Research Associate, Senior

Title: Research Associate, Senior (Native Plant Materials Development Program, Plant Materials Development County Specialist) Position Number: 0078398T Location: Schofield Barracks - East Base Facility Duties and Responsibilities Implements the work plan for the UH Manoa Plant Materials Development Program, a partnership between the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), ensuring timely and effective completion of program objectives. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to Seed Production and Seed Collection Technicians (4 FTE), including hiring, promotions, terminations, approving time reporting, conducting performance evaluations, developing staff skills, and ensuring workplace safety. Oversees the collection, accessioning, processing, storage, and distribution of wild plant materials, including stock and bulk seed products, in accordance with established protocols. Establishes and manages small‑ to medium‑scale field production (e.g., the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) Kukaniloko property and CTAHR’s agricultural research stations) for native plant stock seed development and supports field establishment of native plant populations for bulk seed production for multiple native plant species. Manages harvesting, accessioning, processing, and storage of wild plant materials and stock and bulk seed products. Ensures quality control of plant materials production and associated biological data, including oversight of data entry, database management, and documentation accuracy. Coordinates and tracks partner and subcontractor activities related to plant material collection, propagation, site preparation, and production logistics. Coordinates site access, logistics, and field activities with partner organizations. Tracks expenditures and procures project supplies and equipment; maintains inventories and ensures proper use and maintenance of equipment. Troubleshoots, documents, and assesses challenges related to plant material development and production, and develops improvements to workflows and production techniques. Contributes to permit applications, compliance documentation, and required internal and external reports, including written and quantitative project reporting. Communicates and coordinates program activities with UH units, collaborating agencies, and project partners. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and Professional Work Experience: Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, biological science, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field, and three (3) to six (6) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for plant materials development, native plant production, biological or agricultural resource management, and supervision of staff; 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 Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the area of native plant materials development, native plant production, and biological resource 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 systems associated with natural resource management, plant materials collection, and environmental compliance. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems through creative reasoning and logical analysis in an effective and timely manner. Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and through preparation of reports and other materials. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, team leaders and members, and individuals. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, statistical, and geospatial software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS). Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, conduct performance evaluations, and manage employee relations. Supplemental Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of native plants, native ecosystems, and natural resources in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of plant materials collection, storage, and protocols, including field/farm-based production. Proficiency in weed control techniques, including safe handling and application of pesticides. Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards and expectations, and foster professional development. Ability to plan and execute logistically complex field operations in agricultural and remote field environments. Ability and willingness to perform strenuous outdoor fieldwork, including hiking long distances and working in rugged terrain under variable weather conditions. Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time. Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to operate a four‑wheel‑drive vehicle. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training. Certificate must be maintained throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from the 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. Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire. If selected for chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire. 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 managing species and ecosystems in Hawai‘i. Working knowledge of agricultural production systems and their management, and seed production practices. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance. Experience coordinating with multiple agencies and partners on conservation or restoration projects. Familiarity with inventory, monitoring, and assessment techniques for natural resource programs. Experience running field operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment. Knowledge of plant identification tools and resources. Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles. 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: 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: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status. 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: #J-18808-Ljbffr