Position Title: Botanical Field Crew Leader - Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

Job Level: Entry-Level

Location/Installation: Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii

# of Positions Available: 1          

Annual Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000 

Position Summary

A Botanical Field Crew Leader position is available with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), to be assigned 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. 

The Botanical Field Crew Leader implements natural resource management actions in the field such as rare plant surveys, monitoring, seed collection, and outplanting of federally listed species, as well as habitat improvement and vegetation monitoring.  The person assists with scheduling field tasks and ensures that projects are implemented to protocol standards by the field biologist team. The person is responsible to coordinate daily activities with the team to ensure all required data, maps, equipment, supplies, and vehicles are available and prepared for daily field work. 

Work location is dependent on the needs of the partner/project/role. In some instances, positions may require staff to be fully in-person. In other instances, hybrid or remote arrangements may be possible. 

This position is contingent upon funding.

Duties/Responsibilities include:

• The Botanical Field Crew Leader position requires working closely and in coordination with the Botanical Monitoring Specialist. The position requires ability to creatively solve logistical impediments and novel biological issues. Mental requirements include, but are not necessarily limited to, ability to organize and track multiple tasks, ability to compile and synthesize scientific information regarding plant species. Good interpersonal communication and negotiation skills are needed.
• The Crew Leader position requires the ability to follow directives and protocols, recognize real and emergent problems, provide feedback on of field/resource conditions, and recommend follow-up actions needed to Botanical Program Manager.
• 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. Be flexible in assignments as well as work schedule. Camping at remote work sites for up to three nights at a time. 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. Provide feedback on performance of individual field biologists. Resolve isolated or minor interpersonal issues within the crew.

Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Requirements

• 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.
• Good 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.

About CEMML

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML applies the latest and most appropriate science to promote the sustainable management of natural and cultural resources on Department of Defense (DoD) and other public lands. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/

Application Instructions

For full consideration, apply by: 12/1/25             

Link to application (apply through Open Pool): https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/168359

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. To learn more, please visit:

• https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/

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.

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.