Research Associate; Propagule Conservation Technician

Title

Research Associate (Propagule Conservation Technician)

0077799T

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Army Natural Resource Program on O‘ahu (ANRPO)

Commensurate with education and experience, 1 position available.

Full-Time

Temporary

This position is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding.

• Independently implements plant propagule conservation program actions in the lab and field under the direction of the Propagule Conservation Biologist. This includes but is not limited to: work with federally listed, rare, and common plants; general laboratory tasks; processing seeds and other propagules and preparing them for storage, testing, propagation, and restoration actions; preparing and maintaining germination assays; establishing germination and storage protocols;
  
  estimating viability of stored collections; propagating seedlings for reintroduction purposes; generating propagation lists for seed collections; and secondarily supporting seed collection efforts in the field, mapping using GPS or similar, and propagation tasks in the nursery and greenhouse.
• Works with and handles small objects (seeds, flowers) for extended periods of time (three to five hours) with and without the aid of magnification tools and microscopes.
• In the absence of the Propagule Conservation Biologist, provides leadership in the seed lab, including leading lab work. Trains junior staff and volunteers.
• Supports Propagule Conservation Biologist, Rare Plant Program Coordinator, coordinators, specialists, and field supervisors in project planning, execution, and review. Schedules logistics for assigned operations.
• Follows all program safety standards and standard operating procedures. Participates in and stays current on training. Wears all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate. Participates in and, when necessary, leads risk assessments and safety evaluations. Reports safety incidents in a timely manner, and assists with incident documentation and review when necessary.
• Safely applies pesticides and handles plants treated with pesticides, strictly adhering to all environmental compliance and safety regulations.
• Supports seed lab operations via: documentation of day-to-day work; propagule conservation data collection, management, and analysis; propagation facility inventory; collaboration with partner agencies and facilities; maintenance of seed lab facilities and equipment; maintenance of field gear, vehicles, base yards, greenhouses, and other facilities; action review; and assistance with logistics.
• Contributes to efforts to continually document and improve propagule conservation program protocols and best practices by participating in experimental trials and research on topics including, but not limited to: seed storage, propagule conservation, propagation, pollination, plant reproductive biology and breeding systems, seed germination, and seed dormancy.
• Contributes to program deliverables for the propagule management and rare plant programs, including internal and external reports, management plans, publications, presentations, permit applications and reports, and required pesticide-usage documentation.
• Supports the Propagule Conservation Biologist through advanced independent implementation of projects, such as: developing guides for timing, quantity, and quality of collections; analyzing seed storage and propagation data; independently authoring reports; refining and developing protocols for propagation of rare and common native species; developing annual propagation actions to support the rare plant and restoration out-plantings; and leading experimental research or trials.
• Conducts field work in natural areas, including but not limited to 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…