PCSU HORTICULTURE FIELD TECH - ID#226702

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Hawaii; On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Researchers at the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU) housed within the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i seek a Horticulture Field Technician on Maui. The role focuses on greenhouse operations, field surveys, propagation, seed handling, and habitat restoration through careful out-planting of native species.

The position requires 1–3 years in propagation, knowledge of native Hawaiian plants, and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in plant propagation techniques in landscaping, nursery, or greenhouse management.
• At least 1 year working in a natural resource management or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and oversee greenhouse and field survey activities.
• Facilitate propagule and seed collection, storage, and out-planting.
• Lead interns and volunteers; enter data and write reports.
• Maintain pest-free nursery production for native species.
• Track supplies, machinery, and equipment inventories.

Skills

Plant propagation

Data entry

GPS usage

Lead volunteers

Communication skills

Vehicle operation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, or related field

Tools

GPS units

Database software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

PCSU HORTICULTURE FIELD TECHNICIAN – ID# 226702.

CLOSING DATE: November 18, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Jeffrey Mallinson 808-269-4591.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Natural Resources Management, located at Haleakala National Park (HALE), on the island of Maui. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY: $4,220/Mon.

DUTIES:

This is a field-based position. Plans, implements, and oversees greenhouse activities and field survey and collection activities. Work tasks include, but are not limited to, facilitating plant propagule collection, seed collection, seed storage, propagation, field botanical surveys, greenhouse operations, habitat management (invasive species control), and in field out-planting. Assists with implementing a propagation program for both common, rare, and endangered plants for out-planting in native ecosystems on the Island of Maui. Manages a pest-free nursery production for both common and endangered native plant species to be used in restoration activities. Participates in all aspects of propagation and cultivation of plants (in the field and in the greenhouse), leads interns and volunteers, enters data, and writes reports. Utilizes knowledge and skills to ensure the safe propagation of rare and endangered plants. Assists in development and management of online database for recording and sharing nursery data. Tracks supplies and equipment inventories and gives notification to supervisor when additional items are required. Tracks and reports on greenhouse actions. Must be able to drive project vehicles to work sites and work in and around helicopters.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

One to three (1-3) years of experience in plant propagation techniques in landscaping, nursery, or greenhouse management industry. At least one (1) year working in a natural resource management or closely related field.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of plant propagation, pest identification and control (integrated pest management), and fertilizer application. Knowledge of classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature, and terminology. Working knowledge of greenhouse and horticultural procedures and methods.

ABILITIES & SKILLS:

Must be willing and able to work with and around herbicides and pesticides. Ability to handle, mix, and apply herbicides and pesticides safely. Ability to use weed whackers, chainsaws, and safely apply herbicide. Ability to input data into a computer using database and spreadsheet programs. Able to use gardening equipment, including horticultural methods. Ability to use a map and compass to navigate in dense forests. Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units to document rare element locations and remote monitoring plots and transects. Ability to take detailed field notes and develop systems for data collection. Ability to lead volunteers and interns and to coordinate field projects and data collection. Must be organized and able to keep good records. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Ability to report field and laboratory results. Must possess a valid driver`s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver`s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i`s No-Fault Driver`s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Post Offer/Employment Conditions:

Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee`s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to obtain State of Hawai‘i Restricted Use Pesticide license with six (6) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months of hire. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment).

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS:

Physically able and willing to carry out organized field work under rigorous physical conditions. Able to work in warm indoor environments for extended periods of time. Considerable amounts of bending, stooping, crouching, standing for long periods, and hiking in cold, wet, rough and uneven terrain. Ability to lift loads up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted is required. Work sites may be remote and require long drives over 4 wheel-drive roads. The work may also require unusual hours and long days in the field or at the work site. Must be able to hike cross country on obscure trails under inclement weather conditions (heat, rain, cold, and poor footing) with a fifty (50) pound backpack for up to ten (10) miles per day and camp up to five (5) nights in remote backcountry. Some inter-island travel may be required.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT:

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of plant species and ecosystems occurring on Hawai‘i.
• Experience in propagation and cultivation of rare Hawaiian plant species.
• Familiarity with mobile electronic data collection methods (smart phones, tablets etc.).
• Familiarity with Native Ecosystems Protection Management.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.