Avian Disease Research Supervisor

Bird Banding and Mist-netting Supervisor. Must have significant bird banding experience and demonstrated competence to safely mist-net, band and bleed songbirds. Must have supervisory experience. Will work in a variety of Hawai'i's pristine native forests to assist on a long term avian malaria project. The project is to document the prevalence of avian malaria at different field sites, through malaria prevalence as determined by collecting blood samples while bird banding as well as through mosquito trapping. Must be willing to "camp" Monday-Fridays for week long site visits but these camp weeks are almost entirely based out of established state cabins with a bird banding team. The goal is to sample a number of mid and high elevation native habitat sites, on a quarterly basis, to guide management and possibly direct the most appropriate location for future conservation translocations of endangered species.  Must be able to safely coordinate and lead logistics for a small team to mist-net native birds, including endangered species, and trap and collect mosquitoes.

Develops research and management goals and strategies to assess and control avian disease. Coordinates and supervises field teams for field research and management projects. Directs, supervises, and assigns work to staff (2 FTEs), interns, and volunteers. Coordinates logistics for field operations.  Conducts fieldwork and monitors the prevalence of mosquitoes and avian malaria. Manages data collection on population and disease ecology of native forest birds. Tracks budgets and expenses, and provides grant reports.  Assists in preparation of grant proposals and seeks funding to support research and management activities.  Identifies and obtains project support in collaboration with Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), and funding agencies. Recruits full-time staff, seasonal staff, interns and volunteers. Procures equipment, assures maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. Manages data entry and database. Writes reports for funders and partners. Conducts data analysis and drafting of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at meetings. Attends working group meetings.  

Inquiries please contact State Biologist Alex Wang (alex.x.wang@hawaii.gov) or Dr. Cara Thow 808-797-8711

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