Endangered Seabird Field Assistant

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauai Seabird Recovery Project, located on the island of Kauai.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $2,372/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Participates in carrying out research and management activities for the recovery of Kauai’s endangered seabirds during field season, with emphasis on Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro).  Includes:  1) surveys to document distribution and relative abundance across Kauai using visual surveys (binocular, and night-vision), auditory point counts, and ornithological radar; 2) surveys to monitor breeding success and relative abundance at select colony sites; 3) management tasks, possibly including predator control; 4) data entry, and preliminary analyses of field data.  Performs effective public outreach.  Operates a motor vehicle and a variety of equipment for field studies. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  One to three (1-3) years of college level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork (volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable).  Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: seabird monitoring methods, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, song meters and/or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies.  Demonstrated remote area experience.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation.  Ability and skills in techniques of avian population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds.  Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation.  Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel) and other software programs to undertake field reporting.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  Must be able to locate birds by their calls.  Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.  Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must possess certification in First Aid/CPR and maintain throughout duration of employment (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within two (2) months from date of hire).  Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within two (2) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures.  Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences.  Strong interest and background training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting petrels.  Small boat experience.  Experience working with Hawaiian birds.  Banding experience, particularly with seabirds.  Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcView) and databases (Access).  Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kauai. 

INQUIRIES:  Andre Raine 335-5300 (Kauai). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872.