EHW Ornithological Field Technician

Seabird Technician. Part of a two person team focusing on seabirds and under the Wildlife program which conducts various avian conservation projects under the state of Hawaii biologist. The focus of these positions will be to locate and protect critically endangered 'ake'ake, a federally listed population of Band-rumped Storm Petrel (Hydrobates castro cryptoleucura).  'Ake'ake is a cryptic species that spends all day at sea and only returns nocturnally to nest in burrows within the lava fields of Mauna Loa volcano from 6000' to 10,000' asl. We use song meters to characterize lava flows of interest, then contract detector dogs to narrow down possible burrows and then run a camera grid on points of interest to find this elusive species. We also look for the endangered 'ua'u, or Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis). Then another important part of this job is conducting predator control to protect our endangered seabirds from invasive rats, mongooses and cats.  Will assuredly aid other aspects of Wildlife program in various natural resource management projects as well, with the emphasis being on seabirds.

Participates in a variety of activities associated with East Hawai‘i Wildlife (EHW) and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Performs various resource management and monitoring activities around the Island of Hawai‘i focusing on native birds, many of which are threatened or endangered. Activities include assisting in the capture, banding, radio-tagging, telemetry tracking, re-sighting of banded seabirds and identifying birds by sight and sound using various survey methods. Assists with forest bird management including surveys, banding, remote sensing, and predator control. Habitat management techniques include small mammal monitoring and trapping, mosquito monitoring, fence-building, and operating a motor vehicle and a variety of other field equipment.  

Inquiries please direct to Alex Wang (alex.x.wang@hawaii.gov) or Dr. Cara Thow 808-797-8711 or apply athttps://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/