Ecological Research Tech

PCSU FOREST ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – # 226369. Closing date:
July 9, 2026. Salary: $4,220 per month. This is a 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.

Inquiries:
Susan Cordell, 808‑854‑2601 (Hawai‘i).

• Assist the onsite supervisor, team of technicians, students, and other scientists with field, greenhouse, and lab work on a large‑scale restoration experiment.
• Maintain experimental restoration plots and conduct subsequent field sampling of plant communities and soils, using standard ecological techniques.
• Gather ecological research data and monitor changes in experimental plots by applying a variety of established methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Perform maintenance tasks such as weed pulling and treatment, electric fence upkeep, and greenhouse operations involved in propagating plants for eventual planting.
• Assist with biocontrol efforts and experiments in the field and lab.
• Properly handle, process, and inventory plant and soil samples for nutrient and other analyses.
• Drive to field sites to conduct field work.
• Develop outreach and educational materials for a variety of audiences, including the general public, high school and college students, and local community members.
• Help organize outreach events, including meetings and field trips, and facilitate communication and knowledge sharing with a team of individuals from multiple institutions.
• Perform data entry, maintain computer files of field and laboratory data, and keep laboratory and field equipment in working order.
• Apply basic laboratory skills to perform day‑to‑day project management and communicate among team members, conduct routine laboratory functions, and assist with other projects involving forest ecology, nutrient cycling, and environmental education.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related Biological discipline/field.
• Experience: One to three years of research experience in field and lab sampling, including ecosystem‑scale analyses and troubleshooting in a field or laboratory setting.
• Knowledge: Background knowledge in ecology to implement field and lab work related to forest restoration; basic knowledge of plant ecology principles; working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint for data management; ability to key out and identify unknown species; basic knowledge of biological sciences principles; basic knowledge of scientific communication for developing outreach materials; basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and accidents when using field equipment.

• Organize and complete multiple field, greenhouse, and laboratory procedures on a daily basis.
• Navigate the field using a compass and GIS.
• Maintain a high degree of attention to detail for protocol completion, data entry and management, and verification of results.
• Safely handle chemicals, perform and verify laboratory procedures, and maintain laboratory and field equipment.
• Maintain and update databases for records and data storage.
• Communicate science in oral and written forms.
• Network and set up meetings with the local community.
• Work with and implement biocontrols; multi‑task as required.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and, if use of a personal vehicle is required, valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No‑Fault Driver’s Insurance.

• 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.

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

RCUH is an equal‑opportunity employer. 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.