Senior Research Associate (Farm Manager)

University of Hawaii system; Kailua (HI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Hawai'i system is seeking a Senior Research Associate to lead and oversee greenhouse and field research programs at CTAHR/CARES Kona. You will design trials, manage resources, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The role requires strong expertise in crop development, soil and water conservation, IPM, GIS analysis, budget oversight, and supervision of research staff across funded projects. Hawaii-based office, full-time appointment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field, plus 4 years of related professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, environmental management, and program management.
• Ability to resolve complex problems and communicate results clearly in reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead greenhouse and field research projects focusing on crop development, soil management, water quality, and sustainable practices.
• Formulate and implement soil and water conservation strategies including erosion control, nutrient management, and crop rotation.
• Develop IPM strategies using biological controls and eco-friendly alternatives to chemicals.
• Utilize GIS databases and survey data to compute design specifications and land-use recommendations.
• Evaluate project feasibility, estimate costs for conservation practices, and analyze outcomes to guide land management.
• Establish and enforce operational standards, facility maintenance, and safety policies for research sites.
• Allocate resources and prepare contingency plans for environmental disruptions.
• Manage procurement, assess equipment needs, and prepare financial and statutory reports.
• Review grant proposals and assist in managing sponsored research funds and programs.
• Hire, supervise, and train research staff and technical support personnel.
• Direct crop production and greenhouse operations ensuring compliance with pesticide and environmental regulations.

Skills

Soil conservation planning

Project management

Grant proposal review

Environmental management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Horticulture/Soil Science/Environmental Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Senior Research Associate (CTAHR/CARES Kona)

Position Number: 0097687T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Hawaii County

Date Posted: November 9, 2026

Closing Date: November 24, 2026, 11:59PM HST

Other Conditions: This position is subject to availability of funding and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance, staffing requirements, and/or availability of funding. All application materials should be submitted by November 2 4, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Duties and Responsibilities

• *Design and lead greenhouse and field research projects, field studies, and experimental trials focusing on crop development, nutrient and soil management, water quality, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• *Formulate and implement comprehensive soil and water conservation strategies, including erosion control, nutrient management, terracing, buffers, and crop rotation plans.
• *Develop integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, evaluating biological controls, cultural practices, and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical inputs.
• *Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, technical guides, and survey data to compute design specifications and land-use recommendations.
• *Evaluate project feasibility, compute cost estimates for conservation practices, and analyze complex research outcomes to formulate land management solutions.
• *Determine, administer, and execute operational standards, facility maintenance schedules, and safety policies for research facilities and field sites.
• *Allocate research resources and formulate contingency plans for unanticipated environmental disruptions such as drought, fire, or severe pest outbreaks.
• *Manage procurement, evaluate supply and machinery needs, and prepare financial, production, and statutory reports required by state and federal laws.
• *Review grant proposals, make budget recommendations, and assist in managing sponsored research funds and technical assistance programs.
• *Hire, supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate research support staff, research associates, and technical support staff.
• *Direct overall crop production and greenhouse research operations, ensuring all activities comply with state and federal pesticide, environmental, and safety regulations.
• *Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes Essential Functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and 4 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for agricultural research, soil conservation planning, environmental management, and/or program manage mentor any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of agricultural research, environmental management, business administration, and/or program management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with agricultural research, environmental management, business administration, and/or program management.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and agricultural research, environmental management, business administration, and/or program management software.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

Desirable Qualifications

• Possession of a Master degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of research methodologies and statistical principles in agricultural, agronomy, soil science, and/or horticulture.
• Working knowledge of comprehensive IPM and environmental conservation standards.
• Experience working in a university research station, extension center, and/or research facility.
• Experience with fiscal and/or human resources systems, policies and procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
• Working knowledge of regulatory agencies and their organizational oversight as it relates to research, such as Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/ , or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/