Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project Mosquito Research/Control Field Associate

Hawaii’s iconic honeycreepers are facing an extinction crisis and we need your help!

We are seeking dedicated crew members to join our research team on the front lines of endangered species management. Mosquito-spread disease is threatening Hawaiian honeycreepers with extinction and our mosquito control work is their last best hope.  Join us and you can directly contribute to preventing extinctions and caring for Hawaiian ecosystems.

We are hiring (2) – MFBRP Mosquito Research/Control Field Associates – ID# 226445

These are regular, full-Time (40 hr/wk), limited-term (not to exceed two (2) years in duration from date of hire), mostly field-based positions with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), on the Island of Maui, Hawai‘i. 

DUTIES: Conducts field work, research, and conservation management projects for the recovery of Maui’s endangered bird species. Participates in deployment and monitoring of landscape level mosquito control (setting, checking, and monitoring traps, and collecting data). Conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols. Frequently work in and around helicopters and drives project vehicles, both on and off road. Hikes, camps, and carries a backpack and other heavy gear in forest conditions. Assists with maintenance of field equipment, trails, and field stations. Assists with baseyard and office maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment (including repair of essential tools used in the field). Assists with preparations and logistics for field operations. Assists with entry of field data into computer databases for analysis. Most work will be performed in remote areas and will require the ability to hike long distances. Employee will be expected to camp in remote areas four to ten (4-10) days at a time on a regular basis.  

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

education: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. (Associate’s Degree and one to three (1-3) years of experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.).

EXPERIENCE: Up to one (0-1) year of paid or volunteer experience in biological or agricultural fieldwork. (Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable).

ABILITIES & SKILLS:

• Ability to take detailed field notes and follow a prescribed data collection system and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in remote and challenging field conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. 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 duration of employment.
• Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to conduct strenuous f fieldwork in high elevation forest under cold, wet and extremely rugged field conditions.
• Ability to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10-15) miles carrying loads of up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.
• Expected to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to four to ten (4- 10) consecutive days.
• Ability to work around and fly in approved helicopters.

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience mistnetting, banding, and taking blood samples from songbirds. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Interagency Aviation Training, Helicopter crewmember or Helicopter manager certifications. Experience with small machine maintenance and electronics repair.