Avian Disease Mosquito Volunteers

The USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center has three Federal volunteer positions open now to assist with field research on mosquito ecology in support of vector control for the management of avian malaria a key limiting factor in Hawaiian forest bird populations. Field work is conducted in Haleakala National Park, Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Laupahoehoe Forest, and Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island. Housing in the national park and a small per diem of $34 will be provided to non-Big Island residents. Camping supplies, rain gear, a backpack, and rubber boots for stream work will be provided. Short term 1 month and long term 3 month positions are possible.

If interested please send cover letter, resume, and contact info for three references to Dennis LaPointe  dlapointe@usgs.gov or call 808-985-6413 with any questions.  More details below.

Hawaiian Avian Disease Study Mosquito Trapping Volunteer 2022. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakalā National Park. 2 volunteer positions

Description: The volunteer will assist in surveying and monitoring mosquito populations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) and very remote sites in Haleakalā National Park’s (HALE) Kipahulu Valley. Field work in HAVO involves day trips to nearby sites and short drives and hikes into study sites. Field work in HALE involves interisland flights to and from Maui and the Big Island, long car drives, short helicopter flights and hectic logistics. At both sites, conditions are variable and range from hot, sunny weather to cold, rainy weather and site terrain ranges from open parkland to dense, rain forest.  Maui work may include working in slippery, boulder-strewn stream beds.  On Maui, field crews live in primitive camp sites for 9 days each trip and will make 2 trips in a 3-month period.

Volunteer Field Assistant for Study on Larval Mosquito Use of Riparian Habitat in Hawaii.  Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Laupahoehoe Forest, Hilo Forest Reserve, Hawaii Island. 1 volunteer position

Description: Introduced mosquito-borne avian malaria is the main factor limiting restoration of endemic Hawaiian forest birds. Mosquitoes that vector malaria are rare at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the best remaining habitat for endemic forest birds, but climate change may facilitate mosquito invasion into the refuge. One volunteer position is available to support research to determine the availability of larval mosquito habitat in riparian zones in windward Hawaii Island. 40 hours per week, 1-3 months. Volunteer duties will primarily consist of assisting a field technician in establishing and monitoring weather and hydrological stations and monitoring for larval mosquitoes in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state forests.

Qualifications:

• Applicant will possess a background in ecology, entomology, biology or environmental science.
• Applicant must have experience and be comfortable hiking, orienting, and camping (2-3 nights) in remote environments.
• Applicant must hold a valid driver's license to drive government vehicles.
• Applicant must be in excellent physical condition and able to hike on steep uneven ground for several kilometers a day carrying a 50-pound backpack. 
• Applicant must commit to 1 to 3 months (July through September, 2022).
• Applicant must be willing and able to work long hours in the field.