Avian Technician

The Kaua‘i Humane Society, through its Save Our Shearwaters program, seeks 4 seasonal avian technicians to assist in a fledgling seabird recovery project. Technicians will pick-up, band, release, and help to rehabilitate fledgling seabirds on the island of Kaua‘i. The primary species recovered in this project include the Newell’s Shearwater, the Hawaiian Petrel, and the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, all state and federally listed seabirds.

The seabirds noted above suffer from light attraction when fledging out to sea; a technician’s primary duty is to patrol island-wide seabird aid stations provided for Kaua‘i’s numerous bird rescuers. Duties also include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Assess each rescued seabird for banding and release and recognize a compromised individual
• Monitor and record behavioral observations upon release
• Transport compromised seabirds to the Kaua’i Humane Society’s rehabilitation facility
• Assist in the husbandry of individuals undergoing rehabilitation
• Perform general rehabilitation procedures such as avian gavage and other basic husbandry techniques
• Data entry
• Perform public outreach while in the field

The positions will start in early September and finish mid to late December. A typical work week will consist of 5 days with variable scheduled shifts occurring days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Housing is not provided, and the technician will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from Kaua‘i. Field vehicles will be provided for use during the work day.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife biology or other related field preferably with at least one year of comparable experience.
• Hands-on bird handling and banding experience is essential. MUST be comfortable with handling birds.
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Proficiency with data entry.
• Attention to detail is essential.
• Must be flexible and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow established protocols.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Preferred qualifications:

• Seabird banding and handling experience. 
• Experience observing native Hawaiian seabirds or comparable species
• Bird rehabilitation experience (preferably with water birds and seabirds).
• Prior experience working with endangered species.

Pay Rate:  $16.00/hr

This position provides a unique way to become familiar with the entire island of Kaua‘i. Participants have an opportunity to potentially see and handle every species of common-nesting seabirds on Kaua‘i in addition to migratory species that pass through the Hawaiian Islands. This position requires individuals that will keep a positive attitude even when performing some of the more mundane chores that the program requires on a daily basis such as cage cleaning and laundry.

Please email resume with cover letter (including prior banding experience) and 3 references in one document before June 7th 2019 to saveourshearwaterskauai@gmail.com. Please write ‘Technician Position’ in the subject line.