Invasive Plant Prevention Tech

INVASIVE PLANT PREVENTION TECHNICIAN – # 226311

Closing date:
June 17, 2026.

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.

Responsible for general program support duties in the KISC program for detection and evaluation of new, naturalized, and potentially invasive plant species on the island of Kaua'i. Conduct surveys in high risk sites (e.g., nurseries, botanical gardens, agricultural experimental stations, and roadsides) for unrecorded plant species across the island and assist in the documentation and assessment of newly discovered species. Assist with coordination and logistics of field activities, care of plant specimen collections, and maintenance of supplies.

Ensure prompt identification of plant specimens collected, as well as those submitted by partner agencies. Use GPS/GIS and KISC database to collect, store, analyze, and report on survey data. Assist with a public relations, outreach, and education program (Plant Pono) to raise awareness about invasive plants in the Hawaiian Islands and generate support for KISC's effort to curb the spread of invasive ornamental plants throughout the state.

Contribute to creating and preserving positive working relationships with nurseries, garden groups, landscapers, and trade organizations to increase participation in the Plant Pono Nursery program. Make presentations to private businesses, public agencies, community associations, and school groups. Interact regularly in a safe, team-oriented work environment. Assist with oversight and training of volunteers, interns, and other staff. May be asked to present at professional meetings and public outreach events.

Promote sound invasive species management to the public.

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 in horticulture, botany, plant production, or natural resources management, including conducting surveys of unknown plant species, 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 a 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 employment. Post-Offer/Employment Conditions:
Must possess American Heart Association Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months from hire and maintain throughout employment. Must complete online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. If selected for helicopter transport, must complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months from hire and maintain throughout employment.

If selected for rappelling duties, must…