Individual Placement - Native Plants Biological Technician

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.

Occasionally, placements may be asked to assist with other refuge management functions. This includes controlling and removing non-native invasive species to maintain, conserve, and restore quality habitat to meet the needs of endangered waterbirds, seabirds, indigenous plants, monk seals and sea turtles at the Complex. 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.

Location

Kahuku, HI

Schedule

October 6, 2025 - May 31, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.

Marginal Duties

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

Required Qualifications

• 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
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

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

Compensation

Living allowance - $650/week

Housing stipend - $500/month

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.