Two major threats to birds worldwide are collisions with power lines and disorientation caused by artificial light sources. This is especially true on the Hawaiian island of Kaua`i, where both power lines and artificial lights are a serious threat to the three endangered and endemic seabirds, the Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrel, and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel. These seabirds are vulnerable to colliding with power lines when they make frequent nocturnal flights from the sea to their montane breeding colonies and back again. The young of these species are particularly vulnerable to grounding when they become disoriented by artificial lights on their maiden voyage out to sea in the Autumn.
The Underline Monitoring Project (UMP) is a sub-project within the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP), and has multiple related research avenues: 1) determine where and to what extent seabirds hit power lines or are grounded by lights, 2) identify environmental and behavioral predictors of power line collision and grounding, and 3) conduct experiments testing the efficacy of minimization strategies. Brief descriptions of the methods used to achieve these three overarching goals are described on our website https://kauaiseabirdproject.org/underline-monitoring-research/
Application Guidelines
Provide a short but job-specific cover letter, resume, and transcripts/Diploma. For the cover letter, please first read the job posting and visit our website. Provide information that shows that you are a good fit for this job. Limit cover letter one page, avoid long paragraphs; bullet points are appreciated. Please name your files with your last name and document. For example, SmithResume.pdf or SmithCoverLetter.docx
Job application process: Must apply through RCUH.com website
To apply for these positions please visit RCUH.com job postings at https://hcmweb.rcuh.com/psc/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant .
To locate the job posting, type 18686 or “Underline” into the keyword search.
Job Summary
(2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, Underline Monitoring Project, located on Kauai. 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: $2,509/Mon.
DUTIES: Monitors wildlife impacts as a result of human activities associated with electrical transmission, distribution infrastructure, and outdoor lighting. Works under the direction of the Kauai Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) Avian Conservation Biologist. Duties include incidental take monitoring, biological monitoring, seabird population survey and monitoring, mapping species locations, data entry, and preliminary analyses of field data. Performs effective public outreach. Operates a motor vehicle, radar unit, and a variety of equipment for field studies. Must adhere to equipment use, pesticide use, and invasive species prevention protocols. Significant amounts of nighttime and early morning survey work will be required.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: One to three (1-3) years of college level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university. EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of (paid or volunteer) experience in biological fieldwork (Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience with one (1) or more of the following: searching for difficult to detect targets (i.e.: bird watching, hunting, tracking), seabird monitoring methods, auditory point counts, and/or operating ornithological radar. Demonstrated remote area experience. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of the principles of avian population ecology and conservation. Competent in techniques of avian population ecology and conservation, particularly colonial nesting seabirds. Hiking ability, including off-trail navigation. Ability to use Microsoft Office (Excel) and other software programs to undertake field reporting. Ability to read maps and aerial photographs and document work. Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet computer applications. Ability to use GPS equipment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able to locate birds by their calls and identify species both visually and aurally. 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. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: 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 basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) 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: Ability to hike at least four (4) miles on obscure trails with a thirty to forty (30-40) pound backpack unassisted, and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time. Must be able to concentrate for extended periods (e.g., four (4) hours) using ornithological radar, night-vision, binoculars, or scope under low-light conditions. 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: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences. Strong interest and background training in seabird ecology, particularly forest-nesting petrels. Strong interest and background in incidental take projects (i.e. power line strikes, wind farm monitoring, etc.). Experience working with Hawaiian birds. Experience with marine radar. Experience with use of Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcView) and databases (Access). Familiarity with computers and data entry. Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna, local conservation issues, and Kauai.
INQUIRIES: Marc Travers 335-5300 (Kauai).
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)956-8344 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.
