Job Details

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

PLANT MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT COUNTY SPECIALIST – ID# 226034. 

CLOSING DATE: February 5, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Clay Trauernicht 808-956-6875 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i (UH) Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), located in the Pohakuloa Training Area on 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:  $5,461 - $6,250/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Implements work plan for the UH Manoa Plant Materials Development Program, a partnership between the CTAHR and the UH OVPRI.  Carries out the implementation of collection, accessioning, and processing of wild plant materials.  Manages harvesting, accessioning, processing, and storage of wild plant materials.  Ensures quality control of collection data.  Tracks expenditures and procures necessary project supplies and equipment.  Supports coordination with subcontractors for collection. Troubleshoots and documents challenges and assesses quality of wild collected seed.  Builds partnerships and capacity to initiate small-scale stock seed production in support of future bulk seed production.  Contributes to necessary permit applications and reports.  Contributes written and quantitative information to project reports.  Communicates and coordinates efforts with collaborating agencies and project partners. Drives vehicles to access sites for key duties including collecting plant materials and coordinating with other programs (e.g. visiting other projects' field sites and facilities). 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in agriculture, biological science, natural resource management, environmental science with basic or related biology courses, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Three to five (3-5) years of work experience working with natural, biological, or agricultural resources in Hawai‘i, including weed control, plant propagation/horticulture, data recording, GIS data management, and biological database experience. Experience in networking and collaborating with diverse groups. Experience needs to be well documented and acquired under the employment of an academic institution, governmental agency, private company, or non-profit organization in the appropriate field.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of native plants, native ecosystems, and natural resources in Hawai‘i.  Knowledge of plant materials collection, storage, and propagation protocols, including field/farm-based production. Expertise in basic control techniques for weeds, including proficiency with pesticide use (safety protocols, mixing, transport, application, and storage).  Knowledge of management principles including but not limited to supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Strong organizational ability to plan and execute logistically complex field operations. Demonstrated ability to solve problems related to agriculture or natural resource management. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisor, co-workers and partners. Must have excellent organization and project management skills.  Ability to work as a team member. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance. Ability to use computer 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. Ability to establish standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of on-going work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work and evaluate performance, and develop required job competencies of direct reports. 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. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within 30 days from date of hire, and re-certify annually. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.   

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Able and willing to conduct work under dirty, muddy, rainy or sunny, hot or cold, and strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. extreme weather, mosquitoes, steep terrain). Able 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.

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:   

Education and experience in programs managing species and ecosystems in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed. Working knowledge of agricultural production systems and their management. Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory, assess, and monitor natural resource assets, environmental impacts and their interrelationships. Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance.

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) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official 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, please 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.