Senior Field and Data Technician

Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project - Senior Field and Data Technician

Start Date: 9/2/2024

End Date: 12/20/2024 with possibility of extension

$25/hr

Position Description: Conducts research and management projects for the recovery of Kauai’s threatened and endangered bird species and their habitats. Captures and surveys mosquitos for avian disease studies in native, restored, and non-native forest habitats. Conducts fieldwork in restoring native vegetation and conducts other management activities (e.g., predator control, monitoring, weed control, and coordinating and leading volunteers, interns and seasonal staff) to benefit the Akekee, Akikiki, Puaiohi, and other native species. Conducts field data collection on population ecology of native forest birds, especially factors limiting populations. Captures, bands, bleeds and processes birds using mist-nets and play-back. Conducts surveys to document distribution, relative abundance, and survival of forest birds. Assists in implementation of endangered species recovery techniques, including small mammal monitoring and control. Oversees preparations and assists with logistics for field operations. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting and helps write reports. Conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols and ensures adherence to said standards and protocols. Drives project vehicles both on and off road and works in and around helicopters, as part of fieldwork. Maintains field equipment and field stations.

Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forest (up to 4,500 feet) under cold, wet, and extremely rugged field conditions. Able to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10 - 15) miles, carrying loads up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted. Ability to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to ten (10) consecutive days. Requires irregular working hours, with many duties occurring in the early morning and on weekends. Frequent helicopter and occasional inter-island travel, and frequent camping for up to ten (10) days in remote field sites required as part of duties. Employee is expected to act in a professional manner to promote a positive public image. Contributes to creating and preserving a positive and safe work environment. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission in off-road conditions.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Conservation, Resource Management or similar from an accredited four (4) year college or university.

Experience: One to three (1-3) years of experience in biological fieldwork. Experience should include mist netting, bleeding and banding of endangered or threatened passerines, identifying birds by sight and sound, nest searching, and navigating remote areas.

Please send a cover letter, CV, banding resume (how many passerines extracted, banded, and bled including nestlings and adults), contact information for 3 references, and a copy of your diploma/transcript to puaiohijobs@gmail.com by 7/19/24.