Paid Field/Research Assistant: Colony Monitoring Field Assistant (HI)

Archipelago Research and Conservation LLC is seeking a seabird technician for a 9-month position to assist with surveys to document seabird distribution across Kaua`i and monitor breeding success and relative abundance of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels at colony management sites. Deadline to apply: 1/21/2024.

Agency/Organization: Archipelago Research and Conservation LLC (ARC)

Location: Hanapepe, Kaua`i, Hawai`i

Website: Click here

Job Description: Archipelago Research and Conservation LLC (ARC) is an ecological consulting company based on the island of Kaua`i. We are focused on research and management activities for the recovery of seabirds in the Pacific, with a particular focus on the endangered `A`o (Newell’s Shearwater), `Ua`u (Hawaiian Petrel), and `Ake`ake (Band-rumped Storm-petrel). We also carry out research on five Threatened and Endangered (T&E) waterbirds; the `Alae`ula (Hawaiian Common Gallinule), `Alae ke`oke`o (Hawaiian Coot), Ae`o (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, dependent upon availability of funds, work performance, and operational considerations.

Key duties will include accessing field sites on multi-day remote camping trips to carry out: 1) surveys to document distribution and relative abundance of seabirds across Kaua`i, 2) burrow checks, camera deployments and song meter deployments to monitor breeding success 3) management tasks, possibly including predator control; 4) data entry and analyses of field data. The position reports to the ARC Science Director and ARC Field Crew Leader.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in surveys to document seabird distribution across Kaua`i and monitor breeding success and relative abundance of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels at colony management sites, using techniques including nocturnal auditory and visual (binoculars, night vision) surveys, burrow checks, burrow cameras, and song meters. Includes logistics management, and equipment maintenance. Other species may be included in surveys.
• Enter field data accurately and diligently onto tablets in the field, cross-reference data in the office and digitize data from burrow cameras. Assist with preparing field data summaries and reports.
• Participate in management tasks for endangered seabirds (or other species) at project sites, potentially including predator control.
• Participate in conscientious adherence to protocol to prevent the spread of weeds and Rapid Ohia Death and reduce all negative impacts to native species habitat.
• Perform other duties as assigned. May include public outreach, administration and ecological consulting work on other species.
• Participate in assuring proper maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. All work must be in accordance with ARC policies and guidelines.

Qualifications:

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

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

Candidate must have the following abilities:

• To carry out biological fieldwork primarily in extremely remote areas (including densely vegetated wet forest, arid canyons and poorly-vegetated hot, dry islets) with variable temperatures, accessed by 4-wheel drive, helicopter, or extended hiking.
• To locate birds by their calls.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under various field conditions.
• To use scientifically appropriate discretion and attention to detail in the field, often under difficult field conditions, including equipment management and repetitive tasks; and to diligently collect data on field tablets.
• To concentrate for extended periods (up to four hours) using night-vision, binoculars, or scope under nocturnal conditions.
• To carry out irregular working hours, with many duties occurring in the evening after dark or very early in the morning (several hours before dawn).
• Strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting.
• To hike all day on obscure or no trails with a heavy backpack unassisted including off-trail navigation.
• To camp for up to two weeks in remote isolated field camps under primitive conditions, over multiple months throughout the field season.
• To travel regularly by helicopter and occasionally by plane or boat.
• To drive a car or truck and use a variety of equipment for field studies. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout the duration of employment.
• To travel interisland.
• To interact on a regular basis with land managers, cooperators, and members of the public.
• To follow and adhere to all safety and operational guidelines.
• To use Microsoft Office (incl. Word/Excel) and other software programs to undertake field reporting and other administrative tasks.
• To communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• To follow directions related to the protection of native fauna and flora.

Preferred Experience: Strong interest and background training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting seabirds. Strong interest and background in incidental take projects (e.g. power line strikes, wind farm monitoring, etc.). Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software and databases. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kaua`i.

Wage: Competitive salary and benefits (PTO, sick leave, health, vision, dental)

To apply: For more information, click here. Applications will be accepted until January 21st. Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews scheduled accordingly. Required materials include a cover letter, current CV, and contact information for three references

Application Deadline: 1/21/2024

Start Date: 4/1/2024

Contact: Jennifer Rothe (jenrothe@arckauai.com)