MFBRP RESEARCH ASSISTANT(s) needed for studies of Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill, Pseudonestor xanthophrys), a critically endangered honeycreeper, and forest restoration on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Up to 2 positions available for a period of 10-12 months, starting October 2014. This is a field based research position but assistants will be responsible for both field and office duties with the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP).
Primary field duties will be:
(1) assisting with implementation and monitoring of experimental forest restoration plots on the leeward (dry) side of Haleakala, including planting plants and vegetation sampling;
(2) seed collection for captive propagation of native forest plant species;
(3) assisting with public outreach and education
(4) predator control
(5) locating and re-sighting Kiwikiu and other native forest birds. Kiwikiu are rare and cryptic birds (pop. est. 502+116);
(6) assisting staff with other ongoing projects.
Office duties include, but are not limited to office, vehicle and grounds maintenance, data entry, and preparation and maintenance of field equipment.
Field duties are extremely physically challenging. Remote research sites require extensive hiking in steep, high elevation terrain. This position also requires living and working in small teams in extremely wet (annual rainfall up to 400 inches), cold, and muddy rainforest conditions as well as drier and hot conditions on the opposite slope. Helicopters are used to re-supply field camps. Basic aviation safety training is available. Work schedule will include 5-10 day field trips one to two times per month and alternating days in the office. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with vegetation monitoring, passerine research, forest restoration experience, re-sighting color-banded forest birds, public outreach experience, and working in wilderness settings. Assistants must be able to work and live in remote field camps under extremely physically and mentally demanding conditions, to work independently and responsibly, have a good work ethic, take personal initiative and must have a valid driver’s license.
Desirable qualifications include a B.S. in ecology, biology, ornithology, botany or similar field; research with endangered birds; passerine re-sighting experience; forest restoration work; mist-netting and banding; small mammal trapping; vegetation sampling experience; Wilderness First Aid certification.
Benefits include:
Up to a $1,300 monthly living allowance (subject to taxes) An additional $5,550 educational award that can be used to pay off educational loans or can be applied to future educational endeavors. All interest earned on certain educational loans during the year of service will be paid for by AmeriCorps. Health care and childcare benefits will be available (if eligible). Housing in shared field house Most field equipment Limited transportation in upcountry Maui An opportunity to work in pristine native rainforest and gain field experience in avian conservation with a highly endangered species and in ecosystem management.
Applicants must provide their own airfare to Kahului, Maui.
To apply, please visit http://kupuhawaii.org/hycc/ and complete the Extended Internship Program job application by JULY 20 (letters of recommendations are needed so please plan ahead). Please indicate “forest bird work” on your application. This is a position supported by the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife and US AmeriCorps. It is administered by KUPU Hawaii. You must fill out this application in order to be considered. Please note that 2 letters of recommendation are required.
A copy of your completed application should also be sent to employment@mauiforestbirds.org with “KUPU MFBRP 2014” in the subject heading.
If you have any further questions please email the above address or call us at 808-573-0280. Visit www.mauiforestbirds.org as well.
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