Job Details

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

PCSU FOREST ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – ID# 226369. 

CLOSING DATE: July 9, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES:  Susan Cordell 808-854-2601 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the  Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry located on the island of 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:  $4,220/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Assists the onsite supervisor, team of technicians, students, and other scientists with field, greenhouse, and lab work, on a project establishing a large-scale restoration experiment. Performs field work and lab work in forests in Hawai‘i. Engages in maintenance of experimental restoration plots, and subsequent field sampling of plant communities and soils, using standard ecological techniques. Assists in monitoring changes in experimental plots, by gathering ecological research data using a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques. Assists in conducting maintenance tasks (e.g., weed pulling and treatment, and electric fence upkeep) for experimental restoration plots. Assists in maintaining greenhouse operations involved in propagating plants for eventual planting in large scale restoration projects. Assists with biocontrol efforts and experiments in the field and lab. Properly handles, processes, and inventories plant and soil samples for nutrient, and other analyses. Drives to field sites to conduct field work. Develops outreach and educational materials for a variety of audiences (e.g., general public, high school and college students, and local community members). Helps organize outreach events, including meetings and field trips. Works with a team of individuals from multiple institutions and assists in communication and knowledge sharing. Performs data entry and keeps computer files of field and laboratory data up to date. Maintains laboratory equipment and field equipment. Applies basic laboratory skills to perform day-to-day project management and communicate among team members. Conducts routine laboratory functions. Assists with other projects involving forest ecology, nutrient cycling, and environmental education. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related Biological discipline/field.

EXPERIENCE

One to three (1-3) years of research experience in field and lab sampling including, but not limited to, ecosystem-scale analyses, set up and troubleshooting in a field or laboratory setting.

KNOWLEDGE

Background knowledge in ecology in order to implement field and lab work related to forest restoration. Basic knowledge in the principles of plant ecology, including but not limited to, working knowledge of computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint) used for data management. Basic knowledge of flora and how to key out and identify unknown species. Knowledge of the basic principles of biological sciences (e.g., assess readings and measurements taken, tests executed, observations made, work completed, samples collected, etc.). Basic knowledge of scientific communication in order to develop outreach materials. Basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and accidents especially during use of field equipment.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to organize and complete multiple field, greenhouse, and laboratory procedures on a daily basis. Navigational skills in the field, using compass and GIS. Must have a high degree of attention to detail for completion of protocols, data entry and management, and verification of results. Ability to safely handle chemicals, and complete and verify laboratory procedures. Ability and willingness to conduct routine laboratory functions (e.g., order and inventory supplies). Ability to maintain laboratory and field equipment. Ability to maintain and update databases for records and data storage.  Ability to communicate science in oral and written forms. Ability to network and set up meetings with the local community. Ability and willingness to work with and implement biocontrols. Ability to multi-task. 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 be able to complete the UH Laboratory Safety training within six (6) months from date of hire. Must be able to complete the UH Title IX training within 30 days from date of hire and re-certify annually. Must be able to complete the Workplace Violence Prevention training within 30 days from date of hire and re-certify annually. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee`s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to hike and carry up to forty (40) pounds of equipment. Ability and willingness to apply herbicides with handheld and backpack sprayers, while traversing rugged terrain.

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:   

Experience with Hawaiian plants, including native, invasive, ethnobotanical knowledge, and cultural uses. Experience in leading field teams. Strong organizational skills and experience in management of data and personnel. Ability to work independently. Experience in restoration ecology. Experience with GIS.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official 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, please 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/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf 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.