Botanical Field Biologist / Horticultural Technician Pohakuloa Training Area HI

Colorado State University; Hawaii; On-site; USD 50,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Botanical Field Biologist/Horticultural Technician for the Pohakuloa Training Area in Hawaii. This role involves managing rare plant species, conducting fieldwork, and supporting greenhouse operations. The ideal candidate will have a background in botany or natural resource management and experience with rare plants. This position offers a collaborative environment with a focus on sustainability and conservation.

Benefits

Relocation expenses may be available

Robust benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience with monitoring rare plants and vegetation.
• Ability to conduct strenuous field work on rugged terrain.

Responsibilities

• Manage rare plant populations including surveys and monitoring.
• Support greenhouse operations and seed collection.

Skills

Monitoring rare plants

Fieldwork

Communication

Education

BS/BA in botany

Natural resource management

Tools

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Botanical Field Biologist / Horticultural Technician Pohakuloa Training Area HI

Working Title Botanical Field Biologist / Horticultural Technician Pohakuloa Training Area HI

Position Location

Work Location

Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Research Professional Position No

Posting Number

Posting Number 202500629AP

Position Type

Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib I

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Work Hours/Week

Work Hours/Week 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range

Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000 - $52,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 05/26/2025

Description of Work Unit

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( CSU ). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/

Position Summary

A Botanical Field Biologist/Horticultural Technician position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands ( CEMML ), to be assigned at Pohakuloa Training Area ( PTA ), Hawaii. This position implements natural resources actions to manage botanical resources at PTA , including 20 plant species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. PTA is a 133,000-acre Army training facility located on Hawaii Island at 2,000-8000 feet elevation in the saddle region between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

The position supports 2 components of the program:

• Approximately 50% of time is allocated to field work to manage rare plant populations including plant surveys/inventory, rare plant monitoring, and habitat/vegetation monitoring, outplanting site preparation/maintenance, and outplanting native, rare, and federally-listed plant species.
• Approximately 50% of time supports rare plant genetic conservation and outplanting including assisting with greenhouse operations, collecting and processing seeds for storage, and maintaining seed inventories.
  
  

Position is contingent upon funding for continued CSU support for natural resource management on PTA .

Relocation expenses may be available; conditions apply.

Required Job Qualifications

• Must be a CSU CEMML employee
• BS/BA in botany, horticulture, natural resource management, environmental science, or closely related natural science or four years of work experience in these areas can be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Experience with monitoring rare plants and/or vegetation.
• Familiarity with rare, threatened or endangered plants in Hawaii.
• Experience with greenhouse operations – e.g., air temp/light/humidity control/irrigation systems, plant propagation and care, and pest management.
• Ability to conduct strenuous field work on extremely rugged terrain.
• Proficient with personal computers and software, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience with native plant restoration, including seed collection, propagation, preparing planting sites, outplanting, and maintenance of sites and plants.
• Demonstrated experience working on field crews.
• Experience with chemical and mechanical control techniques for invasive plant species.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ).
• Experience operating 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Current or previous State certification to apply pesticides.
• Ability to organize and track multiple tasks, ability to compile scientific information regarding plant species.
• Interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Field Activities

Duty/Responsibility

Inventory/survey plant populations with a focus on threatened and endangered species. Evaluate and manage emergent threats to rare plants and outplants such as invertebrate pests. Seed collection, preparing planting sites, outplanting, and maintenance of outplanting sites and plants. Use of GPS mobile data devices to navigate to sites, collect data, and survey transects. Occasionally support invasive plant removal efforts using mechanical and chemical methods. Maintain and troubleshoot field gear and equipment. Regularly clean and maintain work vehicles, workspaces, and base yard. Participate in occasional overnight camping at remote work sites up to 3 nights at a time. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 50

Job Duty Category

Job Duty Category Horticultural/Greenhouse Activities

Duty/Responsibility

Horticultural/greenhouse tasks to include plant propagation, plant maintenance, integrated pest control, maintenance of irrigation and automated greenhouse operational systems, conducting seed germination trials, seed processing and maintenance of seed inventories while using high-levels of phyto-sanitation and cleanliness.

Percentage Of Time

Percentage Of Time 50

Special Instructions to Applicants

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License - Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date., Special Requirements/Other - • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by proposed start date. CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. • Required to be on-site at PTA – telework is not authorized.

Search Contact

Search Contact David Jones, [e-mail]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).