Avian Conservation Technician

Seasonal position on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii

To apply go to:

https://forms.gle/24xCerHh6w3hR9sr7

Job description

This position is for an avian conservation technician who will assist with several projects aimed at conservation of native Hawaiian birds.  The position will primarily involve three projects: 1) management activities at a predator exclusion fence that protects translocated seabirds at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, 2) surveys for the Hawaiian Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater on Oahu, and 3) nest protection of the endangered Oahu Elepaio.

Work at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku will be the bulk of this position. Duties will include predator control (non-native owls and rodents), artificial burrow maintenance, searching for and monitoring seabird nests, removal of invasive plants, and predator-proof fence assessments. Tasks will require working in hot and humid conditions with little-no shade. Predator control requires safely handling dead rodents and occasionally dispatching rodents using humane methods. Removal of invasive plants requires application of herbicide following all safety measures. Work at the refuge will be 1-4 days per week from Feb-Sep.

For surveys of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels work, duties will include: assisting with deploying and servicing remote sound recorders in montane areas. Some evening auditory surveys requiring overnight camping in the mountains may occur. Work will require hiking long distances (up to 15 miles) through steep, wet, and rough terrain.

Work with the Oahu Elepaio project will be primarily assisting lead biologists with deployment of rodent traps in February and clean up/removal of traps in July. Interested and/or qualified candidates may have the opportunity to assist with searching for and monitoring elepaio nests and resighting color banded adults. Elepaio work will be conducted in Wailupe Valley and Pia Valley. This work requires hiking long distances across steep and rough terrain. Work sites can be very wet and thus, full of mosquitoes.

When not in the field, the candidate is expected to either work from home. A personal vehicle is required for driving to the work sites but a company vehicle will be provided for all work conducted on dirt roads. The duties and work location are expected to vary throughout the year according to project needs and species breeding cycles. The technician will be supervised by a PRC Wildlife Biologist but the technician will be expected to work independently at times. Candidate must be able to keep organized and accurate field data and enter data into a spreadsheet or database in a timely manner. Additional duties may include assisting with other PRC projects and other administrative duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a biological or natural resources related field. Candidate currently working towards a degree may be considered.

Experience:  At least one year of experience in conducting biological field research. Field courses or outdoor experience may be considered.

Abilities/Knowledge:  Basic knowledge of resource conservation and avian ecology as demonstrated through university level coursework, previous experience, and/or primary-authored technical reports and publications. Ability to collect and enter detailed field data is required.

Skills:  Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Ability to drive, or learn to drive, a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rough terrain. Ability to obtain first aid certification.

Physical Requirements:  Ability to hike over rough terrain in hot, humid conditions carrying a backpack weighing up to 35 pounds for up to 8 hours per day. 

Desirable Qualifications: 

Experience nest searching, resighting bird bands with binoculars, and handling wild birds preferred. Familiarity with the natural and cultural history of Hawaii encouraged. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience identifying native and non-native plants and animals on Oahu. Navigation and plotting locations using a GPS is desirable.

1.Employment period. The employment period for this position is 01 February 2023 through 15 September 2023, with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance. Employment is considered to be at will.

2. Salary. $20 per hour.