The Kaua‘i Humane Society, through its Save Our Shearwaters program, seeks 3-4 seasonal field 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 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. • Valid driver’s license and a good driving record. • Hands-on bird handling and banding experience is essential. • Experience observing native Hawaiian seabirds or comparable species. • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and 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 • Bird rehabilitation experience (preferably with water birds and seabirds) • Prior experience working with endangered species • A familiarity with Microsoft Access and/or GIS programs
Pay Rate: $15.00/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 become grounded on arriving cruise ships. This position requires individuals that will keep a positive attitude even when performing some of the more mundane chores that the program requires such as cage cleaning and laundry.
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