University of Hawaii System
Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Biologist, 0079074T)
University of Hawaii System, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 96814
Job Information
Title:
Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Biologist)
Position Number:
0079074T
Hiring Unit:
Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (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
**Manages the Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO) seed lab , and directs and supervises seed lab staff.
**Manages recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance evaluations, promotions, disciplinary actions, and day-to-day oversight, to ensure team productivity and safety compliance.
**Leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of ANRPO’s seed laboratory and propagule conservation program in alignment with biological opinions, federal consultations, and Army integrated natural resource management plans. Develops, plans, reviews, and revises propagule conservation program projects, plans, and actions in collaboration with program managers, coordinators, field supervisors, biologists, and specialists. Ensures actions are scheduled and reviewed.
**Oversees seed lab and propagule conservation program logistics, scheduling, gear, supplies, purchasing, facilities maintenance, data collection, and action completion.
**Designs and directs propagule management activities, including, but not limited to: generating propagule collection needs lists; developing guides for timing, quantity, and quality of collections; implementing protocols for seed storage testing; analyzing seed storage and propagation data; refining and developing protocols for propagation of rare and common native species, and developing protocol and annual propagation actions to support the rare plant and restoration out-plantings.
**Implements, monitors, and provides oversight for seed conservation lab and propagule conservation actions. Directs staff on relevant actions. Provides oversight and oversees staff training on seed lab, propagule conservation, and propagule collection practices and protocols. Provides oversight, mentorship, and technical support for field teams, technicians, and temporary staff conducting propagule conservation activities.
**Manages and analyzes propagule conservation and seed lab data, including inventories of the seed lab, greenhouses, living collections, and accessions held at partner agencies, to monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure data accuracy.
**Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of programmatic deliverables, including internal and external reports and presentations, action review, permit review and reporting, pesticide and fertilizer usage documentation, and collaborative agency updates. Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
**Oversees research, development, and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance seed storage, propagule conservation, propagation, living collections, germination protocols, hand-pollination, dormancy-breaking techniques, understanding of plant breeding systems, and native plant material development. Conducts and manages experimental trials, distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve rare plant management practices.
**Leads and supports staff development activities, professional growth opportunities, and education days, including hands-on training in propagule collection and processing, plant propagation, plant identification, restoration, threat control, and safety practices.
**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.
**Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination with partners such as Lyon Arboretum, participating in working groups, consultations, and meetings to inform, innovate, and implement shared conservation strategies related to propagule conservation, seed lab management, and ex-situ living collections.
Conducts field work in natural areas, including 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 Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or Horticulture, with basic or related biology courses, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in propagule management, with a focus in seed storage and germination research, including one (1) year 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of propagule management and seed storage best practices, techniques, and protocols, 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.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards/expectations, and foster professional development.
Experience with biological laboratory operations, equipment and techniques. Ability to conduct biological research.
Knowledge of plant physiology.
Knowledge of basic plant propagation and greenhouse procedures.
Knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawai‘i, including taxonomy, identification, botanical terminology, biology, natural history, and threats.
Knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques, native ecosystems, native and invasive taxa, rare plants, collection and propagation practices, and ecosystem threats.
Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
Required to complete a Department of Defense 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 Hawai‘i 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 employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout employment.
Requires a valid U.S. driver’s 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 Hawai‘i, 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 Hawai‘i.
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science.
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 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.
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.
To Apply 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).
NOTE: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.
Inquiries Suzanne Case; sdcase@hawaii.edu
Jane Beachy; beachy@hawaii.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/.
Employment is contingent on satisfying immigration 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.
Annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i can be viewed at https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/.
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 Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/.
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Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Biologist)
Position Number:
0079074T
Hiring Unit:
Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (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
**Manages the Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO) seed lab , and directs and supervises seed lab staff.
**Manages recruitment, onboarding, professional development, performance evaluations, promotions, disciplinary actions, and day-to-day oversight, to ensure team productivity and safety compliance.
**Leads the strategic planning, implementation, and adaptive management of ANRPO’s seed laboratory and propagule conservation program in alignment with biological opinions, federal consultations, and Army integrated natural resource management plans. Develops, plans, reviews, and revises propagule conservation program projects, plans, and actions in collaboration with program managers, coordinators, field supervisors, biologists, and specialists. Ensures actions are scheduled and reviewed.
**Oversees seed lab and propagule conservation program logistics, scheduling, gear, supplies, purchasing, facilities maintenance, data collection, and action completion.
**Designs and directs propagule management activities, including, but not limited to: generating propagule collection needs lists; developing guides for timing, quantity, and quality of collections; implementing protocols for seed storage testing; analyzing seed storage and propagation data; refining and developing protocols for propagation of rare and common native species, and developing protocol and annual propagation actions to support the rare plant and restoration out-plantings.
**Implements, monitors, and provides oversight for seed conservation lab and propagule conservation actions. Directs staff on relevant actions. Provides oversight and oversees staff training on seed lab, propagule conservation, and propagule collection practices and protocols. Provides oversight, mentorship, and technical support for field teams, technicians, and temporary staff conducting propagule conservation activities.
**Manages and analyzes propagule conservation and seed lab data, including inventories of the seed lab, greenhouses, living collections, and accessions held at partner agencies, to monitor program effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and ensure data accuracy.
**Ensures the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of programmatic deliverables, including internal and external reports and presentations, action review, permit review and reporting, pesticide and fertilizer usage documentation, and collaborative agency updates. Manages workflows to meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.
**Oversees research, development, and adaptive management initiatives to continually enhance seed storage, propagule conservation, propagation, living collections, germination protocols, hand-pollination, dormancy-breaking techniques, understanding of plant breeding systems, and native plant material development. Conducts and manages experimental trials, distributing key findings through publications to inform and improve rare plant management practices.
**Leads and supports staff development activities, professional growth opportunities, and education days, including hands-on training in propagule collection and processing, plant propagation, plant identification, restoration, threat control, and safety practices.
**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.
**Engages in interagency collaboration and coordination with partners such as Lyon Arboretum, participating in working groups, consultations, and meetings to inform, innovate, and implement shared conservation strategies related to propagule conservation, seed lab management, and ex-situ living collections.
Conducts field work in natural areas, including 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 Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or Horticulture, with basic or related biology courses, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in propagule management, with a focus in seed storage and germination research, including one (1) year 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of propagule management and seed storage best practices, techniques, and protocols, 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.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards/expectations, and foster professional development.
Experience with biological laboratory operations, equipment and techniques. Ability to conduct biological research.
Knowledge of plant physiology.
Knowledge of basic plant propagation and greenhouse procedures.
Knowledge of native and invasive plants in Hawai‘i, including taxonomy, identification, botanical terminology, biology, natural history, and threats.
Knowledge of natural resource management strategies and techniques, native ecosystems, native and invasive taxa, rare plants, collection and propagation practices, and ecosystem threats.
Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
Established proficiency in terrain navigation utilizing maps, compasses, and GPS.
Required to complete a Department of Defense 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 Hawai‘i 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 employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout employment.
Requires a valid U.S. driver’s 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 Hawai‘i, 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 Hawai‘i.
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or Environmental Science.
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 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.
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.
To Apply 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).
NOTE: Please create a new account if this is your first time applying for a position using NEOGOV.
Inquiries Suzanne Case; sdcase@hawaii.edu
Jane Beachy; beachy@hawaii.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/.
Employment is contingent on satisfying immigration 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.
Annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i can be viewed at https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/.
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 Hawai'i 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 https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/.
#J-18808-Ljbffr