Individual Placement - Native Plants Biological Technician at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Position Summary

The incumbent will serve as a member of the refuge’s biology team, and specifically on the Native Plant Materials Project. This project is an inter-refuge and inter-bureau effort to collect, store, and propagate native Hawaiian plants, for use in the rehabilitation of habitats destroyed by wildfire. Emphasis will be placed on common “workhorse” species, those for which large quantities of seeds can be stockpiled for immediate post-fire use.

Placements will work closely with other team members to collect seeds from sometimes remote areas that require significant hiking or travel by helicopter.

The incumbent will assist in invasive plant and rodent removal through manual and chemical application of pesticides, ungulate fence maintenance, native plant propagation, seed collection and processing, avian monitoring, marine debris removal, data entry and proofing, equipment maintenance, and other tasks depending on current projects and refuge needs.

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Kahuku, HI

September 21, 2026 - May 14, 2027

• Collecting, cleaning, documenting, and preserving native Hawaiian plan material from both coastal and montane ecosystems.
• Taking detailed electronic and written notes on spatial, temporal, and climactic characteristics of collection sites.
• Collaboration and communication with team members and both internal and external partners, especially the National Park Service and Lyon Arboretum.

• General refuge management activities such as inventory and monitoring, greenhouse operations, light facility maintenance, and invasive species control.

• Positive attitude, professionalism, and a high degree of emotional intelligence
• Basic knowledge of Hawaiian ecosystems
• Oral and written communication skills
• Ability to spend long hours outdoors, often hiking in hot and/or wet conditions, with a heavy pack
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team
• Valid Driver’s License

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

• Knowledge and identification of Native Hawaiian plants, including their taxonomy, life history, and range.
• Knowledge of the English, Hawaiian, and Latin names of native Hawaiian plant species
• Knowledge of traditional Hawaiian stewardship practices and appropriate cross-cultural communication techniques

40 per week

Candidates must have or be able to obtain their own local housing.

Living allowance - $650/week

Housing stipend - $800/month

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is preferred for this position, but not required.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

• Defensive Driving Training
• Ameri Corps:
  Not Eligible

The SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.