Job: Wildlife/Waterfowl Specialist Position on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

The Lavretsky Lab at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is searching for a full-time waterfowl specialist to be stationed on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. The person will be working on a newly funded project as part of a collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) to conduct novel management efforts to the conservation of the endangered Hawaiian duck (Koloa). In short, the individual will lead a team comprised of students, private, state, and federal personnel to pilot a project that attempts to artificially reverse the genetic ancestry of a koloa x feral mallard hybrid population towards koloa through specific active management strategies (see Hernandez et al. 2023. simRestore: A decision‐making tool for adaptive management of the native genetic status of wild populations. Molecular Ecology Resources. 24: e13892). More information on the Lavretsky Lab can be found here: http://science.utep.edu/lavretskylab.

STATIONED: O‘ahu, HI

WORKING LOCATIONS: James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) (O‘ahu, HI) & Hanalei (NWR) (Kaua‘i, HI)

DUTIES: Live capture Koloa, feral mallards, and their hybrids using swim-in and walk-in traps in both locations. All birds will be banded with authorized USGS bird banding laboratory leg bands, as well as bled for molecular analyses to be conducted at the Lavretsky Lab. A sub-number of birds will have auxiliary GPS-GSM telemetry units attached. Lead translocation efforts of koloa from Kaua‘i to O‘ahu and ensure soft release of koloa onto James Campbell NWR per research protocols. Lead monitoring of translocated and resident koloa, nest monitoring, behavioral studies, disease surveillance and response, and feral mallard removal. Assist with predator control, habitat enhancements around wetland areas, and other tasks deemed necessary by the Refuge/Project PI.

ANNUAL PAY (Employment is through UTEP): $63,000 + Benefits for 2 years, with the potential of additional years.

START DATE: May 2024 (preferably)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- B.S. Degree in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or a related field

- Must have a valid state driver’s license.

- Must have the legal and physical ability to possess and discharge firearms. You must be able to pass a government background check and meet any additional requirements to carry and use firearms.

- History of waterfowl (or other avian) capture, handling, and banding
- Highly self-motivated and organized

- History of working in diverse teams

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- History of working with Hawai ‘i’s flora and fauna

- History of leading teams in field conditions

- Knowledge of working with all-terrain vehicles (UTVs, ATVs, etc)

- Analytical skills in band-recovery

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, please submit: a cover letter describing experience related to or interest in as they relate to the project, a current CV/resume, and the name and full contact information for three professional references to Dr. Philip Lavretsky (plavretsky@utep.edu) and Kelly Goodale (kelly_goodale@fws.gov). Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until the position is filled.