PCSU ENDANGERED SEABIRD FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 224258

PCSU ENDANGERED SEABIRD FIELD ASSISTANT – ID# 224258.

CLOSING DATE:  May 21, 2024. INQUIRIES:  Dilek Sahin 808-639-3644 (Kauai). 

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauai Seabird Recovery Project, located on the island of Kauai.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,318/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Participates in carrying out research and management activities for the recovery of Kauai’s endangered seabirds during field season, with emphasis on Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro). Includes: 1) surveys to document distribution and relative abundance across Kauai using visual surveys (binocular, and night-vision), auditory point counts, and ornithological radar; 2) surveys to monitor breeding success and relative abundance at select colony sites; 3) data entry and preliminary analyses of field data; 4) management tasks, possibly including predator control; and 5) performs effective public outreach. Operates a variety of equipment for field studies. Requires irregular working hours, with many duties occurring in the evening or very early morning. May require interisland travel and camping for up to two (2) weeks in remote field sites required as part of duties. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

One to three (1-3) years of college-level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.

EXPERIENCE

One to three (1-3) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork (volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: seabird-monitoring methods, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies. Demonstrated remote area experience. Experience must be documented (includes dates and hours/week) and verifiable.

KNOWLEDGE

Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to apply techniques of avian population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel) and other software programs to undertake field reporting. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to locate birds by their calls. Must be able to swim. Must be able to audibly 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 Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must possess 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 be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within two (2) months from date of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure trails or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods 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:    

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest and training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting petrels. Small boat experience. Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Banding experience, particularly with seabirds. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcView) or open source data analysis tools such as R. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kauai.

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) 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 [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/3-0​00/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 of Hawai‘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.