Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician, 0077799T)

Title: Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician)

Position Number: 0077799T

Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO)

Location: Schofield Barracks 

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Closing Date: June 26, 2026 @ 11:59pm

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience, 1 position available.

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time 

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: This position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)

• **Independently implements plant propagule conservation program actions in the lab and field under the direction of the Propagule Conservation Biologist.  This includes but is not limited to: work with federally listed, rare, and common plants; general laboratory tasks; processing seeds and other propagules and preparing them for storage, testing, propagation, and restoration actions; preparing and maintaining germination assays; establishing germination and storage protocols; estimating viability of stored collections; propagating seedlings for reintroduction purposes; generating propagation lists for seed collections; and secondarily supporting seed collection efforts in the field, mapping using GPS or similar, and propagation tasks in the nursery and greenhouse.  
• **Works with and handles small objects (seeds, flowers) for extended periods of time (three to five hours) with and without the aid of magnification tools and microscopes.   
• **In the absence of the Propagule Conservation Biologist, provides leadership in the seed lab, including leading lab work. Trains junior staff and volunteers. 
• **Supports Propagule Conservation Biologist, Rare Plant Program Coordinator, coordinators, specialists, and field supervisors in project planning, execution, and review.  Schedules logistics for assigned operations. 
• **Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures.   Participates in and stays current on training.  Wears all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate.  Participates in and, when necessary, leads risk assessments and safety evaluations.  Reports safety incidents in a timely manner, and assists with incident documentation and review when necessary.  
• **Safely applies pesticides and handles plants treated with pesticides, strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.  
• **Supports seed lab operations via: documentation of day-to-day work; propagule conservation data collection, management, and analysis; propagation facility inventory; collaboration with partner agencies and facilities; maintenance of seed lab facilities and equipment; maintenance of field gear, vehicles, base yards, greenhouses, and other facilities; action review; and assistance with logistics.  
• **Contributes to efforts to continually document and improve propagule conservation program protocols and best practices by participating in experimental trials and research on topics including, but not limited to: seed storage, propagule conservation, propagation, pollination, plant reproductive biology and breeding systems, seed germination, and seed dormancy.  
• **Contributes to program deliverables for the propagule management and rare plant programs, including internal and external reports, management plans, publications, presentations, permit applications and reports, and required pesticide-usage documentation.  
• Supports the Propagule Conservation Biologist through advanced independent implementation of projects, such as: developing guides for timing, quantity, and quality of collections; analyzing seed storage and propagation data; independently authoring reports; refining and developing protocols for propagation of rare and common native species; developing annual propagation actions to support the rare plant and restoration out-plantings; and leading experimental research or trials.
• Conducts field work in natural areas, including but not limited to activities related to native plant collection, propagation, reintroduction, and monitoring.
• Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas, supports helicopter missions, and may perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Professional Work Experience:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a biological laboratory, seed lab, or horticultural setting; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the areas of plant propagation, horticulture, and biological laboratory protocols, practices, and techniques, demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, federal and state laws, rules, regulations and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources, including the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws. 
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the areas of biological laboratory function, propagule conservation, plant propagation, and horticulture. 
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation, write reports and procedures, and communicate effectively in a variety of situations. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team members and individuals. 
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and proficiency with programs including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or other presentation software; software for statistical analysis and graphing; and ArcGIS or other geospatial database software.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications

• Proficient knowledge of basic biological laboratory equipment and techniques; principles of experimental design; and basic data/statistical analyses.  
• Functional understanding of plant physiology. 
• Functional knowledge of basic plant propagation and horticulture.
• Strong attention to detail, and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency. 
• Functional knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawai?i, including taxonomy, identification, botanical terminology, biology, natural history, and threats.
• General knowledge of natural resource management practices, native ecosystems, native and invasive animals, rare plants, collection and propagation, and ecosystem threats.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and record keeping skills.
• Familiarity with terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
• Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor, including a government security investigation and eligibility verification for access to unclassified information.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training. Certification must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) 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 the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day with a 35-pound backpack, camp in rugged terrain and in remote areas for up to four (4) days at a time, and conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g., mud, extreme weather, steep terrain)
• Required to comply with all applicable RCUH, University of Hawai‘i, and business entity policies, procedures, and training as a condition of employment.

Desirable Qualifications

• Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai‘i.
• Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed, especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules.
• Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts, and their interrelationships.
• Familiarity with biological database use and maintenance. 
• Experience working in a seed lab, proficiency in standard seed lab procedures, experience using seed processing equipment, and/or familiarity with best management practices for propagule management. 
• Familiarity with specialized propagule management techniques such as micro-propagation, tissue culture, cryo-storage, or hand-pollination, and their applications to propagule conservation. 
• Experience working in plant conservation, especially in Hawai‘i.
• Experience working with threatened and endangered taxa.
• Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawai’i.
• Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
• Basic experience in running operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessments. 
• Proficient ability to organize biological data, conduct data analyses, and present findings, both written and oral. 
• Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in lab settings.

To Apply:

Select the "Apply" button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:

• Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.
• Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Professional References: The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references.
• Unofficial Transcripts: Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application, though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
• Foreign Credential Evaluation: For degrees earned outside the U.S., you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.

Important Note: To protect your privacy, do not include any photos, Social Security Numbers, or dates of birth in your packet. Only the most recent application will be reviewed, and all submitted materials become the property of the University of Hawai’i. Please ensure all documents are complete and legible to be considered by the search committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Inquiries:

Kelly Rodrigues Honda; honda9@hawaii.edu