Job Opening: Endangered Avian Research Project Coordinator (HI)

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), located in Kauai, 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: Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Duties: Responsible for research and management projects for the conservation and recovery of endangered seabirds on Kauai, including the Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel and Band-rumped Storm-petrel. Implements Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project. Implements and designs research to: 1) identify nesting distribution across Kauai; 2) monitor breeding success and relative abundance at select colony sites on Kauai; 3) determine population demography and long-term population trends in Hawai‘i, and 4) investigate terrestrial and marine factors limiting endangered seabird populations in Hawai‘i. Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters. Seeks funding for management tasks, particularly predator control. Initiates and maintains effective collaboration with local landowners, state and federal agencies, non-government organizations and research partners to achieve seabird recovery. Coordinates project
logistics including maintaining project permits and land access, recruitment, annual budgeting, scheduling and staff supervision. Provides oversight for equipment purchasing and transport (helicopter) logistics. Inputs, reviews, and approves HR Portal transactions, including eTimesheets on behalf of or in the absence of the PI with the PI’s concurrence. Analyzes data and prepares reports, conference presentations and peer-reviewed scientific publications. Participates in relevant working groups. Participates in strategic long-term recovery planning for endangered seabirds in Hawai‘i, advises other research and recovery programs, and reviews public and private land management plans, Environmental Impact Assessments and Habitat Conservation Plans.

Primary Qualifications – Education/Training: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related Biological Science.

Experience: Three to five (3-5) years of experience conducting research on and management for seabirds. Experience must include one to three (1-3) years of experience in project management, including recruiting and supervising staff, budgeting, and organizing logistics.

Abil/Know/Skills: Working knowledge of the principles and techniques of avian population ecology and conservation management. Knowledge of predator control techniques. Ability and skills in techniques of avian population ecology, endangered species recovery, and threat mitigation for seabirds (particularly predators). Able to lead data management and analyses, and demonstrated ability in publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers. Proven track record of writing successful grant proposals. Ability to use ESRI ArcMap and databases. Ability to undertake fieldwork in remote conditions, including navigation with compass or Global Positioning System (GPS). Able to coordinate field logistics and train staff to collect field data using appropriate techniques. Must be able to locate birds by their calls. 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 Endangered Avian Research Project Coordinator RCUH HR (05/01/05, updated 06/25/07, reclass 05/14/10, updated 12/10/10, JG 07/24/17, 12/10/20) Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety (A100) and helicopter sling load course (A219) within twelve (12) months of hire or next available opportunity. Must possess the American Red Cross Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months of hire.

Physical/medical Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork in rough terrain and thick vegetation. Ability to hike up to four (4) miles on rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions, and camp in remote areas and up to one (1) week at a time. Able to backpack and lift and carry thirty to forty (30-40) pounds. Must be able to swim and get in and out of boats.

POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to 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: PhD from an accredited college or university in Zoology, Ecology, Biology or Conservation Biology or related field. Experience with ornithological radar, Threatened and Endangered wildlife, forest breeding petrels, translocation of seabirds, at-sea survey methods of seabirds. Small boat experience. Abseiling experience. Experience working with Hawaiian birds.
Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna and local conservation issues. Familiarity with Kauai.

INQUIRIES: Michelle Miyata 956-9512 (Oahu).

Application Requirements: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory 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 rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.

Closing Date: February 10, 2021.

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran