Botanical Technician – Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Austincc; Hawaii; On-site; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Moving expenses reimbursable

Job summary

The Botanial Technician position at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii focuses on monitoring native and non-native plants, surveying habitats, and collecting data for reports. The role is heavily field-based and requires alignment with SOPs and safety procedures in rugged terrain.

Responsibilities include seed collection, outplanting, handling invasive species control, and working with a field crew. Willingness to camp remotely and travel within Hawaii is essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in botany, natural resource management, environmental science, or two years of work experience in these areas (substitution for education).
• Experience with monitoring and/or managing plant species.
• Must be able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Survey and monitor native and non-native plant species and habitats.
• Collect data and provide written and oral reports.
• Field crew work 90% with some office time (10%).
• Follow SOPs and scientific protocols, recognize problems and recommend actions.
• Participate in overnight camping at remote sites up to 3 nights.

Skills

Plant species monitoring

Microsoft Office Suite

Valid driver’s license

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Education

BS/BA in botany, natural resource management, environmental science or 2 years work experience

Tools

GPS handheld devices

Job description

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Botanical Technician - Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Position Title: Botanical Technician - Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Job Level: Entry-Level

# of Positions Available:1

Annual Salary Range:$43,000 - $50,000

Position Summary

A Botanical Technician position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position is located at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii. The work site is located about 45 minutes from Hilo and Kona. The terrain is very rugged, consisting of extensive lava flows intermixed with vegetated areas. The elevation is about 7,000 feet and the climate is relatively cool and varies from wet to dry. The Botanical Technician supports management of native and non-native plant species. Management includes surveying and monitoring federally listed plant species and their habitats, native plant seed collection and outplanting. Invasive species management includes field survey plus chemical and mechanical control of target invasive species. The technician collects data and provides written and oral reports. The technician primarily works as part of a field crew, but also works alone. The position is primarily field work (90%) with about 10% office time.

Some moving expenses may be reimbursable; conditions apply. Position is contingent on funding.

Duties/Responsibilities include:

• This position requires working closely and in coordination with the Botanical Field Crew Leader and other field team members.
• The position requires ability to follow scientific protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs), recognize real and emergent problems, provide feedback on field/resource conditions, and recommend follow-up actions.
• The position requires the ability to make decisions for safe operations based on changing environmental conditions.
• Inventory/survey plant populations with a focus on threatened and endangered species. Use of GPS mobile data devices when navigating to sites, collecting data, and surveying transects.
• Control invasive plant species in proximity to threatened and endangered plant species by applying mechanical and chemical control measures.
• Maintain fuel breaks with mower, line trimmer and herbicide (skid spray and backpack application).
• Survey for, monitor, and control incipient and highly invasive target plant species in defined management areas.
• Evaluate and manage emergent threats to rare plants and outplants such as invertebrate pests and seed predators.
• Seed collection, preparing planting sites, outplanting, and maintenance of outplanting sites and plants.
• Participate in occasional overnight camping at remote work sites up to 3 nights at a time. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Enter, edit, and perform quality control on field data. Maintain field gear, equipment, vehicles, and facilities.
• Participate in team meetings and provide feedback to supervisors regarding resource conditions and recommend follow-up actions.
• BS/BA in botany, natural resource management, environmental science, or closely related natural science or two years of work experience in these areas can be substituted for the educational requirement.
• Experience with monitoring and/or managing plant species.
• Demonstrated experience working in remote field locations; ability to walk up to 5 miles per day in rugged terrain carrying materials and supplies under all weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
• Have a State of Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification or ability to pass applicator exam and obtain within 3 months of employment. Must maintain Hawaii State Pesticide Applicator’s certification throughout employment.
• 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 Requirements

• Experience with monitoring plant species and/or vegetation communities in Hawaii.
• Experience with plant identification including the use of dichotomous keys.
• Experience managing invasive weeds around threatened and endangered plants in Hawaii using chemical and mechanical control techniques.
• Experience operating and maintaining power equipment used in vegetation control, including (but not limited to) line trimmers, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, etc.
• Experience with native plant restoration, including seed collection, propagation, preparing planting sites, outplanting, and maintenance of sites and plants.
• Experience using a handheld GPS unit and/or a mobile data collector device to navigate in the field.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Current or past possession of a State of Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification.
• Experience working on a military installation or previous military.
• Experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles on unimproved roads.
• Ability to compile scientific information regarding plant species.
• Interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.

About CEMML

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.

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,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. To learn more, please visit:

Colorado State University 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.