Kupu 'Āina Corps - Field and Communication Assistant

Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project is seeking a Field and Communications Assistant who will assist with all fieldwork and outreach activities in the project. Field and Communications Assistant will work with a small but growing project team to help the program keep up with its goals for the recovery of the endangered seabird species on Kaua‘i. The position will be hired by Kupu Hawaii through the Kupu 'Āina Corps Program. The start date of the position is December 4, 2023.

Main Responsibilities

Main tasks include seabird surveys to document distribution and relative abundance using visual surveys (binocular, and night-vision), auditory point counts, and ornithological radar; surveys to monitor breeding success and relative abundance at select colony sites; data entry and preliminary analyses of field data; rodent control at seabird colonies and public outreach. Public outreach includes assisting in the production of outreach content for target audiences, taking part in public events to promote seabirds and project activities, and assisting in relationship building with key project stakeholders.

Organizational Background

Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, founded in 2006, focuses on the endangered seabirds found on the island of Kauaʻi. Our work involves identifying the breeding distribution of these rare and enigmatic seabirds, monitoring their breeding colonies, undertaking research projects to better understand their life histories and the various threats which they face, and working with partner projects and organizations to ensure their long-term conservation. We also work towards the restoration of two seabird sanctuaries on the island of Kauaʻi, Lehua, and Moku‘ae‘ae, to monitor seabird populations breeding on these islets and carry out social attraction projects to bring the native seabirds back.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum one to three years of college-level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated hiking ability, especially in remote areas, including off-trail navigation.
• Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure trails or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to audibly locate birds by their calls.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace to undertake field reporting. Experience in open-source data analysis and Geographic Information System software is a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in communication and outreach is a plus.
• Paid or volunteer conservation work experience is a plus but not required.

How to Apply

To be considered, fill out the application form on Kupu Hawaii's website: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/273 by October 20, 2023. 

Eligibility Criteria by Kupu Hawaii

In accordance with SB2768, the State of Hawaii’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps, applicants must be 38 years old or younger throughout their program term to be eligible for participation in Kupu ʻĀina Corps. However, if you are already a current Kupu ʻĀina Corps member and exceed the age of 38 by the time the new program term begins, you may still apply.