Research Associate

Research Associate

Position Number: 0081849T

Hiring Unit: Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC)

Location: Volcano Rare Plant Facility, located at the UH Volcano Agricultural Experimental Field Station

Date Posted: June 22, 2026

Closing Date: July 7, 2026

Band: A

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: To begin approximately August 2026 or as mutually agreed, subject to position clearance and/or availability of funds. Renewal of appointment is contingent on satisfactory performance, programmatic needs, and/or availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists staff Horticulturalist in the propagation and cultivation of native Hawaiian plant species, some of which may be Federally listed as rare, threatened or endangered.
• In absence of Horticulturalist, must be able to make decisions that mitigate problems that may occur involving the survival of the cultivated plants.
• Abides by all Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) policies/procedures/rules/regulations/conditions/understandings, as specified on the Natural Area Reserve, Rare Plant & Native Invertebrate Research Permit.
• Prepares reports of project accomplishments and problems.
• Maintains plants in the greenhouse.
• Germinates seeds collected from plants in the wild or from plants propagated in the greenhouse.
• Manages insect and pathogen pests using a respirator.
• Drives from facility to perform out-planting activities (out-plant greenhouse-propagated plants into natural ecosystems; decontaminates plants; monitors plants for growth/survival; nurtures plants on site; assist w/seed collection/cuttings for propagation).
• Assist with basic maintenance and/or minor repair of greenhouses and environs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Agriculture or Horticulture and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for propagating native Hawaiian plant species and out-planting; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Functional knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in native Hawaiian plant propagation and out-planting 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 native Hawaiian plant propagation and out-planting.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the area of native Hawaiian plant propagation and out-planting.
• 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 and apply word processing software.
• Some knowledge of Federally listed Native Hawaiian rare, threatened or endangered plants.
• Some knowledge and experience in successfully propagating native Hawaiian plant species.
• Some basic understanding and knowledge of Federal and State endangered species laws and guidelines used to maintain DLNR permit compliance at VRPPF governed by these laws/guidelines.
• Coursework, knowledge and skills in horticultural practices and research, including but not limited to horticultural science, plant propagation, plant pathology, soils/fertilizers, weed science, integrated pest management, etc.
• Basic knowledge of the principles of plant propagation, irrigation, pest control and safe application of pesticides and fertilizer.
• Knowledge of pesticide mixing, application, use and safety.
• Knowledge of greenhouse and horticultural procedures and methods.
• Able to conduct field work (i.e. hike, camp, etc.) in remote and/or severe environmental conditions for up to five days carrying 30-50lbs of equipment/supplies, unassisted, to collect plant specimens and/or for out-planting.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license, maintained throughout the duration of employment (i.e. for out-planting activities, etc.).
• Must be able to complete Medical Clearance for Respirator Use and pass annual Respirator Fit Test.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to occasionally work on holidays and/or weekends to cover greenhouse duties for holidays, which fall on Monday and/or Friday.

Desirable Qualifications:

• One year of experience in greenhouse or nursery work involving rare, threatened and/or endangered plants.
• Prior working experience and knowledge of Native Hawaiian plant species and weed species.
• Familiarity with Federal and State endangered species laws and guidelines.
• Familiarity and understanding in effectively using Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

To Apply:

Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents:

• Cover letter indicating your interest in the position and how you meet the minimum and desirable qualifications,
• Resume,
• Official transcript(s) showing degree(s) conferred and course work appropriate to the position (copies are acceptable during the application process; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution will be required at the time of hire). Transcripts issued outside of the United States of America require course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant, and
• Names and contact information (including email address) of 3 professional references.

The application will be considered incomplete if any of the required documents are not included or are unreadable. Please REDACT references to birth date and social security number. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NEOGOV, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Jaime Enoka, View email address on click.appcast.io