Job Opportunities
KISC CRB Technician
Applications Close: January 14, 2026
KISC is currently accepting applications for our Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Technician position to help support collaborative CRB mitigation efforts on Kauai. This position a combination of outreach, planning, and fieldwork.
- Duties: Provides comprehensive training on Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) management and technical assistance to partner agencies, private industry stakeholders, and community stakeholders. Conducts field surveys for CRB and assists in identifying specimens collected as a result of surveys, as well as from samples submitted by the public and other agencies. Collects data on efficiency and post treatment monitoring of operational plans. Participates in CRB data collection efforts and enters data into appropriate databases. Drives to and from field sites and events. Assists in other activities related to the CRB strategy for Kauai, this includes assisting with applied research and extension activities of the Kauai Invasive Species Committee. Assists with implementing eradication and mitigation plans. Expected outcomes of the program include enhanced awareness of CRB issues and development of educational resources to control and manage the invasive pest species for people, industry and natural resource managers. See posting for full description of duties.
- Salary: $4,071/month.
- Education: Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in natural sciences or communication-related field.
- Experience: 1-2 years of experience in natural resources, agriculture, nursery and landscaping, insect pest control, or science communication related field.
- Additional Qualifications: See full posting for detailed information on all qualifications.
- Application Requirements: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Three professional supervisory references
- Benefits: Permanent positions include a generous benefits package, including health insurance, 21 vacation days, 13 holidays per year, 21 sick leave days, and retirement contributions upon completion of one year of permanent employment. Find details on the full benefits package here: RCUH Benefits
Part-Time / Temporary Invasive Species Field Crew Positions
Open
KISC has field crew positions available. These positions are temporary (up to 5-months long) positions surveying and controlling invasive plants and pests. Work ranges from remote off-trail areas to urban locations across the island and covers a range of high-priority invasive plant and pest species.
- Salary: Minimum salary is $3,000/month.
- Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- No experience necessary. Familiarity with Hawaiian plants and animals, natural history, and threats from invasive species is desirable.
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to work with pesticides and herbicides.
- Application Process: If you are interested in a field crew position with KISC, please contact kiscmgr@hawaii.edu for more information.
KISC Early Detection Botanist and Invasive Plant Prevention Technicians
Ongoing
KISC has botanical field positions available. Our Early Detection Botanist and Invasive Plant Prevention Technician positions support our Plant Early Detection Program. These positions conduct botanical surveys island-wide, work with partners across the state to identify newly introduced plants, and assist in prioritizing new target plant species.
- Duties: Responsible for general program support duties in the KISC’s program for detection and implements evaluation of new, naturalized, and potentially invasive plant species on the island of Kaua‘i. Conducts surveys in high risk sites (e.g., nurseries, botanical gardens, agricultural experimental stations, and roadsides) for unrecorded plant species across the island and assists in the documentation and assessment of newly discovered species. Assists with coordination and logistics of field activities to implement detection and treatment plans. Assists with care of plant specimen collections and maintenance of supplies. Ensures prompt identification of plant specimens collected, as well as those submitted by partner agencies. Uses Global Positioning System (GPS)/Geographic Information System (GIS) and KISC database to collect, store, analyze and report on survey data. Assists with a public relations, outreach, and education program (Plant Pono) to raise awareness about invasive plants in the Hawaiian Islands and to generate support for KISC’s effort to curb the spread of invasive ornamental plants throughout the state. Contributes to creating and preserving a positive working relationships with nurseries, garden groups, landscapers, and trade organizations to increase participation in the Plant Pono Nursery program. Makes presentations to private business organizations, public agencies, community associations, and school groups. Interacts regularly, safe, team-oriented work environment. Assists with oversight and training of volunteers, interns, and other staff. May be asked to present at professional meetings and public outreach events. Promotes sound invasive species management to the public.
- Salary: $4,376/month.
- Education: Associate’s Degree in Botany, Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, or related field
- Experience: 2-4 years of experience working in the field of horticulture, botany, plant production, or natural resources. Experience includes conducting surveys of unknown species of plants in an outdoor or nursery setting, invasive plant detection and control, etc.
- Application Process: If you are interested in our Botanist or Plant Technician positions, please contact kiscmgr@hawaii.edu for more information.
