Seasonal Avian Technician Position

The Save Our Shearwaters Program seeks 3 seasonal Avian Technicians to assist in a fledgling seabird recovery project. Technicians will pick-up, band, release, and help to rehabilitate fledgling seabirds on the island of Kaua‘i. The primary listed species recovered in this project include the ‘a‘o / Newell’s Shearwater, the ‘ua‘u / Hawaiian Petrel, and the ʻakēʻakē / Band-rumped Storm-Petrel.

The majority of patients are admitted between September and December during “fallout” season. “Fallout” is the phenomenon where shearwaters and petrels (mainly fledglings) are attracted to artificial lights by mistake and fall to the ground. Once grounded these birds have difficulty taking flight on their own. This makes them susceptible to predators, being hit by vehicles, or other threats. Aside from shearwaters and petrels during “fallout”, SOS treats all native species and runs a permitted rehabilitation facility 365 days a year. The year-round staff consists of only 5 staff members.

An Avian Technician’s primary duty is to collect seabirds from aid stations island-wide and support rehabilitation operations. Duties also include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Assess each rescued seabird for banding and release or rehabilitation
• Monitor and record behavioral observations upon release
• Transport compromised seabirds to the rehabilitation facility
• Assist in the husbandry of other native birds undergoing rehabilitation
• Assist in cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation spaces (cleaning crates, enclosures, dishes, laundry, etc.)
• Perform general rehabilitation procedures such as avian gavage and other basic husbandry techniques
• Data entry and proofing
• Perform public outreach while in the field

The positions will start 9/8/26 and end 1/7/27. A typical work week will usually consist of four 10-hour days with assigned shifts that may occur days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Housing is not provided, and the technician will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from Kaua‘i. Field vehicles will be provided for use during the workday.

This position provides a unique way to become familiar with the entire island of Kaua‘i. Participants have an opportunity to potentially see and handle every species of common-nesting seabirds on Kaua‘i in addition to migratory species that pass through the Hawaiian Islands. This position requires individuals that will keep a positive, supportive attitude even when performing some of the more mundane chores that the program requires daily such as crate cleaning and laundry.

Please be aware prior to applying that the cost of living is high on Kaua‘i and the rental market can be sparse. We encourage all off-island applicants to do their research prior to applying to see if they are truly able and willing to move to the island. Technicians are responsible for their own transportation to and from work. The selected candidates will be introduced via email so they will be able to work together to find shared housing and purchase/rent a shared vehicle if they so choose. Preference will be given to candidates already living on Kaua‘i.

 Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology or a related field preferred, with at least one year of comparable experience. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant conservation experience may also be considered.
• Direct bird handling experience is essential
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• Proficiency with data entry
• Ability to follow established protocols
• Attention to detail
• Must be capable of working independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Preferred qualifications:

• Seabird banding and handling experience
• Experience observing native Hawaiian seabirds or comparable species
• Waterbird/seabird rehabilitation experience
• Prior experience working with endangered species

Pay Rate: $19/hr

Benefits include fully compensated medical/vision/dental coverage after one full calendar month of employment. SOS offers Avian Technicians two paid sick days for their employment period. Additionally, staff receive a $25 monthly phone reimbursement. SOS is not able to offer unpaid leave unless there is an extenuating circumstance.