Banding Volunteers

BANDING VOLUNTEERS needed for studies of native and introduced forest birds and habitat restoration on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Three volunteer positions are available on three banding trips taking place this spring. This is a field based research opportunity with Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP).

Primary field duties will be assisting with:

1. Mist-net set up and take down
2. Extraction of forest birds from mist-nets,
3. Application of color bands to birds and taking morphological measurements;
4. Planting native seedlings;
5. Seed collection for captive propagation of native forest plant species;
6. Setting up and maintaining mosquito traps;
7. Maintaining non-native predator control;
8. Weed-whacking forest restoration areas
9. Other ongoing projects.

Assistance with field preparation, clean up, and data entry prior to and after trips would also be appreciated.

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.

Dates for banding trips are: April 5-12, April 29-May 6, and May 24-31. Training will be done prior to trips. Applicants can choose to go on 1 trip or all 3! Please indicate in application.

Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with passerine banding and extraction (over 300 birds exacted, please provide numbers on resume), and working in wilderness settings. Volunteers 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:

• 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.

To apply, please email employment@mauiforestbirds.org  with your resume and at least two references. Please indicate “banding volunteers” in the subject line.

If you have any further questions please email the above address or call us at 808-573-0280. Visit www.mauiforestbirds.org as well.