Propagule Conservation Program Biologist ID #221665

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) performing project tasks under the applicable cooperative agreement for the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG), Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Environmental Office, Natural Resources Section, located on the island of Oahu.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,467/Mon. 

DUTIES:  The primary goal is to ensure that the military mission is accomplished and that training opportunities are realized to the fullest extent possible in a manner consistent with Federal, State, and Army environmental quality policies. Work must be done in accordance with applicable Army, Federal, and State regulations and laws, especially regarding endangered species, safety and health, and pesticides. Majority of tasks take place on Army lands. Manages the OVPRI/Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP) propagule conservation program and seed laboratory. Designs and develops protocols for propagule conservation and directs and oversees the seed lab to meet program goals for the Makua Implementation Plan (MIP) and Oahu Implementation Plan (OIP), and to keep the Army in compliance with Biological Opinions. Directs and oversees data management (including OANRP database) for seed laboratory. Develops seed conservation practices through research, trials and observations and determines storage plans for each taxa to guide OANRP management strategies. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to OANRP staff. Analyzes data to identify ways to modify and improve efficacy of actions. Collaborates with OANRP program managers and coordinators in the field and office to plan stabilization actions, identify project needs, and develop reports on efforts. Organizes OANRP staff committees to develop experimental design for seed lab research projects related to rare plant conservation and threat control. Works with partner agency seed labs to plan conservation strategies that further the cooperative agreement. Reports on progress in published reports and via oral presentations to groups, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Army Biologist and Natural Resource Manager, other partners, and OANRP managers.  Rides in helicopters and drives off-road. Works in areas with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) with professional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) supervision.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science with basic or related biology courses, or a related field.  EXPERIENCE:  Two to four (2-4) years of work experience in propagule management, with a focus in seed storage and germination research, in a biological laboratory. Experience in networking and collaborating with diverse groups. At least one (1) year of work experience supervising subordinates and attendance in supervisory training programs. 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.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Substantial knowledge of: propagule management best practices, techniques, and protocols; biological laboratory equipment and techniques; and plant physiology. Proficient knowledge of basic plant propagation and greenhouse procedures. Proficient knowledge of principles of experimental design. Familiarity with classification of native Hawaiian plants, botanical nomenclature and terminology. Knowledge of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems and their conservation. Knowledge of plant taxa from the island of Oahu. Knowledge of the endangered species act. Knowledge of management principles including but not limited to supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures. Demonstrated ability to solve problems related to natural resource management.  Must have excellent organization and project management skills. Competently conducts biological research and ability to lead a team as well as work as a team member.  Able to organize biological data and present findings in written and oral reports. 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 use maps, compasses, and GPS units to navigate in the field. 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 oral and written communication skills 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 Conditions: Must be able to pass a Department of Defense (DoD) security check for employment as an Army contractor. Applicants selected will be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to unclassified information. Must be able to complete helicopter safety training within six (6) months from date of hire. Must be able to obtain State of Hawai‘i Certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  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 AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  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 rare and endangered species and ecosystems on Army lands in Hawai‘i. 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. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental laws. Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science.  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. Familiarity with specialized propagule storage techniques, such as tissue culture, cryo-storage, etc. Familiarity with the regeneration of seed from collections and large-scale production of seed for restoration applications. Familiarity with pollination techniques. Experience working with threatened and endangered taxa. Familiarity with statistical analyses and preparing reports and/or papers for publication. 

INQUIRIES:  Tim Chambers 285-5139 (Oahu). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” 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. All RCUH employees and positions are subject to the August 5, 2021 Emergency Proclamation requiring all State/RCUH employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or be subject to weekly testing for COVID-19.  All post-job offer/new hires will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated (e.g., their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) or a Negative COVID-19 Test result during the onboarding process.  New Hires will not be allowed to start work until their COVID-19 Vaccination or Test Results have been reviewed as in compliance.  Requests for a religious or medical accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccination will be handled on a post-job offer basis.  Individuals granted an accommodation will be subject to the weekly testing requirement.  NOTE:  Effective January 3, 2022, all RCUH recruitments and new hires will require compliance with the RCUH COVID-19 Policy.  Applicants may request information on this policy from the contact person listed on this recruitment. 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)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.