Job Details

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

INVASIVE PLANT PREVENTION TECHNICIAN – ID# 225407. 

CLOSING DATE: August 25, 2025. INQUIRIES:  Tiffani Keanini 808-821-1490 (Kaua‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC), located in Kapaa, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $4,376/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Responsible for general program support duties in the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee`s (KISC) program for detection and implements evaluation of new, naturalized, and potentially invasive plant species on the island of Kaua‘i. 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. Assists with coordination and logistics of field activities to implement detection and treatment plans. Assists with care of plant specimen collections and maintenance of supplies. Ensures prompt identification of plant specimens collected, as well as those submitted by partner agencies. Uses Global Positioning System (GPS)/Geographic Information System (GIS) and KISC 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 KISC`s effort to curb the spread of invasive ornamental plants throughout the state. Contributes to creating and preserving a positive working relationships with nurseries, garden groups, landscapers, and trade organizations to increase participation in the Plant Pono Nursery program. Makes presentations to private business organizations, public agencies, community associations, and school groups. Interacts regularly, safe, team-oriented work environment. Assists with oversight and training of volunteers, interns, and other staff. May be asked to present at professional meetings and public outreach events. Promotes sound invasive species management to the public. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college in Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Two to four (2-4) years of work experience working in the field of horticulture, botany, plant production, or natural resources management. Experience includes conducting surveys of unknown species of plants in an outdoor or nursery setting, invasive plant detection and control, etc.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of plant taxonomy, invasion biology and botanical curating protocols. Working knowledge of the scientific identity of common weedy species in Hawai‘i. Understanding of Hawaiian biota or production agriculture/horticulture, and threats from alien species. High degree of familiarity with the geographical and cultural landscape of Hawai‘i Island.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to work effectively and accurately with 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. Ability to write clear and concise reports and articles for publication. Proficiency in word-processing and data management. 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. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess the American Heart Association 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 complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee`s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. If selected for helicopter transport, must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. If selected for rappelling duties, must be able to complete rappelling training and submit rappelling training certification to PCSU prior to activity.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

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.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings.   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:   

Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Botany, Ecology, Horticulture, or related field. Experience in botanical investigations, an invasive species early detection program, identifying unfamiliar plant species, or curating botanical specimens.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional 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_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH`s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. 

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.