Field ornithologist in charge of the Critically Endangered Crow honeyeater in New Caledonia

Background:

The Crow honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana is a Critically Endangered bird inhabiting New Caledonia mainland forests. Preliminary studies were conducted in Province Sud and an action plan was proposed by Société Calédonienne d'Ornithologie in 2013. The Crow honeyeater occurs in southernmost New Caledonia rainforests but some individuals were reported in Province Nord, mainly in the mountain range of Mont Panié (about 300 square kilometers of montane forests) ; the Crow honeyeater is an elusive species and the lack of data and effective investigations prevents Province Nord environmental services from conducting operational conservation actions.

The environmental consultancy service Hémisphères is a looking for a highly skilled ornithologist to conduct investigations of the Crow honeyeater in Province Nord. The job will be realized in close collaboration with Société Calédonienne d'Ornithologie, the mont Panié community-based organization Dayu Biik and Province Nord

Main duties

1. Searching for the species in Mont Panié mountain ranges (70 - 90%) :

Searching for crow honeyeaters in the Mont Panié mountain ranges mainly from August to December, with support from local technicians and members of Dayu Biik. Mont Panié is covered by extensive rainforests and access is often hard and time consuming so field work implies several days bivouac (always in team with a local guide). Adequate searching protocol and field reports are essential

2. Collecting sightings of the species from local inhabitants of north eastern rainforests (10 - 30%) :

Methodology, planning and collecting sightings and reports of crow honeyeaters from inhabitants close to main north eastern rainforests, in order to help assessing next priority areas to investigate for the species in Province Nord.

Key selection criteria :

Qualifications

MsC or PhD preferred, but all profiles with adequate expertise will be considered. French or international driving licence. Perfect fluency in French.

Technical expertise and interpersonal skills

Previous ornithological similar expertise preferably in tropical areas ; inventories of elusive birds, multiple protocols expertise

Interest in local Melanesian and European cultures

Excellent physical conditions, ability to work by night and very early, in wet rainforests

High relational skills, humbleness and sense of humor

Knowledge of New Caledonia and / or South Pacific preferred

Ability to collect and handle GPS data

Application

Job located in Poindimié, New Caledonia. 6 to 7 months short term contract (may to december 2015) depending on starting date. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Opportunity for further work on Crow honeyeater depends on funding.

To apply ; send CV + contact from professional references to Thomas DUVAL (Hémisphères) ; hemisnc@gmail.com

Application deadline ; 15/04/2015