Seasonal Avian Technician

Save Our Shearwaters – Avian Technician Position 

The Save Our Shearwaters Program seeks 3 seasonal Avian Technicians to assist in a fledgling seabird recovery project. Technicians will pick-up, band, release, and help to rehabilitate fledgling seabirds on the island of Kaua‘i. The primary listed species recovered in this project include the Newell’s Shearwater, the Hawaiian Petrel, and the Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. 

The seabirds noted above suffer from light attraction when fledgling out to sea; a technician’s primary duty is to patrol island-wide seabird aid stations provided for Kaua‘i’s numerous bird rescuers. Duties also include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Assess each rescued seabird for banding and release or rehabilitation 
• Monitor and record behavioral observations upon release 
• Transport compromised seabirds to the rehabilitation facility
• Assist in the husbandry of native Hawaiian birds undergoing rehabilitation
• Assist in cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation spaces (cleaning crates, enclosures, dishes, laundry, etc.) 
• Perform general rehabilitation procedures such as avian gavage and other basic husbandry techniques 
• Data entry and proofing
• Perform public outreach while in the field

The positions will start 9/3/24 and end 1/15/25. A typical work week will usually consist of four 10-hour days with assigned shifts that may occur days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Housing is not provided, and the technician will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from Kaua‘i. Field vehicles will be provided for use during the workday.

This position provides a unique way to become familiar with the entire island of Kaua‘i. Participants have an opportunity to potentially see and handle every species of common-nesting seabirds on Kaua‘i in addition to migratory species that pass through the Hawaiian Islands. This position requires individuals that will keep a positive, supportive attitude even when performing some of the more mundane chores that the program requires on a daily basis such as crate cleaning and laundry. 

Please be aware prior to applying that the cost of living is high on Kaua‘i and the rental market can be sparse. We encourage all off-island applicants to do their research prior to applying to see if they are truly able and willing to move to the island. Technicians are responsible for their own transportation to and from work. The selected candidates will be introduced via email so they will be able to work together to find shared housing and purchase/rent a shared vehicle if they so choose. Preference will be given to candidates already living on Kauai. 

It is also important to note technicians will not accrue paid time off during their employment period. Due to the workload of the season and the short employment time, SOS is not able to offer unpaid leave unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife biology or other related field, preferably with at least one year of comparable experience

Direct bird handling and banding experience is essential

Valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Proficiency with data entry

Ability to follow established protocols

Attention to detail

Must be capable of working independently and as part of a team

Strong interpersonal communication skills

Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Preferred qualifications:

Seabird banding and handling experience

Experience observing native Hawaiian seabirds or comparable species

Waterbird/seabird rehabilitation experience 

Prior experience working with endangered species

Pay Rate:  $17.50/hr

Please email your resume, cover letter (including prior banding experience), and 3 references in one document before June 30th to soskauaijobs@gmail.com. Please write ‘Avian Technician Position’ in the subject line.