Ornithological Research Technician

Ornithological Research Technician (field crew leader) needed for avian conservation work on the endangered Puaiohi with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project. This endemic Hawaiian songbird, also known as the Small Kauai Thrush, has an estimated population size of just 300-600 and inhabits streams in the extremely wet, beautiful and rugged high-elevation forest of the Alakai Wilderness on the island of Kauai, near one of the wettest places in the world. This is a rare opportunity to work on an endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills.

You will be working with existing staff to train and provide day-to-day supervision of 2-6 field assistants split into two teams. Major duties include coordinating field crew activities, searching for Puaiohi nests and conducting behavioral observations. Puaiohi within the study area will be captured for color-banding and measurements, and very occasionally there will be opportunities for passive mist-netting of additional songbird species, including Kauai endemics. Information on other forest bird species’ nesting and behavior will be collected as time allows.

Experience banding passerines by using mist-nets, taking morphometric measurements, and blood sampling is expected. Experience with nest-searching and monitoring is also important. Previous supervisory experience and conducting research independently are a plus.

Applicants must be physically fit, able to navigate rugged and complex terrain (using GPS and maps), and and be able to detect and ID birds by color-bands, songs and calls. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team or solo, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a remote permanent camp for several days at a time. Careful data collection is a must, and when not in the field duties will include data entry and organization, report writing, maintenance of field equipment and other work around the office. Helicopter safety training (used to supply remote field camp) provided.

Compensation range $2300-2800/mo (depending on experience) plus benefits. Must provide own travel to Kauai, housing is not provided. Work will begin in February 2009, and continue through late August. Extension of the position is possible depending on funding. Please respond to this preannouncement by sending application materials (cover letter, resume, references) to Pauline Roberts, puaiohijobs@gmail.com  for review. Formal recruitment is expected to open in early January via the Research Corporation of the U. Hawaii website.