Research Associate, Senior (0079073T)

Title: Research Associate Senior (Rare Plant Program Coordinator & Native Plant Material Development Program Manager)

Position Number:T

Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) Army Natural Resource Program on Oahu (ANRPO)

Location: Schofield Barracks

Date Posted: November 3 2025

Closing Date: November 18 2025 @ 11:59pm

Band: Pay Band B (PBB)

Salary: salary schedules and placement information

Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: This position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

(NOTE: ** denotes Essential Functions)

• **Leads the strategic planning implementation and adaptive management of ANRPOs rare plant management propagule conservation and propagation programs in alignment with biological opinions federal consultations and Army integrated natural resource management plans. Coordinates with program managers coordinators field supervisors biologists and specialists on rare plant program projects initiatives management plans and actions.
• **Directs supervises and supports ANRPO rare plant propagule conservation and propagation staff. Manages recruitment onboarding professional development performance evaluations promotions disciplinary actions and day-to-day oversight to ensure team productivity and safety compliance. Ensures that Biologists conduct action review and project collaboration with field teams.
• **Directs supervises and supports the Native Plant Materials Development Program (NPMDP) and associated Oahu staff. Manages recruitment onboarding professional development performance evaluations promotions disciplinary actions and day-to-day oversight to ensure team productivity and safety compliance. Coordinates with NPMDP PIs staff and partners on native plant material development program projects goals initiatives plans and actions.
• **Guides the development and operational use of innovative rare plant propagule conservation propagation and native plant materials development management techniques field methodologies and research-based practices. Provides oversight mentorship and technical support for Biologists and Technicians conducting monitoring control and data collection activities. Directs staff on relevant field actions.
• **Oversees and ensures consistency of data management quality control and analysis across rare plant propagule horticulture and native plant material development programs to monitor program effectiveness identify areas for improvement and ensure data accuracy.
• **Incorporates and enforces comprehensive safety standards ensuring program-wide adherence to standard operating procedures timely reporting of incidents and appropriate personnel action and training. Reviews and revises standard operating procedures.
• **Leads and supports staff development activities education days including hands-on training in field techniques native and invasive species identification and safety practices.
• **Ensures the accuracy quality and timeliness of programmatic deliverables including internal and external reports and presentations action review permit review and reporting pesticide usage documentation and collaborative agency updates. Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
• **Implements monitors and provides oversight for fieldwork initiatives focusing on rare plant management plant propagation propagule management and native plant materials development; ensures that Biologists conduct structured quarterly action review with field teams.
• **Oversees research development and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance rare plant management propagule conservation propagation and native plant materials development. Conducts and manages experimental trials distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve rare plant management and native plant restoration practices.
• **Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination participating in working groups consultations and meetings to inform innovate and implement shared conservation strategies related to rare plant management propagule conservation propagation and native plant materials development.
• Develops oversees and monitors contracts related to native plant materials development projects. Includes development of technical specifications evaluation of contractor performance coordination with relevant partners and compliance with budget and scope.
• Conducts operations in UXO-affected areas supports helicopter missions and may perform other high-risk tasks while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Science Natural Resource Management Environmental Science or Horticulture with basic or related biology courses or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in natural resource management of biological resources including three (3) years of experience in rare plant management three (3) years of experience in developing native plant materials for restoration and two (2) years of experience in team leadership and/or supervision; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.

• Considerable working knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the areas of Hawaiian rare plant management horticulture propagule management and native plant materials production in greenhouse and field settings 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 theories and systems associated with the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team leaders and members and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer apply word processing software and proficiency 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.
• For supervisory work demonstrated ability to lead subordinates manage work priorities and projects and manage employee relations.

• Considerable working knowledge in propagule management and horticulture including integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams providing strategic oversight and driving performance through effective supervision and leadership.
• Strong verbal and written communication organizational and project management skills.
• Steadfast commitment to high ethical and professional standards.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage performance evaluations supervise personnel functions (including hiring promotions and terminations) set work standards/expectations and foster professional development.
• Considerable knowledge of native plants in Hawaii particularly threatened and endangered species including taxonomy identification biology natural history physiology propagation outplanting and threats.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques native ecosystems native and invasive animals invasive plants and ecosystem threats.
• Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles in support of conservation restoration or ecological research initiatives.
• Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps compasses and GPS.
• Required to complete a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor including a government security investigation and eligibility verification for access to unclassified information.
• Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training. Certification must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
• Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawaii Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
• Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employees 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.
• If selected for chainsaw use must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
• If selected for rappelling work must be able to obtain rappelling certification within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
• Requires a valid U.S. drivers license and the ability to drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle in various conditions.
• Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day with a 35-pound backpack camp in rugged terrain and in remote areas for up to four (4) days at a time and conduct work under strenuous outdoor conditions (e.g. mud extreme weather steep terrain).
• Required to comply with all applicable RCUH University of Hawaii and business entity policies procedures and training as a condition of employment.

• Education and experience in programs managing rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawaii.
• Knowledge of Department of the Army natural resources programs in general and the policies and organizational contexts within which they are managed especially safety and logistical requirements necessary to plan field operations around Army training schedules.
• Experience running field operations including scheduling logistics and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory assess and monitor natural resource assets environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
• Masters degree in Biological Science Horticulture Natural Resource Management Environmental Science or a related field.
• Working knowledge of agricultural production systems and their management.
• Experience obtaining State or Federal permits.
• Experience publishing scientific studies such as a thesis peer-reviewed article or technical paper.
• Familiarity with plant identification tools and resources.
• Familiarity with plant pathogens identification treatment best management practices and research.

Click on the Apply button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and upload required documents. Required documents include: (1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; (2) resume; (3) the names and contact information of at least three professional references; and (4) transcripts showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (original official transcripts will be required at the time of hire).

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Inquiries:

Suzanne Case;