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.

Hosting Organization

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Location 

Kahuku, HI

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a backcountry setting where emergency services are limited and may be delayed by several hours to days. Access to public transportation at work site is not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule 

September 21, 2026 - May 14, 2027

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

· 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.

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 - $800/month

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

Driving

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.

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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