ʻAlalā Project hiring: ʻAlalā Research & Logistics Technician

Posted on Aug 4, 2022 in News & Events

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), on the Island of Maui, Hawai‘i.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds.

MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,800/Mon.

DUTIES:  Serves as a senior member in the field for the ʻAlala Research and Recovery Project. Responsible for overseeing temporary employees, volunteers, interns, and field assistants in the field. Plans and prepares for field research by overseeing and conducting all field logistics, scheduling, field camp set up and maintenance, volunteer and team coordination, and equipment management. Conducts field research and management projects for the recovery of ʻalala. Assists in translocation support of ʻalala, assists in the capture, attaching radio transmitters, and obtaining blood samples of ʻalala for long-term survival and productivity monitoring. Assists in surveys of breeding birds and mapping territories. Assists in endangered species recovery and habitat management techniques; including small mammal monitoring and control, weed and native plant censuses, seed collection and outplanting, erosion control, and trail maintenance. Assists with outreach about forest birds and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project. Assists in data management and analysis for project summaries and helps complete scientific reports, articles, and work plans. Participates in adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION/TRAINING:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in a related Biological discipline (e.g., Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, Avian Ecology, or other related disciplines).
EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of related work experience comprising: one (1) year of field experience conducting wildlife research. Includes one to three (1-3) years of experience in a leadership position. Leadership experience can be in an unrelated field.
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of principles and techniques of avian ecology, population biology, predator control, and conservation.  Familiarity with corvids or Hawaiian forest birds. Computer literacy and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, Word) and ESRI applications (e.g., ArcGIS, Survey 123, or FieldMaps).
ABILITIES & SKILLS: Ability and skills in techniques of wildlife population ecology and conservation management.  Ability to take detailed field notes and follow a prescribed data collection system and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases. Ability to use a map, compass, and Global Positioning System (GPS) to navigate in dense forest. Ability to make simple maps, graphs, and write reports. Ability to coordinate field logistics and supervise research interns. Ability and willingness to implement exotic mammal control methods. Ability to locate birds with radio-telemetry and identify individual birds by color bands. Ability to radio-track wild animals; re-sight individually marked birds; nest search or perform wildlife behavioral observations; conducting vegetation surveys; small mammal or predator control trapping. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if the use of a personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Ability to assemble and attach helicopter loads. Post Offer/Employment Conditions:  Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months of hire.  Must possess basic First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months of hire).
PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Ability to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forest under cold, wet, and extremely rugged field conditions. Ability to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10-15) miles carrying loads up to forty (40) pounds.  Ability to undertake strenuous physical exertion and live in primitive living conditions in remote field camps. Expected to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to fourteen (14) consecutive days.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to the University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies and procedures.  Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’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, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: 
Experience capturing birds with mist-nets, noose carpets, or other trap types, and handling corvids or other similar sized birds. Experience working in Hawaiian rainforests, with Hawaiian forest birds, or experience with endangered birds.  Knowledge of statistics for ecological research.

INQUIRIES:  Sarah Malick-Wahls 341-6664 (Maui).

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: click here