Banding Volunteer

BANDING VOLUNTEER(s) needed for studies of native and introduced forest birds and habitat restoration on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii. Up to three positions are available for one trip to Nakula Natural Area Reserve, April 24-May 3. Volunteers should be available at least a day before this trip. 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, extraction of forest birds, and banding/processing forest birds;
2. Planting native seedlings;
3. Seed collection for captive propagation of native forest plant species;
4. Controlling weeds;
5. Other ongoing projects.

 

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.

Applicants should have experience with passerine banding and extraction (over 500 birds extracted), forest restoration, and working in wilderness settings. Assistants must be able to work and live in remote field camps under extremely physically and mentally demanding conditions, and have a good work ethic.

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.

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 laura@mauiforestbirds.org your resume and at least two references. Please indicate “banding volunteers” in the subject line.

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