Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.
PCSU ENDANGERED SEABIRD FIELD TECHNICIAN – ID# 224871.
CLOSING DATE: December 23, 2024, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES: Dilek Sahin 808-639-3644 (Kauai).
Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), located on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.
MONTHLY SALARY: $4,536/Mon.
DUTIES: Works in conjunction with a field crew to implement research, management and outreach activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i: Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro).Performs scheduling, equipment management, and logistics for fieldwork. Oversees day-to-day field activities of field assistants. Assists with training of new staff in fieldwork methodologies and protocols. Assists in planning and performing public outreach. Assists with the implementation of research, monitoring and management forseabirds,including surveys, restoration, predator control and vegetation management. Performs data management and preliminary analyses of field data. Operatesa motor vehicle and a variety of equipment for field studies. Requires biological fieldwork primarily in remote areas, accessed by 4-wheel drive, helicopter, small boat, or extended hiking.Camping for up to two (2) weeks in remote field sites required as part of duties. May require interisland travel. Works irregular hours, with many duties occurring in the evening or very early morning.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other related biological discipline.
EXPERIENCE
One to three (1-3) years of experience in biological fieldwork. Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: seabird colony research and monitoring, seabird colony restoration and management, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, use of song meters, or use of burrow cameras for population monitoring. Demonstrated remote area experience.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic knowledge of the principles of wildlife population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds and endangered species. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, Google Workspace, open-source data analysis software and geographical information systems software.
ABILITIES & SKILLS
Effective communication (both orally and in writing), time management, attention to detail, organization, and teamwork. Able to plan and execute multiple activities simultaneously. High level of digital literacy. Able to implement a variety of avian population research and monitoring techniques in the field. Able to properly and safely handle seabirds. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation using a handheld GPS and maps. Able to locate birds by their calls. Able to learn correct identification of common plant species. Able to perform data management and preliminary analyses. Able to effectively use Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Able to use (or must be willing to learn) open-source data analysis programs such as R or Python and GIS software. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of 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. Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course within two (2) months from date of hire. Must complete helicopter manager course within twelve (12) months from date of hire. Must complete rappelling course within six (6) months from date of hire. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within two (2) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
PHYSICAL/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 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 for extended periods of time. Requires ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended period of time.
POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT
As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. 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:
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest, background training and/or experience in seabird ecology, particularly burrow-nesting seabirds. Experience working with Hawaiian seabirds and/or forest birds. Experience working with endangered species. Experience in running predator control and monitoring programs for seabird conservation. Familiarity with Kaua‘i.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to [email protected]. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/document-library/3-000/benefits/rcuh-benefits-at-a-glance/ for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University ofHawai‘i.
RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.