DLNR, Division of Forestry & Wildlife - Kupu Intern

Level of Interaction: Supervised by the NARS Specialist who coordinates daily work assignments, provides goals, and delegates responsibilities for project completion. Serves as field crew member working with NARS staff, usually with minimal supervision. Communicates weekly with supervisor to discuss status of projects and to assist in planning future projects. Performs technical biological field work requiring high degree of attention to detail for data collection, often under difficult field conditions. Attends training to gain or maintain skills in safe use of pesticides, basic first aid, and aviation safety. Must possess ability to work independently. Ability to work in cold and rainy or hot and dry conditions. Expected to live in primitive camps in remote locations on a regular basis. Work is primarily located on the island of Kauai, but may occasionally take place on other islands. Ability to work around and fly in approved helicopters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 Education: High school diploma
 Experience: Up to one (0-1) year of experience in work related to research (feral animal and alien plant control) or agriculture with a land management agency or company.
 Knowledge: General knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species. Working knowledge of the principles of ecology and wildlife biology.

Participates in a variety of activities associated with the Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) on Kauai. Serves as field crew member working with NARS staff, performing various resource management and monitoring activities. These include collection and analysis of technical field data, using standardized methods to collect information about distribution of native and alien plants and animals, monitoring and control of alien plants with chemical and mechanical means, monitoring and control of feral animals, maintenance and construction of fences, native plant cultivation and outplanting, and other duties as assigned. Occasionally, helps to coordinate the activities of volunteers performing alien plant control, feral animal control, outplanting, and other resource management work.

Alien plant control: Controls alien plants using mechanical and chemical methods. Mixes and applies herbicides and related substances in accordance with label and agency policy. Provides record of work accomplished to supervisor in the form of simple maps, data sheets, and field notes. Operates a GPS to navigate in the field. Assists in the mapping and monitoring of introduced plants

Native species restoration: Collects seeds of native Hawaiian plants, and assists the staff horticulturalist with plant propagation. Outplants rare and endangered Hawaiian plants at designated sites in accordance with NARS