Hawaiian Gallinule Banding and Survey Assistants

BANDING AND SURVEY ASSISTANTS needed for a study on the movement behavior of the endangered Hawaiian gallinule (Gallinula galeata sandvicensis, `Alae `ula) on O`ahu. 1-3 individuals are sought to help a Ph.D student capture and band birds are various wetlands around O`ahu and survey wetlands for banded birds. These data will be used to understand how landscape development on O`ahu affects the ability of gallinules and other endangered waterbirds to move between protected habitats. These volunteer positions are almost entirely field based. Volunteer field assistants are needed for any time period during the 2015 field season, which will run from May 21st to July 30th, 2015. Responsibilities will include: (1) Setting, baiting, and checking walk-in cage traps for Hawaiian gallinules (2) Assisting with handling, measurement, and banding of Hawaiian gallinules (3) Surveying wetland habitats for banded birds (4) Conducting radio telemetry surveys of wetland habitats Most field sites can be accessed by vehicle, and assistants will be with a supervising researcher at all times unless otherwise agreed upon. Assistants should be ready to work at least 3-4 hours, 2-5 days a week, and are encouraged to have their own vehicle for transport to a field site, though the supervisor will provide transportation in the field. Assistants must be prepared to work in hot and potentially rainy or wet conditions. Work schedules are extremely flexible and can change from week to week to fit volunteer schedules. At least 3-4 days in a row must be committed near the beginning of the season for training. Preference will be given to applicants with experience birdwatching and handling wild birds, and especially those interested in careers in wildlife conservation or ecological science. Current college students are especially encouraged. Benefits include: -Use of field equipment -Access to normally restricted wetland reserves -Limited ground transportation -Professional training in field ornithology -An opportunity to work with endangered native Hawaiian birds To apply, email charles.van_rees@tufts.edu or alaeulaconservation@gmail.com . To volunteer surveying wetlands before the 2015 field season, please visit our website for information on how you can help.