‘ALALĀ RESEARCH & RECOVERY COORDINATOR – ID# 221177

‘ALALĀ RESEARCH & RECOVERY COORDINATOR – ID# 221177. 

Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit.  Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) located in Makawao, Hawai‘i.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $4,150/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Conducts and develops reintroduction planning, small mammalian predator control program, post-release monitoring research and adaptive management needed to recover ‘Alalā (Hawaiian Crow) in Hawai‘i, with a primary focus on releases in Maui Nui. Develops and implements the Maui Nui ‘Alalā Reintroduction Plan. Coordinates and supervises the field teams and all necessary tasks to implement the plan. Coordinates research, quantifies threats, identifies limiting factors, develops strategies to mitigate threats and establish additional populations of ‘Alalā. Develops research and management goals and strategies with the ‘Alalā Hui and ‘Alalā Planning Groups. Convenes meetings and provides updates and reports to the ‘Alalā Working Group and partners. Tracks expenses and organizes purchasing paperwork. Assists with grant reports and grant proposals to support and develop research and management activities to supplement funds. Recruits and oversees seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. Procures equipment, assures maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. Drives project vehicles to field sites. Identifies the primary community groups, organizations, landowners, and individuals with an interest in ‘Alalā recovery and educates the public on the reintroduction. Oversees a community engagement strategy to educate target audiences and promote active involvement in the recovery process. Builds public support for habitat management and reintroduction. Increases public knowledge of the threats to ‘Alalā and its habitat requirements.  Promotes ‘Alalā recovery in the state, national, and international media by developing news releases, promoting special activities (e.g., exhibits, fundraisers, and volunteer activities), and recognizing stakeholders and landowners.  Conducts outreach efforts across the state; shows recovery efforts (successes and challenges), and promotes awareness and participation.  Conducts data analysis and drafting of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at meetings. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Science or related field. (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university and at least two (2) years of independent research in conservation of a critically-endangered avian species, in addition to the experience requirement may substitute for a Master’s Degree).  EXPERIENCE:  Three to five (3-5) years of experience conducting research on passerine or near-passerine birds. Experience must also include at least three (3) years of experience working with endangered species, working on reintroduction/translocation projects, mist-netting, handling and banding experience; demonstrated grant writing and fundraising experience; experience in public and media relations, community outreach, and partnership projects; experience in community organization and social networking to address biological, cultural, or political issues. Experience must include at least three (3) years of experience overseeing staff. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge in the principles and techniques of conservation biology, reintroduction biology, avian population ecology, captive propagation, restoration ecology, predator control,  and conservation management. Knowledge of Hawaiian biota and ecosystem threats.  Familiarity with Hawaiian plants and birds.  Knowledge of Hawaiian cultural practices or Hawaiian studies. Ability to organize, lead, and train others, including  volunteers. Ability to respond to the public and media requests, develop targeted reintroduction plans, and associated compliance documents, and acts as a liaison for interested stakeholders. Ability to keep records and prepare reports. Ability to use or learn to use Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Ability to organize multi-faceted projects with excellent attention to detail. Able to conduct data management and analyses. Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers. Must be able and willing to oversee and implement exotic mammal control methods.  Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission. Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within three (3) months from date of hire.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to hike, backpack, camp, and work effectively and safely in remote and rugged areas for up to ten (10) days at a time under inclement weather conditions, while carrying heavy packs of up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).  

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  PhD from an accredited college or university in Avian Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or closely-related fields. Experience in project management and administration. Experience supervising crews in remote areas. Helicopter operations management experience. Experience working with contractors. Proven expertise in grant-writing. Field experience with critically endangered Hawaiian birds. Expertise in database design and management. Avicultural experience, including husbandry and blood extraction. Experience with reintroduction or translocation of avian species.  Familiarity with Maui Nui communities. 

INQUIRIES:  Hanna Mounce 421-7843 (Maui).   

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. 

CLOSING DATE:  April 30, 2021. 

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.