Kaua‘i Mosquito Research Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY

Title: Kaua‘i Mosquito Research Coordinator
Supervisor: Hawai‘i Program Director and Kaua‘i Forest Bird Project Manager
Location: Hanapepe, Kaua‘i
Employment Type: Full time

To apply visit https://abcbirds.bamboohr.com/careers/159

INTRODUCTION:

Leads planning, organization, and deployment of landscape scale mosquito control projects on Kaua‘i for the benefit of native wildlife and public health. Coordinates with Department of Interior, State of Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), as well as federal, state, and non-governmental conservation partners to identify project needs. Coordinates the analysis of field data and preparation of research papers for scientific journals. Takes lead in obtaining continued project funding and writing grant proposals; tracks past and present funding opportunities and assists in managing project budget. Recruits and supervises project personnel, interns and volunteers. Oversees all aspects of the field research and management, including logistics with DOFAW, adjacent land-management agencies, and partnership groups. Assists with field operations necessary to implement action plans. Liaises with partners to monitor and implement impact abatement, control of introduced species and/or habitat restoration in study areas. Supports regulatory processes/initiatives, and provides technical recommendations. Participates in partnership meetings and leads working groups, including but not limited to state-wide mosquito control groups. Prepares and distributes progress reports; Produces project related communications to agencies, scientists, and the public, including but not limited to letters, mailings, phone and email communications, website updates, and organizes/manages project data/information. Oversees preparation and presentation of public information materials to individuals, organizations, agencies, and the community on project goals and activities. Coordinates public and agency meetings, develops executive initiatives, prioritizes project objectives, organizes field surveys, and other activities to implement landscape scale mosquito control. May conduct evening workshops and public meetings. Ensures all operations are conducted according to legal requirements, accepted safety standards and that proper protective equipment is utilized. May travel to other islands for site visits and fieldwork. Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed. 

Directs a team of up to ten (10) members. Provides goals and direction, and delegates responsibility to team members for supervision, implementation, project completion and quality control of day- to-day activities. Person to person contacts are with team members. Meets with ABC Program Director, KFBRP Project Leader, and partners to discuss progress of work and prepare written reports and updates. Interaction with ABC, Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, and Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i offices for staffing and administrative purposes, and DOFAW offices for budget preparation and reporting. Must be able to communicate effectively with the public and partners to provide information about the project and its goals. Work requires a high degree of independent judgement/decision making, organizational skills, writing skills, and people skills. Attends meetings and acts as an expert available for consultation on natural resources research and management. Works under multiple deadlines and schedules. Ability to manage and to work with diverse groups of people toward accomplishing a common project goal. Must be able to camp in close quarters with other individuals for up to ten (10) days at a time. Expected to live in primitive camps in remote locations on a regular basis. Requires biological fieldwork, which is performed in densely vegetated, wet forest areas with extremely wet and cool conditions.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• ● Coordinates and manages the deployment of landscape level mosquito control on Kaua‘i. Takes lead and oversees all project activities including research, conservation management, field work and logistics, budget tracking, regulatory compliance, coordination with partners DLNR/DOFAW; United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); The Nature Conservancy (TNC); PCSU, and the University of Hawai‘i) and report writing for the implementation of landscape level mosquito control on  Kaua‘i.
• ● Coordinate all landscape-scale mosquito control field deployment team activities with DLNR, USFWS, and TNC to develop project schedule and ensure all required training and Right of Entry and/or research permits are obtained to initiate mosquito deployment on key forest bird habitats of Kaua‘i.
• ● Recruits and supervises full-time staff, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers.
• ● Acquire and oversee necessary support to run landscape-scale mosquito control field deployment team, including supplies, equipment, training, and transportation (vehicle purchase and management and helicopter contracts).
• ● Regularly coordinate the deployment of Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) mosquitoes or other landscape-scale control methods in Kaua‘i. Coordinate with partners and adjust plans/schedules as necessary to ensure best chance at project success. Coordinate the monitoring and collection of IIT mosquitoes and wild Culex mosquitoes in release areas.
• ● Obtain data, geographic information system (GIS), and outreach coordination assistance to support data management, spatial, and education and outreach elements of standing up and running the mosquito control field deployment team.
• ● Develop a succinct annual work plan and report to ensure excellent communication and ensure work is in line with expectations. Writes grant proposals and seeks project funds additional to core-funding, to support and develop research and conservation management activities.  Prepares and tracks budgets and expenses and provides budget reports.
• ●Takes lead in analysis of field data. Presents and publishes scientific papers for presentation at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals. Analyze and interpret mark-release-recapture (MRR) data, mosquito control data, and IIT field deployment and monitoring data in reports to PCSU, DOFAW, and other partners. Oversee the development and management of a standardized database for all mosquito data; this includes data entry and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures.
• ● Ensure state import permits, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration or emergency exemption, and state and federal compliance requirements are in place and adhered to throughout the project. Interacts with partner project managers to facilitate progress towards common goals, and ensures regulatory compliance.
• ● Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• ● Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Entomology, Agriculture, Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Ecology or related fields.
• ● Three to five (3-5) years of experience conducting biological field research, entomology, invasive species management, or conservation management. Two to three (2-3) years of supervisory experience. (Ph.D. from an accredited college or university may substitute for research experience, but not for supervisory experience.).
• ● Working knowledge in the principles and techniques of conservation management, remote field operations, and invasive species biology. Working knowledge of natural history relevant to native Hawaiian wildlife, native Hawaiian plants, native Hawaiian ecosystems, or similar environments.
• ● Proficient knowledge of techniques used to inventory and monitor wildlife, and other natural resource assets, including experimental design and data analysis.
• ● Knowledge of rules and regulations relating to field operations, and pertinent laws, regulations, licensing and permitting requirements related to program. Knowledge of management principles including, but not limited to, supervising/developing employees, EEO, workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, and administration of policies and procedures.
• ● Strong organizational ability to plan, lead, and execute logistically complex field operations. Strong ability to solve logistical problems and problems related to biological threats.
• ● Ability to lead a field crew and work as a team member for safe and efficient field operations. Ability to establish work standards/expectations and clear direction to meet goals and objectives of ongoing work for direct reports. Ability to provide guidance, motivate, and engage direct reports through effective communication and leadership. Ability to assign work and to establish work rules and acceptable levels of quality and quantity of work. Ability to review work and evaluate performance and develop required job competencies of direct reports. Ability to maintain a positive professional attitude in support of a productive work environment.
• ● Must have excellent communication and program management skills. Ability to organize, schedule, and plan projects. Ability to work effectively in a complex organizational structure, requiring sound decisions regarding priorities and workload.
• ● Ability to analyze data and present findings and recommendations in written report format. Proficient use of Microsoft Office word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. Ability to perform basic statistical analysis. Able to lead data management and analysis, and demonstrated ability in publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers.
• ● Ability to estimate costs associated with complex projects and to project budget requirements for future program needs. Proven grant writing and fund-raising abilities.
• ● 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 complete helicopter manager training within 12 months of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross 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.
• ● Able to carry loads up to forty (40) pounds over long distances of twelve to fifteen (12-15) miles on obscure trails over rough terrain and thick vegetation.
• ● Authorized to work in the U.S.
• ● Background screening required.

BENEFITS:

• ● Benefits include medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and retirement savings.
• ● Paid vacation days, holidays (10+), and sick leave