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Botanical Field Crew Leader - Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Hilo, HI, USA
USD 50k-55k / year
Posted on Feb 19, 2026

Job Description

Position Summary:

  • The Botanical Field Crew Leader works in the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at CSU, with assignment at Pohakuloa Training Area, (PTA), Hawaii. This position coordinates and implements natural resources actions to manage botanical resources at PTA, including 19 plant species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. PTA is a 133,000-acre Army training facility located on Hawaii Island at 2,000-8000 feet elevation in the saddle region between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

    Position is contingent upon funding for continued CSU support for natural resource management on PTA. The position is 100% in-person at the work-site.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Assist in training field staff in field techniques, data entry, and equipment use and maintenance; Assist with scheduling field tasks.

  • Assist with data management and perform quality control on data recorded/entered by the team.

  • Implement established safety procedures and provide feedback to improve safety program.

  • Oversee and lead botanical field biologists to Implement protocols and Standard Operating Procedures to monitor and manage botanical resources.

  • Responsible for coordination with team members to ensure all required data, maps, equipment, supplies, and vehicles are available and prepared for the field day; brief team members on daily field tasks and ensure work pace to meet quarterly progress goals.

  • Field work in high hazard areas to include live-fire impact area when escorted by Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel or like contractor.

  • Provide feedback to Supervisor on status of botanical resources, emergent threats/issues, and recommended courses of action/management; also feedback on performance of individual field biologists.

  • Resolve isolated or minor interpersonal issues within the crew.

Conditions of Employment:

  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

  • Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

  • Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC); required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.

  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

  • Camping at remote work sites for up to three nights at a time may be required.

Supervision:

  • None

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS/BA in botany, range science, environmental science, natural resource management, or related applied sciences.

  • Experience with monitoring and managing vegetation and rare, threatened, and/or endangered plants.

  • Experience with Global Positioning System (GPS) and field navigation.

  • Ability to conduct strenuous field work on extremely rugged terrain.

  • Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including data entry and data management, analysis, and map creation.

  • Proficient with data management using computer programs such as MS Excel and Access.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with vegetation sampling, monitoring and various methods.

  • Experience working with rare, threatened, and/or endangered plants in Hawaii.

  • Experience with native plant restoration, including seed collection, propagation, greenhouse management, preparing planting sites, outplanting, and maintenance of sites and plants.

  • Demonstrated experience coordinating/leading field crews.

  • Experience with chemical and mechanical control techniques for invasive plant species.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Knowledge of databases to enter and maintain records.

  • Experience working on a military installation or previous military.

  • Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $55,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.