, germination and viability testing, and/or plant propagation demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with the handling of threatened and endangered plant species.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of seed conservation and/or germplasm laboratory operations.
Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
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, apply word processing software, and spreadsheet and database software.
Experience working in a laboratory setting, with knowledge and application of general laboratory concepts, terminology, procedures, safety practices, and equipment.
Experience with record-keeping, data entry, and management of biological or research data.

Nice To Haves

At least one (1) year of conservation seed banking experience.
Working knowledge of the native Hawaiian flora.
Familiarity with Microsoft Access or similar relational database software.
Experience assisting with seed conservation research, protocol development, or evaluation of new conservation methods.
Experience providing instruction or training to students, interns, volunteers, or other personnel in laboratory or technical procedures.
Experience with seed processing/cleaning, accessioning or management of biological collections, germination or viability testing, conservation seed banking, native plant propagation, or biological data management.

Responsibilities

Assists in the operation of the Hawaiian Rare Plant Program - Seed Conservation Laboratory, including curation of seed collections, maintenance of associated records and databases, and propagation of native Hawaiian plants from seed.
Contributes to germplasm conservation research and the implementation of established and new seed conservation and storage strategies for native Hawaiian plants, including rare, threatened, and endangered taxa.
Processes, accessions, documents, and stores incoming seed collections; enters and maintains accession and research data; and provides analytical support to the Seed Conservation Laboratory Manager.
Maintains the integrity and viability of seed germplasm collections through routine monitoring, germination and other viability testing, and assistance with the development and refinement of conservation protocols.
Prepares growing media, stock solutions, and other materials required for seed germination and viability testing.
Assists in providing technical information and seed bank training to partners and stakeholders through presentations, demonstrations, and written materials.
Prepares and documents seed and other plant materials for transfer from the Seed Conservation Laboratory to partner organizations.
Provides instruction and training to volunteers, interns, and student assistants on established laboratory procedures and assists in coordinating their assigned work.
Assists with routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment, reports equipment requiring specialized repair, and maintains accurate inventories of laboratory supplies and chemicals.
Assists with Seed Conservation Laboratory tours and other outreach activities for visiting donors, schools, partners, and community groups.
Performs other duties as assigned.