KFBRP Field/Data Technician

Full-time

Position start: early/mid-February; possibility for extension

Job Description:

Participates in carrying out research activities to determine factors influencing forest bird population dynamics, especially factors limiting populations, and management activities for the recovery of these species. Work is primarily done in the Alakai Wilderness Preserve, Kauai. Responsibilities include nest searching/monitoring for honeycreepers and Puaiohi, as well as assisting with egg collection for select species. Conducts surveys to document distribution, relative abundance and survival of birds; and management tasks, including rodent trapping and mosquito control. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Helps maintain electronic records and databases. Assists with equipment and vehicle management and maintenance. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Has regular oversight from senior project members, but often works independently on routine assignments and in the field. Meets regularly with Endangered Avian Research Project Coordinator and Field Supervisor to receive direction and instruction to ensure correct implementation of research techniques. Meets with other technicians to discuss progress of work. Oversees up to four (4) volunteers or interns. May occasionally delegate responsibilities to field team members as appropriate for project completion. Will interact with land managers and cooperators. Requires irregular working hours, with many duties occurring in the early morning and on weekends. Frequent helicopter travel and frequent camping for up to ten(10) days in remote field sites required as part of duties.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years of experience in biological fieldwork (with at least some experience working in remote areas).

Experience must include mist netting, bleeding and banding of passerines; and experience with one (1) or more of the following techniques: conducting forest bird surveys and identifying birds by sight and sound; nest searching; radio-tracking and re-sighting banded birds; operating automatic data recording units (e.g., trail cameras, song meters or telemetry units); conducting vegetation surveys and quantifying food resources; invertebrate sampling. Experience must include experience entering data and working and navigating in remote areas. Proficient knowledge of Hawaiian biota/natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai’i. Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management, especially passerine monitoring techniques. Ability to take detailed field notes and follow a prescribed data collection system, and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases. Ability to identify common native Hawaiian plants and birds. Ability to locate and identify Hawaiian birds by sightand sound. Ability and skills in techniques of avian population ecology, particularly songbirds. Ability to safely handle passerine bird species. Ability to mist net, bleed and band birds proficiently, safely, and independently. Ability to identify individual birds by color bands and locate forest birds by their vocalizations. Demonstrated ability of working with small, mechanized equipment (e.g., weed whacker, drills, sawzall,etc.)and ability to perform basic maintenance and repair of equipment. Basic mechanical and electrical skills to maintaining project equipment, field camps, and vehicles. Basic computer skills. Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft programs. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to plan logistics for complicated field operations. Ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission.

Post-Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100). Must complete ladder safety orientation. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.

Physical/medical demands: Ability to hike up to eight (8) miles on obscure trails with up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Must be able to live and conduct fieldwork with other crewmembers in isolated field camps under inclement weather conditions for up to ten (10) days at a time on a regular basis. May require strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.

Pay: $23.00/hr

To Apply:

Please send your CV, copy of diploma or transcript, banding resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to puaiohijobs@gmail.com.