SEABIRD AND WATERBIRD TECHNICIAN  
INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING AND MINIMIZATION PROJECT (IMMP) 

Archipelago Research and Conservation (ARC) is an ecological consulting company based on the island of Kauaʻi. We focus on research and management activities for the recovery of seabirds in the Pacific, with a particular emphasis on the endangered  ʻAʻo (Newell’s Shearwater), ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian Petrel), and ‘Akē‘akē  (Band-rumped Storm Petrel), as well as five Threatened and Endangered (T&E) waterbirds: the ʻAlae ʻula (Hawaiian Common Gallinule),  ʻAlae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian Coot), Aeʻo (Hawaiian Stilt), Koloa maoli (Hawaiian Duck), and the threatened Nēnē (Hawaiian Goose).  

This is an exciting 9-month full-time position, offering a competitive salary and benefits, to join our team and make a real difference to the future of endangered birds in some of the most beautiful and challenging locations in the world! Continuation of employment may be possible, depending upon availability of funds, work performance, and operational considerations.  

Our Infrastructure Monitoring and Minimization (IMMP) team documents avian interactions with human infrastructure, which is a critical step in the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s T&E seabirds and waterbirds. This work directly leads to immediate and real conservation actions! The position reports to the ARC Senior Scientist and ARC Field Crew Leader - IMMP.  

Position Duration  
This is a 9-month position running from April 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026, with the possibility of extension, pending work performance and funding.  

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Conduct visual and auditory surveys of nocturnal seabird (particularly ʻAʻo and ʻUaʻu) passage rates at powerlines between seabird breeding colonies and the ocean using night vision, near–infrared (NIR) illuminators, and thermal binoculars.  
• Conduct diurnal and crepuscular waterbird surveys for passage rates at powerlines in wetland areas, during both visual and auditory surveys.  
• Deploy remote acoustic sensors across the island to quantify bird interactions with infrastructure. This requires hiking into remote locations.  
• 4x4 driving, hiking, helicoptering to remote sites, helicopter sling loading of equipment, overnight and multi-day camping.  
• Work both in small teams and independently.  
• Collect survey data using a voice recorder.  
• Enter field data accurately in the field and office, cross-reference and digitize data from night vision cameras during office days.  
• Perform other duties as assigned – which may include ecological monitoring of other species, public outreach and administration, monitoring for birds at community events, and management and monitoring for seabirds at breeding colonies. 
• Participate in assuring proper maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment.  
• All work must be in accordance with ARC policies and guidelines.  

REQUIREMENTS  Be legally able to work in the U.S.A (Applicants must be able to present a valid U.S. passport or evidence that they can legally work in the U.S.A.) – ARC will not apply for a visa on the applicant’s behalf. 

Education:  
Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or another relevant field from an accredited four (4)year college or university.  

Experience:  
REQUIRED: One to three years of experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork. Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: seabird-monitoring methods, species take monitoring, auditory point counts, operating song meters. Similar experience with other bird species or species of conservation concern may be considered. Demonstrated remote area experience is critical.  

Candidate must have the following abilities:  

• This is a fieldwork-oriented position. Applicants must be able to hike all day on obscure trails with a heavy backpack unassisted, including off-trail navigation, up to 12 miles. Conduct day and night biological fieldwork in remote areas (including densely vegetated wet forest and arid canyons) with variable temperatures, accessed by 4-wheel drive, helicopter, or extended hiking. Carry heavy generators (30 lbs.), NIR lights, and other equipment in uneven terrain.  
• The majority of fieldwork occurs at night and successful applicants will maintain irregular working hours, with most duties occurring in the evening after dark or very early in the morning (several hours before dawn). Applicants must be able to concentrate for extended periods (up to three hours) of time while looking through night-vision goggles or thermal binoculars under nocturnal conditions. They must be able to work independently in the field to monitor incidental wildlife take at human-built infrastructure by monitoring selected T&E seabirds and waterbirds associated with electrical transmission, distribution infrastructure, and possibly outdoor lighting. 
• Use scientifically-appropriate attention to detail in the field, often under difficult weather conditions, while managing field equipment and performing repetitive tasks. Diligently collect data on field tablets or phones while maintaining strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.  
• Travel regularly by helicopter. 
• Drive a car or truck on highways, offroad, and/or at night. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain it throughout the duration of employment. 
• Interact on a regular basis with land managers, cooperators, and members of the public.  
• Follow and adhere to all safety and operational guidelines. 
• Use Microsoft Office (incl. Word/Excel), Google Sheets, and other software programs to undertake field reporting and other administrative tasks.  
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  

PREFERRED: Strong interest, background, and training in conservation issues related to avian collisions with human infrastructure (power lines, wind farms, solar fields). Strong interest in seabird ecology and conservation. Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software, coding in R software, electronic hardware, vehicle maintenance, creative problem solving.  

Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or pass the certification organized by ARC within two months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (organized by ARC) within two months from date of hire. ARC requires that all staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide a scan of a valid vaccination certificate.  

Policy and/or Regulatory Requirements: As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to all applicable ARC policies and procedures. Violation of ARC’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to, possible termination of employment, etc.). This position description is a general guide. Other duties may be included, and the description is subject to change as needs dictate.  

Applications will be accepted until January 15th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews scheduled accordingly.  

Required materials include a cover letter, current CV and contact information for three references. Please email applications to immpcrewlead@arckauai.com. 

Contact Person  
Jacob Ligorria (IMMP Field Crew Lead) 

Contact Email  
immpcrewlead@arckauai.com