Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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BIISC is hiring! – apply by October 4

two people walking in the forest

Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact on the environment? Do you enjoy working outdoors and taking on challenging fieldwork? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. We are looking to hire an individual to join our invasive plant eradication team. The ideal candidates will share our passion for conservation, love of the Big Island community, and commitment to public service.

Invasive Species Field Associate I

As an Invasive Species Field Associate, you will be responsible for conducting field operations to implement established action plans, including reconnaissance, surveys, and mechanical/chemical removal of invasive alien species. This will involve working in off-trail areas with inclement weather, mosquitoes, and difficult terrain. You will also be responsible for preventing seed dispersal, following decontamination protocols, and adhering to accepted safety standards and established protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

  • This job requires the willingness and ability to drive project vehicles both on and off-road, work in and around helicopters, camp for up for to 4 nights at a time, and handle pesticides. (Training will be provided in each area).
  • Keep accurate and detailed records of treatment and control work
  • Operate GPS units, input and update data, and produce maps to guide field activities
  • Assist with maintenance of equipment/field gear, vehicles, and baseyard

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma/GED
  • Basic knowledge of field activities relating to natural resource management
  • Ability to identify common native Hawaiian plants & common introduced weed species
  • Able to backpack, lift, and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team
  • Basic proficiency in computer skills
  • Experience in field operations and 4WD is a plus, as is experience using handheld GPS and ArcGIS
  • Experience and/or academic background in natural resources conservation or agriculture in Hawai’i is desired (Forest TEAM graduates and KUPU alumni are encouraged to apply!)

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 #223576). Pay is $3,000/month with paid holidays, sick time, and benefits. If you have any questions, please contact Jenn Tamaariki 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 Species Field Associate, you play a critical role in protecting native ecosystems and preserving Hawaiʻi’s biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to making a positive impact. We offer competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth and advancement, and a supportive work environment that values teamwork, safety, and environmental conservation.

Deadline to apply: Oct. 4, 2023

Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on Job Postings. Search for job #223576.  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.

Apply Today!

BIISC is hiring: join our team!

woman collecting plant specimen

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.

Apply Today!

HISAM 2023

February is Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month! The theme for this year is Mythbusters! There are so many misconceptions about invasive species, now is the time to hear the facts that are backed by science. Throughout the month there is going to be a variety of webinars and live events throughout the state! Webinars range from how to ID plants to information about inivasive animals. Check out the full list and sign up now!

HISAM 2023

HISAM 2023 Events

Use this link to sign up for webinars and view up coming events!

What’s that bug in my garden?

It’s a sweet potato bug.

Throughout the late winter and early spring, you may notice an odd-looking bug in your garden. Although a healthy garden will draw many critters (some beneficial, and some not), this one stands out: it’s on the large side at nearly 1 inch long, with noticeably large “thighs”. You’ve spotted a sweet potato bug (Physomerus grossipes)! This is a type of true bug in the Coreidae family, or leaf-footed bugs. Members of the Coreidae have enlarged showy parts on their hind legs – these guys do not skip leg day.

If you’re a sweet potato grower or neighbors with one, then this is probably an unwelcome guest. Generally however, sweet potato bugs are considered a minor agriculture pest and are not dangerous to humans or animals.

Characteristics

  • Adults are approximately 1 inch long
  • Brown grey mottled color
  • Wings fold over each other at the end of the body making a dark colored diamond
  • Orange lines along the edge of the body
  • Large distinct ‘thighs’
  • Like to cluster together in large numbers
sweet potato bug side view

Sweet potato bug

Impact

This insect has a piercing mouthpart that is used to suck sap from leaves of their preferred food plants, members of the morning glory family (like sweet potatoes) and legumes. One or two insects won’t harm the plant, but a large number of them will cause leaves to yellow and wilt. Even when under attack by a huge number of sweet potato bugs it’s likely that the plants won’t completely die, but the attack will reduce plant production and leave it susceptible to other insects and diseases. The bugs can often be found resting on other plants, but this does not indicate feeding.

Cluster of sweet potato bugs

Photo: Alistair Bairos

Treatment

Sweet potato bugs are rather resilient and most insecticides are ineffective on them. The best method for removal is to simply pluck the bugs off the plants and dunk them into a container filled with soapy water. Their clustering habit makes them easy to collect in large numbers. They are docile and can’t bite, sting, or release stink smells, so hand capturing them is non-hazardous and the most effective method to protect your sweet potatoes. While your picking away at the adult insects don’t forget to smash any egg masses you may also come across.

sweet potato bug and egg cluster
Adult sweet potato bug next to egg cluster

ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest 2022

Join us as we celebrate our love for ʻōhiʻa and Hawaiʻi’s unique forest ecosystems. The theme of this year’s festivities is Mōhala, the unfurling, and blossoming of the lehua. Not only does it refer to a particular life stage of the ʽōhiʽa lehua it also represents how our Big Island community has blossomed in the midst of volcanic eruptions and a pandemic. The ʻōhiʻa lehua has also blossomed with its new official designation as the State Endemic Tree of Hawaiʻi earlier this year.

Events:

Kīpaepae: opening ceremony

When: Monday, November 14 (9am to 9:30am)

Where: Live on Facebook

We will begin this year’s festivities with a Kīpaepae (ceremony) guided by haumāna of Hālau ‘Ōhi‘a, a Hawai‘i Lifeways Stewardship Training program with Lonoa Honua. The Kīpaepae will immerse you in the Native Hawaiian cultural tradition of hula and oli (chant).


ohia resilience webinar graphic

Webinar: Go Plant ʻEm: A Journey to Understand ʻŌhiʻa Seedling Survival and Growth at ROD-Impacted Sites on Hawaiʻi Island

When: Wednesday, November 16th (6pm to 7pm)

Corie Yanger from the US Geological Survey will be sharing the research being done to understand the survivability of ʻōhi’a in a time of deadly disease, and how we can help to protect and nurture these trees for the future. Streaming live on Zoom and BIISC’s Facebook page. For more info, visit: https://fb.me/e/29uNu6Ld7


seed saving workshop graphic

Workshop: Ōhiʻa Seed Conservation 

When: Thursday, November 17 (8am to 11am)

Where: Terraformation, Makai Meeting Room Gateway Center at Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology Park (73-4485 Kahilihili St. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740)

This free workshop, hosted by Terraformation, is for anyone who wants to learn how to properly collect, handle, and process ʻōhiʻa seeds using methods that protect seed viability and ensure conservation value for future restoration efforts. Seats are limited. Pre-registration is required. Register today! If you have any questions, contact Marian Chau at marian@terraformation.com


ohia love fest 2022 flyer

ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest Fair:

When: Saturday, November 19th, 2022 (10am to 2pm)

Where: Pāhoa Community Center – Pahoa District Park (15-3022 Kauhale St. Pāhoa, HI 96778) – directions

A free event for the whole family to celebrate ʻōhiʻa! Join us for raffles, giveaways, demonstrations, crafts, and more. This event is brought to you with funding by Vibrant Hawaii MicroGrant in partnership with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources,  the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and many other partners. 


ohia planting workshops flyer

*Special ʻŌhi’a Planting Workshops: Learn how to properly plant and care for ʻōhi’a on your property. Participants will pot an ʻōhi’a seedling to take home. Two workshops are being offered: one at 9 am and one at 1 pm. Pre-registration is required – sign up here.

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Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-3340

  

biisc@hawaii.edu

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