AVIAN RESEARCH FIELD ASSOCIATE – ID# 222039

AVIAN RESEARCH FIELD ASSOCIATE – ID# 222039.

Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit.  (2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), on the Island of Maui, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,000/Mon.

DUTIES:  Conducts fieldwork and collects data on population and disease ecology of native forest birds. Assists in capturing, banding and processing birds using mist-nets and play-back. Conducts searches for bird species and re-sights for individuals.  Conduct standardized counts for bird species. Conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols. Drives project vehicles, both on and off road, for fieldwork. Works in and around helicopters. Hikes, camps, and carries a backpack and other heavy gear in forest conditions. Assists with maintenance of field equipment, trails, and field stations. Assists with baseyard and office maintenance (landscaping and upkeep) and maintaining project vehicles and equipment (including repair of essential tools used in the field). Assists with preparations and logistics for field operations. Conducts fieldwork with monitoring the prevalence of mosquitoes and avian malaria (setting, checking, and monitoring traps and collecting data) and conducting other management activities on Haleakala Volcano to benefit the Maui parrotbill (kiwikiu) and other native species. Assists in endangered species recovery and habitat management techniques, including small mammal control, weed censuses, erosion control, and trail maintenance. Assists with entry of field data into computer databases for analysis. Assists with public outreach and education activities. Most work will be performed in remote areas and will require the ability to hike long distances. Employee will be expected to camp in remote areas four to ten  (4-10) days at a time on a regular basis.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of paid or unpaid experience working in avian ecology, natural resource protection, conservation, or related field biology. Experience must include mist netting and banding of passerines, conducting forest bird surveys, and identifying birds by sight and sound.  (Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable).  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation. Knowledge of identification of native Hawaiian birds. Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management and conservation fieldwork. Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft programs and data collection apps. Ability to undertake strenuous physical exertion and live in primitive living conditions in remote field camps. Ability to take detailed field notes and follow a prescribed data collection system and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases. Must be able to identify individual birds by color bands and locate birds by their vocalizations. Must be able to conduct surveys independently in remote forest areas. Must be able to safely extract birds from mist nets. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to set and monitor humane kill traps for predator control. Basic computer skills.  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 duration of employment. Demonstrated ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Ability to work independently and as a small team. Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Able to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forest under cold, wet and extremely rugged field conditions. Able to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10-15) miles carrying loads up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. Expected to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to four to ten (4-10) consecutive days. 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:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Interest and background in forest bird ecology. Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Experience working in and around helicopters including external loads. Experience with predator control. Been a permittee or subpermittee on a Federal banding permit. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Experience conduction avian point counts in Hawai’i.

INQUIRIES:  Dr. Hanna Mounce 421-7483 (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. Effective January 31, 2022, the RCUH will be implementing a COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy (this policy supersedes the previous RCUH COVID-19 Policy).  All RCUH employees and positions are subject to the RCUH COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.  All post-job offer/new hires will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated (e.g., their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card) during the onboarding process.  New Hires will not be allowed to start work until their COVID-19 Vaccination have been reviewed and approved to be in compliance with the RCUH Mandatory Vaccination Policy.  New Hires deciding to get vaccinated after a job offer has been accepted, must present a copy of their vaccination card as proof they are in the process of being fully vaccinated. These New Hires will be subject to weekly testing until they are fully vaccinated.  Requests for a religious or medical accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccination may be submitted to the RCUH Director of Human Resources after they have completed the new hire documents and these documents have been approved by the RCUH Human Resources Department.  Individuals granted an accommodation will be subject to the weekly testing requirement.  NOTE:  Effective January 31, 2022, all RCUH recruitments must be in compliance with the RCUH COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.  Applicants may request information on this policy from the contact person listed on this recruitment. 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:  February 14, 2022.

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.