Field Technician

Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is hiring a Field Technician, a full-time, non-civil service position with the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

This role works with a field crew to implement research, management and outreach activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i: Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro). The role is responsible for day-to-day field activities, scheduling, equipment management and logistics for fieldwork. The role is also responsible for basic data management and outreach. All work must follow the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), and KESRP policies and guidelines.

Main Tasks

• 30% Assists Project Coordinator in planning and implementing all aspects of fieldwork regarding locating, monitoring, protecting and managing endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i. Oversees daily activities of the KESRP Field Assistants. Assists Project Coordinator in training the field staff on field protocols and techniques. Assists in writing and implementation of field techniques and SOPs. Performs scheduling, logistics and equipment and supplies management for fieldwork. Operates and maintains project vehicles for field studies. Manages the inventory for project field equipment and supplies.
• 30% Undertakes standardized auditory and visual surveys (binoculars, scope, and night-vision), colony monitoring using song meters and burrow cameras, and long-term population monitoring using ornithological radar to document seasonal movement patterns of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels. Assists with the implementation of species recovery actions, including restoration, predator control and vegetation management.
• 20% Ensures all field data is accurate, complete and reliable. Carries out data quality control and assurance including identifying and correcting errors, data cleaning and data validation. Prepares data summaries and maps for fieldwork and reporting. Ensures secure storage of field data in cloud and physical servers and external drives. Enters field data into digital files as needed.
• 15% Performs outreach by attending events and assists with the planning of outreach activities for various types of target audiences. Assists in the preparation of content and materials for public talks, media communications, administrative reports, scientific publications and other media. Performs organization management of logistics required for outreach activities.

Level of Supervision

Supervised by the KESRP Coordinator who provides goals and direction, and will oversee and direct project completion.

Qualifications

Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Science, or other related biological discipline. One to three (1-3) years of experience in biological fieldwork. Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: seabird colony research and monitoring, seabird colony restoration and management, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, use of song meters, or use of burrow cameras for population monitoring. Demonstrated remote area experience.  

Knowledge: Basic knowledge of the principles of wildlife population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds and endangered species. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, Google Workspace, open-source data analysis software such as R and Python, and geographical information systems software.

Abilities and Skills: Effective communication (both orally and in writing), time management, attention to detail, organization, and teamwork. Able to plan and execute multiple activities simultaneously. Demonstrated, high level of digital literacy. Able to implement a variety of avian population research and monitoring techniques in the field. Demonstrated hiking ability, including off-trail navigation using a handheld GPS and maps. Able to locate birds by their calls. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical and/or Medical Demands: Fieldwork will be required in remote areas. Requires strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting. Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure or off trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted. Ability to live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. Requires ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks for extended period of time. Requires high level of attention to details for logistics planning.

Policy and/or Regulatory Requirements: As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and as applicable subject to the University of Hawaii’s and/or business entity’s policies and procedures. 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.).