KUPU AmeriCorps Internship

MFBRP KUPU AmeriCorps Assistant(s) needed for habitat restoration and native forest bird studies focused on preventing the extinction of Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill, Pseudonestor xanthophrys), a critically endangered honeycreeper, on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. One to two positions available for a period of 10-12 months, starting October 2016. This is a field based research position but assistants will be responsible for both field and office duties with Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP). 

Primary field duties will be: 

(1)assisting with forest restoration on the leeward (dry) side of Haleakala, including planting seedlings and monitoring vegetation plots;

(2)mammal predator control trapping seed collection for propagation of native forest plant species;

(3)assisting with public outreach and education;

(4)setting up and maintain mosquito surveys and traps;

(5)assisting with mist-net setup, extraction of forest birds, and banding/processing forest birds as well as locating and re-sighting color banded birds; 

(6)maintenance of gear, field stations, and vehicles;

(7)assisting with avian point counts;

(8)seed collection for propagation of native forest plant species.

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 wet and cold conditions as well as dry and hot conditions. Helicopters are used to supply field camps. Basic aviation safety training is available. Camping is required for all field work. 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 forest restoration, predator control, passerine research, public outreach, and working in wilderness settings. Must be able to perform mammal kill trapping. 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; forest restoration work; research with endangered birds; color-band resighting; avian point counts; mist-netting and banding; forest restoration; Wilderness First Aid certification.

Benefits include:

• Up to a $1,300 monthly living allowance (subject to taxes)
• An additional $5,775 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 Hawaiian forests 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, if applicable.

To apply, please visit https://kupuhawaii.wufoo.com/forms/201617-kupu-hycc-extended-internship/ and complete the Extended Internship Program job application by JUNE 30 (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 2016” 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.

You can also call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions about the application.