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Invasive Plant Prevention Technician

Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on the environment? Do you enjoy botany, working outdoors, and doing community outreach? We are looking to hire an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician to join our BIISC ʻohana. As an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician, you will support BIISC’s efforts to detect and evaluate new, naturalized, and potentially invasive plant species on Hawaiʻi Island. The position is full-time and is based out of Hilo. The ideal candidates will share our passion for conservation, love of the Big Island community, and commitment to public service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts surveys in high-risk sites (e.g., nurseries, botanical gardens, agricultural experimental stations, and roadsides) for unrecorded plant species across the island and assists in the documentation and assessment of newly discovered species.
• Ensures prompt identification of plant specimens collected, as well as those submitted by partner agencies.
• Assists with coordination and logistics of field activities to implement detection plans.
• Assists with care of plant specimen collections and maintenance of supplies. Uses Global Positioning System (GPS)/Geographic Information System (GIS) and BIISC database to collect, store, analyze, and report on survey data.
• Assists with a public relations, outreach, and education program (Plant Pono) to raise awareness about invasive plants in the Hawaiian Islands and to generate support for BIISC’s effort to curb the spread of invasive ornamental plants throughout the state.
• Assists with the development of educational content regarding invasive, non-invasive, and native plant species in the form of presentations, hands-on activities, printed and online material and video content.
• Makes presentations to gardening and landscaping interest groups, public agencies, community associations, and classrooms. Will interact with minors.
• Assists with oversight and direct training to residents and businesses to adopt invasive species best management practices. Interacts regularly with members of the public.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, Communications, Education, Business, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Two to four (2-4) years of work experience working in the field of horticulture, botany, plant production, or natural resources management. Experience includes carrying out a social marketing strategy in any field, and conducting surveys of unknown species of plants in an outdoor or nursery setting.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy, invasion biology, and botanical curating protocols. Understanding of Hawaiian biota or production agriculture/horticulture, and threats from alien species. A high degree of familiarity with the geographical and cultural landscape of Hawai‘i Island.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and accurately with a high degree of independence and contribute to team efforts. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make reliable and consistent field identification of common native and invasive species.
• Ability to use botanical keys to identify unknown species of unknown origin, and to communicate with specialists to have problematic species identified.
• Proficiency in word- processing, data management, and social media.
• 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.
• Ability to hike in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions. Ability to backpack and lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.

For more details about duties, requirements, and secondary qualifications, please read the full job description on the RCUH website (If the link doesn’t work, search for job #223474). Pay is $3,900/month with paid holidays, sick time, and benefits. If you have any questions, please contact Franny Brewer at (808) 933-3340.

Why Join Us?

Working at BIISC is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Hawaiʻi’s natural environment and gain valuable fieldwork experience. As an Invasive Plant Prevention Technician, you will play a vital role in protecting our Big Island community from the harmful impacts of invasive species. We offer competitive compensation, professional growth and advancement opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values teamwork, safety, and environmental conservation.

Deadline to apply: July 31, 2023

Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on Job Postings. Search for job #223474.  You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory 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_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808) 956-8344 or (808) 956-0872.