Research Support Staff (pos# 0078549)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for maintaining greenhouse plantings, assisting collections managers with data management, performing plant propagation, and implementing integrated pest management strategies. The role also involves providing horticultural information to various stakeholders, assisting with plant sales and events, and supporting garden maintenance. The Research Support Staff will move items up to 50 pounds, traverse uneven terrain in inclement weather, and participate in Arboretum events, including periodic weekend activities.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in horticulture, botany, natural resource management or related field and 0 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for horticulture or greenhouse management; 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 horticulture and/or greenhouse management demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts and terminology.
Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with pesticides and/or hazardous materials.
Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of plant propagation, plant nursery or greenhouse work.
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 and apply word processing software.
Able to lift and carry 50 lbs of equipment/supplies, independently and/or with assistance or broken down into smaller weight loads or utilizing appropriate methods (e.g. carts, dollies, or team lifts).
Able to work in uneven terrain in inclement conditions.
Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends and/or holidays as needed.
Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner.
Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation, which meets position needs.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform nursery work, plant propagation, pest control and to use appropriate tools, such as clippers, grafting knives, misting devices and irrigation equipment.
Working knowledge and understanding of tropical plant identification, taxonomy, and systematics, with emphasis on native Hawaiian plants.
Experience working in botanical garden or commercial plant nurseries.
Experience in marketing and retail of plants and gardening products.
Knowledge of conservation issues in Hawaii.

Responsibilities

Maintains greenhouse plantings including watering, fertilizing, pest and weed control, repotting, accurate labeling, mixing planting media, maintenance of good light levels for various plants, and maintains greenhouse inventory.
Assists collections managers with maintaining and updating data on plant collections at Lyon Arboretum, records accession numbers, source, status, planting location, verification, endangerment, etc. using computer-based programs.
Performs propagation of tropical plants using a variety of methods such as use of seeds, cuttings, air layering, grafting, rhizome or corm division, etc.
Assists in carrying out integrated pest management strategies on greenhouse collections, including chemical pesticide application, mechanical removal, and methods used to encourage beneficial organisms.
Provides horticultural and botanical information and plant identification to Arboretum staff, University students and faculty, businesses, government, and the public.
Moves items weighing up to 50 pounds and traverses uneven terrain in inclement weather for Arboretum operations.
Assists Horticultural Manager with planning, preparation, and implementation of plant sale events.
Participates in Arboretum events such as open houses, dedications, memorial services, and plant sales, which include periodic weekend activities and events.
Gives advice to the public on choice and care of plants.
Assists Grounds and Collections staff with maintenance of plant collections within the garden by weeding, pruning, fertilizing, labeling, and planting.
Other duties as assigned.