Hawaii Permanent Plots Network Internship

Temporary (4 month), full time (40 hrs/wk) position with the Botany Department, located at the University of University of Hawaii at Hilo in Hilo, Hawaii. Interns will assist in the development of a permanent, mapped forest plot network across striking natural gradients in elevation, precipitation. Work as part of a team to set up plots, measure, tag, and map trees on the permanent forest plots as directed by HIPPNET supervisors.

Position will be largely field work, and may involve staying in field cabins or camping up to 16 to 20 days/month; working long hours in cold, hot, wet, windy, or dry weather; driving on rough, rocky, dusty, and muddy roads; navigating with compasses; staying safe in remote areas by using caution and good judgment; accurately collecting and recording large amounts of data, accurately identifying tropical plants, and maintaining good work relations with other members of the field team.

These jobs will also involve working in some of the most beautiful and pristine forests of Hawaii, spending evenings under the stars, experiencing cultural and biological diversity, seeing striking elevation and climatic gradients on Hawaii’s youngest island, hearing tropical birds sing, and working with a great bunch of ecologists who are committed to conservation and preservation of Hawaii’s native ecosystems. Training in plant identification and ArcGIS will be provided as needed.

Specific work hours will vary during employment depending on scheduling needs, travel time, and weather conditions. Interns must be capable of working long hours standing, bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion. The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds.

Possibility of continued employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. Stipend ($1000/mo) will be provided to offset housing and living expenses. Housing wil not be provided. Any academic/internship credit to be arranged with incumbant’s home institution.

Minimum Qualifications: Coursework should include classes in the biological sciences which could include Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, or other Biological discipline. Previous field and/or laboratory experience collecting biological data. Basic knowledge of the principles of plant ecology. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Valid driver’s license. Ability to work effectively and positively as a member of a larger team. Willingness and ability to work long field hours in rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions.

Desirable Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in progress or completed from an accredited college or university in a biological field. Knowledge of botany and/or Hawaiian ecosystems. Experience using field geographic information systems (GIS) and ArcMap software. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. Inquiries: Faith Inman (808) 933-8121 ext 193 or finman@hawaii.edu.

Application Requirements: Send cover letter, resume, transcripts (unofficial), and names, phone numbers and addresses of three supervisory references to qualify for position to Faith Inman by email: finman@hawaii.edu, fax: (808) 933-8120, or postal mail: Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, 60 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI 96720 before application closing date. Applications will be reviewed and interviews offered as they are received. Closing Date: October 31, 2008 Preferred Start Date: January 5, 2008. EEO/AA Employer.

Faith Inman (808) 933-8121 ext 193 or finman@hawaii.edu fax: (808) 933-8120
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, 60 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI 96720