Plant Ecologist - Habitat Restoration Manager

Salary: $75,000 - $90,000 annually

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to:     Director(s) of Conservation

Supervises:    Rare Plant Specialist, Biosecurity Specialist, conservation greenhouse management staff, Conservation Technicians (I, II, III), field crews, interns, volunteers, and contractors.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Plant Ecologist/Habitat Restoration Manager is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Pūlama Lāna‘i Conservation Department’s Plant Conservation Program. Areas of emphasis include habitat restoration strategies and plans, management and enhancement of endemic and indigenous plant communities; invasive vegetation management, including incipient invasive species and weed control; recovery of state and federally-listed threatened and endangered (T&E) species, as well as common but rare-on-island varieties; technical representation on behalf of Pūlama Lāna‘i for plant-related concerns; and advancing the various departmental objectives related to plants and habitats on Lāna‘i.

In consultation with Conservation Department leadership, the Plant Ecologist/Habitat Restoration Manager is responsible for planning, development, prioritization, implementation, and management of habitat restoration and plant conservation programs on Lāna‘i. The Plant Ecologist/Habitat Restoration Manager supervises staff, prepares plans, resource needs and operating budgets, determines programs priorities, conducts on-the-ground field work, prepares grant proposals, and develops policies and procedures for the Department’s Plant Conservation Program. The Plant Ecologist/Habitat Restoration Manager is also responsible for building and enhancing community, partner, and constituency group relationships, including, but not limited to, nursery; horticulture and agriculture groups; County, State, and Federal agencies; non-governmental organizations; community organizations; and other relevant associations. The position also handles sensitive information and performs administrative duties associated with habitat and plant conservation concerns, including compliance with regulatory and permit conditions.

With guidance and direction from the Department’s co-Directors, the position works on a full range of professional assignments; directs the work of professional and non-professional conservation workers and technicians; and performs other duties as required. 

• Conduct individual and business affairs in highest ethical and legal fashion.
• Establish and contribute to a supportive, creative, enthusiastic, and cooperative working environment for all.
• Build strong communication links with supervisors, peers, and employees.
• Continuously strive for excellence in the workplace, the Company environment, and as a Company representative.
• Comply with all Company policies and standards.
• Conducts business in alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Pūlama Lāna‘i.

Essential Duties

• Lead planning, development, prioritization, implementation, and management of habitat restoration and plant conservation programs on Lāna‘i 
• Lead development of strategies and plans for habitat restoration and plant conservation programs across the island.
• Lead habitat restoration and plant conservation programs, including surveys and monitoring for native and non-native plant communities with particular attention to rare, threatened, and endangered species, and incipient invasive species.
• Oversee rare plant program, including surveying, monitoring, seed and propagule collection, propagation, and outplanting work.
• Oversee invasive plant management strategy, including weed control in various priority enclosures, and attempted eradication of incipient invasive species. 
• Oversee conservation nursery and propagation activities, including seed collection and storage, timing of propagation, plant maintenance, outplanting, and monitoring.
• Oversee fieldwork in support of plant resource management and invasive species control efforts, especially around priority wildlife areas and native plant communities.
• Coordinate with partner agencies and organizations on aspects of the Plant Conservation Program as appropriate, such as rare plant recovery and invasive species management priorities, various propagation techniques, pesticide and invasive species control treatments, best practices, and data consistency.
• Communicates and coordinates within Conservation and other departments, external partners, stakeholders, and community members about plant conservation, habitat restoration, rare plant recovery, invasive spec