Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician,T)
Job Location:
Honolulu, HI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
- Description
Title: Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician)
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:June 12 2026
Closing Date:June 26 2026 @ 11:59pm
Band: A
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience 1 position available.
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)
- **Independently implements plant propagule conservation program actions in the lab and field under the direction of the Propagule Conservation Biologist. This includes but is not limited to: work with federally listed rare and common plants; general laboratory tasks; processing seeds and other propagules and preparing them for storage testing propagation and restoration actions; preparing and maintaining germination assays; establishing germination and storage protocols; estimating viability of stored collections; propagating seedlings for reintroduction purposes; generating propagation lists for seed collections; and secondarily supporting seed collection efforts in the field mapping using GPS or similar and propagation tasks in the nursery and greenhouse.
- **Works with and handles small objects (seeds flowers) for extended periods of time (three to five hours) with and without the aid of magnification tools and microscopes.
- **In the absence of the Propagule Conservation Biologist provides leadership in the seed lab including leading lab work. Trains junior staff and volunteers.
- **Supports Propagule Conservation Biologist Rare Plant Program Coordinator coordinators specialists and field supervisors in project planning execution and review. Schedules logistics for assigned operations.
- **Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures. Participates in and stays current on training. Wears all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate. Participates in and when necessary leads risk assessments and safety evaluations. Reports safety incidents in a timely manner and assists with incident documentation and review when necessary.
- **Safely applies pesticides and handles plants treated with pesticides strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.
- **Supports seed lab operations via: documentation of day-to-day work; propagule conservation data collection management and analysis; propagation facility inventory; collaboration with partner agencies and facilities; maintenance of seed lab facilities and equipment; maintenance of field gear vehicles base yards greenhouses and other facilities; action review; and assistance with logistics.
- **Contributes to efforts to continually document and improve propagule conservation program protocols and best practices by participating in experimental trials and research on topics including but not limited to: seed storage propagule conservation propagation pollination plant reproductive biology and breeding systems seed germination and seed dormancy.
- **Contributes to program deliverables for the propagule management and rare plant programs including internal and external reports management plans publications presentations permit applications and reports and required pesticide-usage documentation.
- Supports the Propagule Conservation Biologist through advanced independent implementation of projects such as: developing guides for timing quantity and quality of collections; analyzing seed storage and propagation data; independently authoring reports; refining and developing protocols for propagation of rare and common native species; developing annual propagation actions to support the rare plant and restoration out-plantings; and leading experimental research or trials.
- Conducts field work in natural areas including but not limited to activities related to native plant collection propagation reintroduction and monitoring.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Professional Work Experience:
- Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Biological Sciences Natural Resource Management Environmental Science Horticulture or related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a biological laboratory seed lab or horticultural setting; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education knowledge skills and abilities as indicated.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Functional knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the areas of plant propagation horticulture and biological laboratory protocols practices and techniques demonstrated by knowledge understanding and ability to apply concepts terminology.
- Functional knowledge and understanding of principles theories federal and state laws rules regulations and systems associated with natural resource management of biological resources including the Endangered Species Act and environmental laws.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize problems identify possible causes and resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in the areas of biological laboratory function propagule conservation plant propagation and horticulture.
- Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation write reports and procedures and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations groups team members and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer apply word processing software and proficiency with 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.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
- Proficient knowledge of basic biological laboratory equipment and techniques; principles of experimental design; and basic data/statistical analyses.
- Functional understanding of plant physiology.
- Functional knowledge of basic plant propagation and horticulture.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high degree of accuracy and consistency.
- Functional knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawaii including taxonomy identification botanical terminology biology natural history and threats.
- General knowledge of natural resource management practices native ecosystems native and invasive animals rare plants collection and propagation and ecosystem threats.
- Strong verbal and written communication organizational and record keeping skills.
- Familiarity with 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.
- 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.
Desirable Qualifications
- 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.
- Familiarity with integrative techniques used to inventory assess and monitor natural resource assets environmental impacts and their interrelationships.
- Familiarity with biological database use and maintenance.
- Experience working in a seed lab proficiency in standard seed lab procedures experience using seed processing equipment and/or familiarity with best management practices for propagule management.
- Familiarity with specialized propagule management techniques such as micro-propagation tissue culture cryo-storage or hand-pollination and their applications to propagule conservation.
- Experience working in plant conservation especially in Hawaii.
- Experience working with threatened and endangered taxa.
- Experience with natural resources management of biological resources in Hawaii.
- Ability to lead a small crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient operations.
- Basic experience in running operations including scheduling logistics and risk assessments.
- Proficient ability to organize biological data conduct data analyses and present findings both written and oral.
- Knowledge and experience in conducting trials and biological research in lab settings.
To Apply:
Select the Apply button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:
- Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.
- Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Professional References: The names telephone numbers and email addresses of three (3) professional references.
- Unofficial Transcripts: Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
- Foreign Credential Evaluation: For degrees earned outside the U.S. you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.
Important Note: To protect your privacy do not include any photos Social Security Numbers or dates of birth in your packet. Only the most recent application will be reviewed and all submitted materials become the property of the University of Hawaii. Please ensure all documents are complete and legible to be considered by the search committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Inquiries:
- EEO Clery Act ADA
The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawaii may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information please refer to the following link:
Required Experience:
IC
