Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is hiring a Field Assistant, a full-time, non-civil service position with the Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH). Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. This role assists the implementation of research, management and outreach activities for the recovery of three endangered seabird species on the island of Kaua‘i: ʻaʻo Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), ʻuaʻu Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and ʻakēʻakē Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Hydrobates castro).

Main Tasks

• 65% Participates in surveys to document endangered seabird distribution across Kaua‘i and monitor breeding success and relative abundance of seabirds, using ornithological radar, auditory, visual (binoculars, night vision), burrow cameras, nest boxes, and song meters. Participates in management tasks for endangered and native seabirds at colony sites, including restoration (e.g., social attraction and translocation), predator control, and vegetation management. Includes logistics management, operation of equipment, and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and tools. May require rappelling to access seabird colonies.
• 15% Enters field data into computer files and digitizes data from burrow cameras and song meters. Carries out preliminary data quality control including identifying and correcting errors, data cleaning, and validation. Assists with preparing preliminary field data summaries and reports.
• 15% Performs outreach by attending outreach events. Assists in the preparation of content and materials for outreach events.
• 5% Performs other duties as assigned including duties related to monitoring of non-listed seabird species on Kaua‘i.

Level of Supervision

Supervised by the KESRP Coordinator who provides goals and direction, and will oversee and direct project completion. Works independently in the field and on routine assignments.

Qualifications

Education and Training: One to three (1-3) years of college-level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One to three (1-3) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork. Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable. Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: remote area work, seabird monitoring methods, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies. Experience must be documented (includes dates and hours/week) and verifiable.

Abilities and Skills: Ability to apply techniques of avian population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation using a handheld GPS and maps. Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace to undertake field reporting. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to locate birds by their calls. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout employment.

Physical and/or Medical Demands: Fieldwork will be required in remote, densely vegetated, wet forest areas, sometimes with extremely wet and cool conditions as well as on offshore islets with extremely hot conditions. Requires strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting. Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure trails or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted. Ability to live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions. Requires the ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended periods. Requires irregular working hours and work schedules, with duties mostly occurring at night and on the weekends.

Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from the date of hire and maintain throughout employment. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within two (2) months from date of hire.

Secondary Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest and training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting petrels. Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Banding experience, particularly with seabirds. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcView) or open source data analysis tools such as R. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kauai.

Inquiries

Dilek Sahin, Project Coordinator dsahin@hawaii.edu

Note

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing. However, we will do our best to help the crew find housing. Residents of Kaua‘i are encouraged to apply.