MFBRP Field/Data Technician

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP), located in Makawao, Maui.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY:  $3,300/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Conducts research and management projects for the recovery of Maui’s endangered bird species and their habitats. Captures and surveys for mosquitos for avian disease studies in native, restored, and non-native forest habitats. Conducts fieldwork in restoring native vegetation and conducts other management activities (e.g., fence inspections, monitoring, seed collection, out planting, weed control, and coordinating and leading volunteers) to benefit the Maui Parrotbill and other native species. Conducts field data collection on population ecology of native forest birds.  Participates in capturing, banding, and processing birds using mist-nets and play-back. Conducts surveys to document distribution, relative abundance and survival of forest birds.  Assists in implementation of endangered species recovery techniques, including small mammal monitoring and control. Conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols.  Drives project vehicles both on and off road, works in and around helicopters, and handles pesticides as part of fieldwork.  Maintains field equipment and field stations, including proper storage of herbicides and base yard landscaping and yard care.  Maintains project equipment and small machines and assists with vehicle management and maintenance.  Organizes all professional maintenance and repair of field equipment Completes preparations and assists with logistics for field operations. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Writes trip summaries from field work completed. Helps maintain and manage electronic records of program operations. Helps maintain databases. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Assists with public outreach and education activities. Helps develop and present materials for outreach and environmental education. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university.  EXPERIENCE:  One to three (1-3) years of experience in biological fieldwork. Experience must include mist netting and banding of passerines; and experience with one (1) or more of the following techniques: conducting forest bird surveys and identifying birds by sight and sound; passerine husbandry in captivity for translocations; quantifying avian food resources; invertebrate sampling. Experience must include experience entering data and working in remote areas.  ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Proficient knowledge of Hawaiian biota/natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai’i.  Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management. Ability to take detailed field notes and follow a prescribed data collection system, and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases.  Able to identify common native Hawaiian plants and birds. Ability to locate and identify Hawaiian birds by sight and sound. Ability and skills in techniques of avian population ecology, particularly songbirds.  Ability to safely handle passerine bird species. Ability to mist net and band birds proficiently, safely, and independently.  Demonstrated ability of working with small, mechanized equipment (e.g., lawnmower, auger, etc.) and ability to perform basic maintenance and repair of equipment.  Basic mechanical and electrical skills to maintaining project equipment, field camps, and vehicles. Basic computer skills. Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft programs.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. 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 the duration of employment.  Must be able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle with manual transmission in off-road conditions. Post Offer/Employment Condition:  Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment).  Must be able to complete all helicopter manager training courses within twelve (12) months from date of hire.  Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee’s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.  PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Able to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forest (up to 6,500 feet) under cold, wet, and extremely rugged field conditions. Able to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10-15) miles, carrying loads up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.  Able to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to eight (8) consecutive days. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i'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.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:  Strong interest and background in forest bird ecology. Experience sampling, identifying, and storing mosquitoes and other invertebrates. Experience controlling invasive plants and animals using live and kill traps. Has held a USGS banding permit or been a sub-permittee for endangered passerine species. Experience with forest restoration and monitoring of forest recovery. Ability to maintain and upgrade computer hardware and software.  Familiarity with GIS software (ArcGIS 10.x, etc.) and database software. Experience developing and performing public outreach or environmental education activities. 

INQUIRIES:  Hanna Mounce 421-7483 (Maui). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Supervisory References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872.  

RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.