AVICULTURAL SPECIALIST needed for work with the Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project. Position will last from mid-September – end December 2026, with possibility of extension. The project focuses capturing rapidly declining endemic Hawaiian songbirds to build ex situ populations through conservation breeding and translocation to other islands. This position will be responsible for providing the highest standards of avian husbandry in supporting the health and well-being of the captive birds (adults, nestlings, and eggs) during capture and transfer to temporary facilities on Kaua’i and onwards to facilities on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii islands. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4-5 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings. Applicants will camp in rustic conditions up to one week at a time, depending on frequency of bird captures, often in rainy and chilly weather. Daily field activities include nest searching and monitoring, mist-netting birds, and collecting eggs and chicks from nests. Daily activities at the temporary facility include cleaning, disinfecting and inspecting cages, incubators and other equipment; providing clean water and fresh food; operating machine incubators and rearing and hand-feeding chicks according to established guidelines; maintaining records; developing and updating protocols; and planning logistics.

Specifically, the incumbent:

• Develops and updates protocols for collecting, transporting, and caring for birds.
• Prepares the field sites and Kauai-based bird facility to receive and care for collected birds and eggs, including setting up tents and cages.
• Procures necessary equipment and supplies, tracks orders and ensures purchasing accuracy.
• Organizes and plans logistics for bird collections and extraction from the field (including scheduling helicopter logistics and personnel).
• Communicates with partners about collection schedules and needs.
• Makes travel arrangements and completes travel reports (authorization, completion) for staff accompanying collected birds.
• Takes part in the capture of adult birds, collects and transports birds, eggs and nestlings from nests to field and temporary facilities, and prepares them for onward travel to permanent facilities.
• Attends to captive individual rare birds, eggs, and chicks in the field and at temporary facilities.
• Provides emergency veterinary care to sick or injured captured birds in the field or at temporary facilities, including administration of oxygen or fluids.
• Maintains accurate and timely records and helps compile field data and maps for planning and reports.
• Performs research to determine factors limiting successful translocation of forest birds, including monitoring breeding and foraging behavior and nest behavior.
• Takes a leadership role with logistical planning of field trips and field camps, including vehicle and equipment maintenance. Trains staff in avian species collection and invasive species prevention protocols and ensures adherence.

Applicants must:

• be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS, compass, and maps, and ride in helicopters.
• have prior experience caring for small passerines, including operating incubators, handling eggs, and feeding chicks, and administering oxygen, fluids, and medication.
• be able to coordinate field logistics and oversee junior field staff
• be able to develop protocols, collect data and provide simple summary statistics
• be able to work both in a team environment and independently, multitask and prioritize work to meet deadlines, and adapt easily to last minute changes.
• be able to communicate and work effectively with others and understand and give direction.
• be able to accept responsibility and be accountable and make decisions that support the goals of the project.
• be able to implement lethal exotic mammal control
• have independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills to respond appropriately to unexpected wildlife care situations
• be familiar with Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite Software
• have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university
• possess a valid Driver’s License and be able to travel in helicopters

Compensation is $28.00-$30.50/hr, depending on experience. Costs of health insurance are split by the employee and employer. The successful applicant must provide own travel to Lihue, Kauai and have a valid US drivers license.