WMWP Restor. & Nursery Asst - ID#226553

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Kapolei (HI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i is seeking a WMWP Restoration & Nursery Assistant to support nursery management, seed collection, field data, and reporting at Makakilo, Hawaii. The role involves propagation, soil mixes, planting, pest control, and data entry for restoration projects.

The position requires basic field experience or willingness to learn, along with a valid driver's license and ability to operate power tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; basic field experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian flora and restoration principles is desirable.
• Ability to operate field tools and handle hazardous materials safely.

Responsibilities

• Assist in管理 of nurseries, seed collection, planting, and propagation.
• Perform field data collection, photo points, and data reporting.
• Coordinate volunteer service trips and participate in restoration work.

Skills

Vegetation monitoring

Field data collection

Plant propagation

Pesticide safety

Teamwork

Data entry

Extreme field work readiness

Driving 4WD vehicles

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

Chainsaw

Weed eater

Auger

Mixer

Generators

Chipper

Job description

WMWP RESTORATION & NURSERY ASSISTANT - ID# 226553

CLOSING DATE: September23,2026, or until filled.

Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Yumi Kam 808-227-9545 (Oahu).

(4) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership (WMWP), located at Makakilo, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY: $3,525/Mon.

DUTIES

Assists in management of WMWP nurseries (e.g., Base Yard and schools), seed collection, plant material collection, daily field data collection, photo points, photo reporting, and data reporting. This will involve propagation, seed preparation, preparing soil/media mixes, planting, monitoring and maintaining seedlings, applying herbicide and insecticide, field work, outplanting, weed control and data collection. Participates in botanical research dealing with restoration of dryland forests in WMWP priority areas. Assists in coordination of volunteer service trips, leading volunteers on restoration related service trips (e.g., nursery and project sites). Assists Restoration Management Technician and Operations Supervisor with service trips and base yard/school nursery activities. Drives project vehicles. Collects botanical data in field and inputs data into database.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of field experience working in conservation, natural resources, or horticultural related work.
• KNOWLEDGE: Basic knowledge of Hawaiian natural history, island ecosystem processes, and general botanical principles. Basic knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna, or similar, and threats from alien species. Basic knowledge of principles of plant propagation, plant pathology and entomology, and horticultural procedures and methods. Basic knowledge of pest symptoms, construction and repair, safe application of pesticides and their regulation, and fertilizer application. Basic knowledge of computers and word-processing, and databases. Knowledge of vegetation monitoring techniques.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to assist in standard vegetation monitoring techniques (e.g., marking plots and individuals, assessing size class/height, and accurately recording observed values).
• Ability to properly identify native and alien plant species.
• Ability to operate power tools and field tools (e.g., weed eaters, chainsaw, auger, chainsaw sharpener, mixer, generators, chipper).
• Ability to apply pesticides safely.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, to comprehend complex verbal and written instructions, and to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to enter mobile data (e.g., accurate records of survivability/longevity, growth rates, impact of predators and parasites, diseases, life history characteristics such as reproductive stage, flowering periods, seed production).
• Must be detailed oriented and able to handle rare/endangered plant material.
• Must possess a valid drivers license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal drivers insurance equivalent to Hawaiis No-Fault Drivers Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.
• Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check.
• Must be able to pass a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as a Navy contractor.
• Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employees initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds of supplies and equipment unassisted while working in the nursery and hiking over rough terrain. Ability to work on foot in hot, humid conditions within a greenhouse structure with frequent bending and stooping.

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 Hawaii'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

• Experience with conservation biology of tropical forest ecosystems.
• Good knowledge of native and alien animals and ecosystems in Hawaii.
• Some professional experience, training, or classes in greenhouse maintenance.
• Knowledge of germination and propagation techniques for native Hawaiian plants.

RCUHs mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawaii, with a focus on the University of Hawaii.

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.