Avian Conservation Field Technicians

Job Description:

SEASONAL AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD TECHNICIANS needed for work with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project. Our project focuses on a variety of work with three critically-endangered endemic Hawaiian songbirds, the ‘akikiki, ‘akekeʻe and puaiohi, that all inhabit the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged montane rainforest on the island of Kauai. These positions will focus on (1) conducting point count surveys, (2) nest-searching and resighting color-banded puaiohi, (3) banding birds and collecting blood samples, and (4) maintaining rat-control grids. This is a rare opportunity to work on endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4 to 8 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings on obscure trails with up to 40 pound packs (occasionally 60). Daily field conditions include hiking through dense forest in and along streams, often in rainy and chilly weather. Position starts in early February 2024 and lasts 4.5 months.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be able to detect and identify birds by sight and sound, be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain off-trail. Experience with mist-netting, banding, color-band re-sighting, camera trapping, nest searching, behavioral observation, territory mapping, small mammal trapping, and plant and insect sampling is strongly desired. Mechanical and electronics skills and current First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species (including controlling invasive species along the way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in remote field camps for more than a week at a time. Careful data collection is paramount, and when not in the field, office duties will include data entry and management, maintenance of field equipment, and other work around the office. Compensation is $2,914 /mo. Crew will have some access to project vehicles. Housing when not in the field will not be provided, but we will assist in finding housing. Successful applicants must provide own travel to Lihue, Kauai, have a valid driver license, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

To Apply:

Applications will be accepted until October 11, 2023 and will be reviewed as they are received. Required materials include a current CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Please email applications to puaiohijobs AT gmail.com