Individual Placement - Botany Field Technician at Haleakala National Park

Position Summary 

Apply to join the Haleakala National Park botany team for a botany placement. Individual placements work in the park plant nursery, propagate native plants, and control invasive plant species under the direction of National Park Service staff.

Preference will be given to local candidates who:
1) live on island
2) possess previous knowledge of Native Hawaiian plants.

Hosting Organization

Haleakala National Park

Location 

Makawao, HI

Schedule 

September 28, 2026 - March 12, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Responsibilities will include: Helping in the Park nursery, propagating and transplanting native plants for restoration, controlling alien plant invasions using mechanical and chemical means and hiking and camping in remote backcountry locations Monday through Friday.

Marginal Duties 

Monitoring native plant species in the field.

Required Qualifications 

This position requires that applicants be physically fit and able to work in challenging outdoor conditions. Much of the work is done at an altitude of 6,000ft to 10,000ft.

Preferred Qualifications 

Knowledge of Native Hawaiian plants.

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.

General Physical Requirements

Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. 

Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. 

Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. 

Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. 

Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others. 

Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. 

Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.

• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.

• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.;Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.;Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.;Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.;Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.;Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing may or may not be available, so local applicants are preferred. Please inquire about this during the interview if you would need Park housing.

Compensation  

$1,300 - one-time roundtrip travel allowance $538 - weekly living allowance $2,375 - duty related travel (available for local intern selections to use for commuting costs)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.