Mosquito Field Associate

The Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project is hiring 2-3 Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project (KFBRP), located in Kauai, Hawai‘i. This is a temporary 20 week (5 month) position starting approximately April 15th.

DUTIES:

Participates in fieldwork on research and management projects for the recovery of Kauai’s threatened and endangered forest birds, with emphasis on surveying, sampling, and controlling Culex mosquitoes to inform management of the threat of avian malaria. Participates in research and management activities to benefit Hawaiian forest birds. Work is done in the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve, Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve, and Wailua, Kaua’i. Deploys, operates, and maintains mosquito traps at multiple field sites and participates in surveys to document larval distribution. Assists with mosquito control projects including the application of Bti larvicide, working in and around helicopters. Occasionally assists with surveys of bird distribution, relative abundance and survival; and management tasks, including rodent trapping. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Assists with maintaining electronic records and databases. Helps present materials for outreach and environmental education. Assists with equipment and vehicle management and maintenance. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Requires biological fieldwork, which is performed in dense forest areas, sometimes under wet and cool conditions. Requires a high degree of attention to detail for data collection and equipment management, often under difficult field conditions. Works under general supervision of the Mosquito Research/Control Field Supervisor who provides goals, direction, guidance, and day-to-day field oversight, and delegates responsibility for project completion. May work independently on routine assignments. Occasionally interacts with land managers and cooperators. Maintains good relationships with land managers and cooperators. Requires irregular working hours, with many duties occurring in the early morning and on weekends. Frequent helicopter trips and frequent camping for up to 8 days in remote field sites required 
as part of duties. Interacts and communicates (verbally, in written form or electronically) respectfully and professionally with supervisors, co-workers and others at all times.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: At least an Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college is preferred, but will consider those with HS Diploma.

EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of (paid or unpaid) experience in biological fieldwork (unpaid experience can include volunteer work or field study, and must be documented and verifiable).

KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and/or Hawaiian conservation.

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Proficient ability to enter and manipulate data using spreadsheets and databases. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to navigate and hike off-trail in dense forest with compass, map, and GPS. 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. Demonstrated ability to safely drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on unimproved roads. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) and external sling load course (A219) within six (6) months from date of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (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).

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to hike up to 8 miles on obscure trails with up to 50 pounds unassisted. Must be able to live and conduct fieldwork with other crew members in isolated field camps under inclement weather conditions for up to 10 days at a time on a regular basis. May require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, especially Hawaiian forest birds, and familiarity with local conservation issues. Experience sampling insects with traps (e.g. scent lure traps, light traps, and/or C02 traps). Experience using mobile data collection applications. Interagency Aviation Training, Helicopter crewmember or Helicopter manager certifications. Possess basic mechanical and electrical skills to assist in maintaining project equipment, field camps, and vehicles.

Send email to puaiohijobs@gmail.com  with the subject: Seasonal Mosquito Field Associate. Please provide cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references. Application period closes April 8th, 2024 but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

OTHER NOTES: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing. However, we will do our best to help crew find housing. Residents of Kauai are encouraged to apply.