Become part of Hawaii’s conservation story

Website:

http://mauiforestbirds.org/

Duration:

September 16, 2019 to January 31, 2020

Job Type:

Seasonal/Temporary

Job Description:

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (3) needed for supporting endangered bird recovery and habitat management and restoration. Focus is on preventing the extinction of Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill, Pseudonestor xanthophrys), a critically endangered honeycreeper, on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Three positions are available for a period of 20 weeks (approx. September 16th, 2019 to January 31st, 2020). This is a field based research position but assistants will be responsible for both field and office duties.

Primary duties will be:

  1. Supporting the reintroduction and monitoring of the Kiwikiu: Using radio telemetry to track birds, re-sighting color-banded birds, and documenting behavior and location.
  2. Supporting set up and maintenance of supplemental feeding stations and game cameras. Assist with care of captive birds in field aviaries.
  3. Assisting with forest restoration: collecting seeds, planting seedlings, controlling invasive weeds, and monitoring vegetation plots.
  4. Predator control trapping.
  5. Maintenance and cleaning of field gear, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and grounds.
  6. Office duties including but not limited to data entry, report writing, administrative clerical work, sorting game camera photos, preparation and maintenance of field equipment, and assisting with public outreach and education.  
  7. Trail and field site construction and maintenance.
  8. Assisting staff with other ongoing projects.

Field duties are extremely physically challenging. Remote research sites require extensive hiking in steep, high elevation (5,000-7,000 ft) terrain. This position also requires living and working in small teams in extreme weather conditions (ranges from being intensely hot/dry to cold/wet). Helicopters are used to supply field camps. Hiking in and out of remote field sites may be required if helicopters are not available. Basic aviation safety training is available. Camping is required for most field work. Work schedule will include 6-10 day field trips with alternating days in the office and off-time.

This is a position through the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. Benefits include: ~$2400 a month + housing, most field equipment, and limited transportation on Maui. Applicants must provide their own airfare to Kahului, Maui.

To apply:

Go to https://forms.gle/i2RWdDG2MAsv1swc8/ and submit an online application, with a cover letter, resume and references with current email and phone contact information.  We will need to be able to contact a minimum 3 previous employers for the hiring process. Applicants must submit the online application to be considered for this position. Deadline for application is June 1, 2019.

Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with passerine research, forest restoration, and working in wilderness settings. Must be able to perform small mammal kill trapping. Assistants must be able to work and live in remote field camps under extremely physically and mentally demanding conditions, to work independently and responsibly, have a good work ethic, take personal initiative and must have a valid driver’s license.

Desirable qualifications include an undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, ornithology, botany or similar field; research with endangered birds; color-band resighting, radio telemetry, mist-netting and banding experience; forest restoration work; Wilderness First Aid certification.

Information

For more information about Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project and this opportunity please visit our website at mauiforestbirds.org, contact us at 808-573-0280 or via email at employment@mauiforestbirds.org.

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