The deadline for Round 2 applications to be completed in full is July 30, 2021. This is a unique opportunity to gain conservation experience working with rare and endangered species. Please see the job description below for more information and instructions on how to apply. To learn more about employment and internships with KFBRP, please visit our employment page.
Job Description for the Avian Conservation Field Technician at KFBRP:
Our project focuses on a variety of work with three critically-endangered endemic Hawaiian songbirds, the ʻAkikiki, Akekeʻe and Puaiohi, that all inhabit the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged montane rainforest ~4500ft on the island of Kauaʻi. The position will focus on (1) banding birds, including endangered nestlings, (2) re-sighting color-banded birds, (3) nest-searching for rare and elusive species, (4) radio-tagging adults and nestlings, and (5) maintaining rat control grids.
This is a rare opportunity to work on endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4 to 8 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings on obscure trails with up to 40 pound packs (occasionally 60).
Daily field activities include conducting surveys for endangered Hawaiian birds, mosquito sampling, vegetation and habitat sampling, maintaining a rat control grid with motion detection cameras in sensitive bird habitat, nest searching and monitoring, and mist-netting and banding birds.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be able to detect and identify birds by sight and sound, be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS, compass, and maps. Experience with nest-searching, mist-netting, banding, radio-tagging, color-band re-sighting, behavioral observation, territory mapping, small mammal trapping, and insect sampling is strongly desired. Mechanical and electronics skills and current First Aid and CPR certifications are a plus. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species (including controlling invasive species along the way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in remote field camps for more than a week at a time. Careful data collection is paramount, and when not in the field, office duties will include data entry and management, maintenance of field equipment, and other work around the office.
Office duties may include environmental education and outreach, data entry and organization, supervised and independent research projects, maintenance of field equipment and other work around the office. Familiarity with GIS, Microsoft Office, and computer IT is also strongly desired.
Compensation and Benefits:
– Up to $1600 Monthly Living Allowance
– A $6345 AmeriCorp Education Award to applied to higher education
– First Aid/CPR Certification, in the field qualifications
– Child-care, Health-care, and Student Loan Deferment
– All-inclusive week-long Service Trip
– Opportunity to participate in Kupu’s Earned Admission initiative, which offers heavily subsidized virtual learning and college credits through a partnership with Arizona State University.
– Opportunity to serve side-by-side and learn from potential future employers and to expand your professional network.
Housing when not in the field will not be provided, but we will assist in finding housing. Successful applicants must provide own travel to Lihue, Kauai, have a valid driver license, and be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
To Apply:
Applications are now open and will be reviewed as they are received. Required materials include a current CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Please email applications to puaiohijobs AT gmail.com before the July 30 deadline.
The Project will review applicants and make recommendations to Americorps. Required materials include a current resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references, emailed to puaiohijobs AT gmail.com. You MUST ALSO apply directly to the CLDP Year-round Americorps Program by clicking here and following the application process. For more information on the KUPU Conservation Leadership Development Program can be found by clicking here.
