Banding Assistants

MFBRP BANDING ASSISTANTS needed for studies of native and introduced forest birds and habitat restoration on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Up to 2 positions are available from mid-April until mid-June. This is a field and office based research opportunity with Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP). Primary field duties will be assisting with: (1) Mist-net set up, extraction of forest birds, and banding/processing forest birds; (2) Monitoring experimental forest restoration plots; (3) Planting native seedlings; (4) Seed collection for captive propagation of native forest plant species; (5) Setting up and maintaining mosquito traps; (6) Maintaining non-native predator control; (7) Other ongoing projects. Office duties include, but are not limited to office, vehicle, and grounds maintenance; data entry; preparation and maintenance of field equipment; and public outreach and education. 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 wet and cold conditions as well as dry and hot conditions. Helicopters are used to supply field camps. Camping is required for all field work. Work schedule will include three 8 day field trips between late April and early June. There will be a few office days between trips. Training will be done prior to trips. Applicants must have experience with passerine banding and extraction (over 700 birds extracted), forest restoration, and working in wilderness settings. Assistants must be able to work and live in remote field camps under extremely physically and mentally demanding conditions, have a good work ethic, 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 mist-netting and banding; forest restoration work; small mammal trapping; vegetation sampling experience; Wilderness First Aid certification. Benefits include: • $600 per month stipend • Housing in and out of the field • Most field equipment • Limited ground transportation • An opportunity to work in native forest and gain field experience in avian conservation and ecosystem management. Applicants must provide their own airfare to Kahului, Maui; assistance may be available from west coast cities.