North Shore, Oahu
Agency: University of Wyoming
Type: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Website: https://www.facebook.com/hawaii.vine.project/
Salary: $2,500-3,000 per month, depending on experience, and shared use of vehicle. Housing is negotiable if needed.
Start date: ~April 23, 2020
End date: ~September 15, 2020
Last date to apply: 2/15/2020
We are seeking an experienced biologist to lead a field research project on Oahu, Hawaii as part of the Hawaii V.I.N.E. project, a collaboration across multiple universities (UH Manoa, UWy, NAU, and UIUC). The project is investigating the impacts of a dominant invasive plant on seed dispersal in Hawaiian mesic and wet forest ecosystems. Native species extinctions and non-native species introductions have dramatically changed the Hawaiian forest species composition. Although many native plants depend on birds for seed dispersal, on Oahu there are no longer any native frugivorous birds to provide this function. Instead a suite of non-native birds are dispersing seeds. Additionally, invasive plants often dominate seed dispersal networks with impacts to native plant seed dispersal. This project will focus on (1) experimentally removing the most dominant invasive plant to identify impacts to the seed dispersal network, (2) quantifying all bird frugivory in experimental and control plots through wildlife cameras, and (3) monitoring birds and plants in all plots. Field work will include wildlife camera set-up and maintenance, invasive species fruit removal, vegetation surveys, and bird point counts. Data management will include data entry and camera and SD card management. The candidate selected for this position will supervise a field crew of 5-6 people and coordinate field work with graduate students. The candidate will also conduct field work and be in charge of monthly reporting and coordination with PIs on the project. Must be able to work in rugged terrain in challenging field conditions. Fieldwork will involve long days of strenuous hiking and heavy lifting in temperamental weather conditions.
Start date is April 23, 2020 through September 15, 2020. Housing is negotiable if needed. Salary is $2,500-3,000/month, depending on experience, and shared access to vehicles.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, wildlife management, botany, ecology or a related field, at least 2 years of field experience, and previous experience in a leadership role are required. Preference will be given to applicants with previous work experience in Hawaii or other tropical ecosystems, avian ecology, plant ecology, and/or a demonstrated knowledge of Hawaiian plants. Applicant must be responsible, organized, and comfortable managing a large team.
Contact: Application must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information (email and phone) for 3 references familiar with your field work experience and leadership experience as a single PDF document. Please email your applications materials to Sara Gabrielson (sara.gabrielson.hawaii@gmail.com) with the subject line “Application for Field Crew Leader”. Review of applications will begin immediately. No more applications will be accepted after February 15, 2020.
The University of Wyoming is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law and University policy. Please see www.uwyo.edu/diversity/fairness
We conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of the background check.
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