Seasonal Botanical Technician

Colorado State University; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) seeks a Seasonal Botanical Technician at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island of Hawaii. This field-focused role supports native and non-native plant management and data collection, surveys, and site maintenance.

You will work mostly in the field (about 90%) with some office time, joining a team to monitor rare species, control invasives, and document data while meeting site access and regulatory

Qualifications

• Experience with monitoring and/or managing plant species.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to repetitively lift 50 lbs.
• State Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of employment.
• Maintain Hawaii State Pesticide Applicator certification throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Inventory and survey plant populations, focusing on threatened and endangered species.
• Survey, monitor, and control invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Manage seeds, prepare planting sites, and conduct outplanting activities.
• Enter, edit, and QC field data and maintain gear, vehicles, and facilities.
• Participate in team meetings and provide feedback to supervisors.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

GIS/GPS data collection

Microsoft Office proficiency

Physical stamina

Education

BS/BA in botany or related natural science

Two years of related work experience

Tools

GPS devices

Mobile data collection devices

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary: The Seasonal Botanical Technician works in the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at CSU. This role 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 Seasonal Botanical Technician supports management of native and non-native plant species. The technician primarily works as part of a field crew, but may also work alone. The position is primarily field work (90%) with about 10% office time. This position is contingent on funding.

Essential Job Duties

• Inventory and survey plant populations, with an emphasis on threatened and endangered species, using GPS-enabled mobile data devices to navigate to sites, collect data, and conduct transect surveys.
• Survey, monitor, and control incipient, invasive, and highly invasive plant species, including applying mechanical and chemical control measures to protect threatened and endangered plant populations within defined management areas.
• Evaluate and manage emerging threats to rare plants and outplants, including invertebrate pests and seed predators; collect seeds, prepare planting sites, conduct outplanting activities, and maintain outplanting sites and plants.
• Enter, edit, and perform quality control on field data, while maintaining field gear, equipment, vehicles, and facilities to support program operations.
• Participate in team meetings, provide feedback and recommendations to supervisors regarding resource conditions and follow-up actions, and perform other duties as assigned.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date. Participate in occasional overnight camping at remote work sites up to 3 nights at a time. Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment. Legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA in botany, natural resource management, environmental science, or closely related natural science OR two years of related 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 3months of employment.
• Must maintain Hawaii State Pesticide Applicator’s certification throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience monitoring plant species and vegetation communities in Hawaii, including plant identification and the use of dichotomous keys.
• Experience managing invasive weeds around threatened and endangered plants in Hawaii using chemical and mechanical control techniques.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and safely using vegetation management equipment, including line trimmers, backpack sprayers, chainsaws, and similar tools.
• Experience with native plant restoration activities, including seed collection, propagation, site preparation, outplanting, and maintenance of restoration sites and plants.
• Experience using handheld GPS units and mobile data collection devices for field navigation and data collection.
• Demonstrated ability to compile scientific information regarding plant species and communicate effectively through strong oral, written, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment; experience working on military installations or prior military service is desirable.
• Current or previous State of Hawaii Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification and experience driving 4-wheel‑drive vehicles on unimproved roads.

Salary Range $25 to $30 an hour

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. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

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.

EEO

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.

Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU’s perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.