Job Details

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

PCSU STATEWIDE HORTICULTURE COORDINATOR – ID# 225599. 

CLOSING DATE: November 10, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Jennifer Grimm 808-927-0412 (Oahu). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), overseeing Hawai‘i`s state tree nursery system, which currently includes 5–6 geographically dispersed facilities.  Physical work location is on Oahu, with travel to Maui, Kauai, and/or Hawai‘i Island. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $6,266 - $6,750/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Leads and develops the statewide nursery system, ensuring high-quality plant production to meet Hawai‘i`s reforestation, restoration, and conservation objectives. Recommends modernization and expansion efforts, establishes system-wide standards, builds staff capacity through training and mentorship, and expands the customer base to include government agencies, private landowners, non-profits, and commercial forestry interests. Coordinates with seed banking and collection programs, streamline permitting, and improve seed source tracking and other related tasks. Responsible for providing technical expertise on cultural practices, propagation protocols, and disease prevention across all nurseries. Responsible for providing technical expertise in developing business plans for each nursery and for the statewide system, working in partnership with Forestry Program Manager for capital improvements, and ensuring operational efficiency, and compliance with applicable regulations. May require travel inter-island approximately two to four (2-4) times per month for day trips.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Master`s Degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field. 

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of progressively responsible experience in nursery management, forestry, or agricultural production, including at least one (1) year in a senior leadership role managing multiple facilities or teams in a greenhouse facility planning, and interagency collaboration or similar.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of nursery operations, propagation systems, and seed-to-plant production. Business planning, budgeting, and financial management know-how. Infrastructure design, modernization, and sustainability practices with consultants. Knowledge of seed banking systems and genetic conservation principles, and climate-adapted nursery infrastructure and irrigation design.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Exceptional leadership and team management skills. Effective communication strategies and stakeholder engagement. Skilled communicator able to represent the nursery system to diverse audiences. Ability to manage geographically dispersed teams and facilities. Ability to implement standard operating procedures across geographically dispersed facilities and expertise in phytosanitation and biosecurity measures. Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and consensus-building abilities. Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and grant administration. Strong organizational and report-writing skills. Ability to travel inter-island. Must possess a valid driver`s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver`s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i`s No-Fault Driver`s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to work in warm indoor environments and outdoors in rugged terrain and varying weather conditions. Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Ability to travel between islands frequently.

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 Hawai‘i'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:   

PhD from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Business Administration, or a related field. Familiarity with Hawai‘i`s forestry, agricultural, and environmental regulations. Demonstrated success in program expansion. Experience and knowledge of conservation work in Hawai‘i.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH`s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. 

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.