Job Type: Seasonal

Opportunity location: Alaka’i Wilderness and Hanapepe, Kaua’i, Hawai’i

Closing date: December 13, 2024

AVICULTURAL SPECIALIST needed for work with the Kaua’i Forest Bird Recovery Project. Position will last from late February until early July 2025. The project focuses on egg collection of a rapidly declining, endemic Hawaiian songbird, the ‘anianiau, and may also involve ‘akekee. With only 3500 birds left in the wild, we have determined that collecting eggs of this species and transferring them to managed human care facilities is an important tool to help prevent the extinction of the species. This position will be responsible for providing the highest standards of avian husbandry in supporting the health and well-being of the eggs during collection and transfer to temporary facilities on Kaua’i and onwards to their eventual home on Maui. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4-5 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest and stream crossings. Applicants will camp in rustic conditions up to one week at a time, depending on frequency of bird captures, often in rainy and chilly weather. Daily field activities include nest searching and monitoring, mist-netting birds, and collecting eggs from nests. Daily activities at the temporary facility include cleaning, disinfecting and inspecting incubators and other equipment; providing clean water and fresh food; operating machine incubators and rearing and hand-feeding chicks according to established guidelines; maintaining records; developing and updating protocols; and helping to plan logistics.

Specifically, the incumbent:

• Helps update protocols for collecting, transporting, and caring for eggs.
• Prepares the field sites and Kauai-based bird facility to receive and care for collected birds and eggs, including setting up tents and incubators.
• Procures necessary equipment and supplies, tracks orders and ensures purchasing accuracy.
• Helps organize and plan logistics for bird collections and extraction from the field (including scheduling helicopter logistics and personnel).
• Helps find and monitor nests. Takes part in the capture of adult birds for color banding.
• Collects eggs from nests, attends to eggs in the field, and at temporary facilities, and prepares them for onward travel to temporary and permanent facilities.
• Provides emergency veterinary care of damaged or compromised eggs
• Maintains accurate and timely records and helps compile field data and maps for planning and reports.
• Makes recommendations for husbandry of ‘anianiau eggs and adults.

Applicants must:

• have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college or university with relevant courses in biology, zoology, or conservation
• be physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS, compass, and maps, and ride in helicopters
• be able to collect eggs from nests 30-40 ft high in tree by means of a ladder that supports up to 180 lbs
• have prior experience caring for small passerine eggs
• have prior experience finding and monitoring forest bird nests
• be able to collect data and provide simple summary statistics
• be able to work both in a team environment and independently, multitask and prioritize work to meet deadlines, and adapt easily to last minute changes.
• be able to communicate and work effectively with others and understand and give direction.
• be able to accept responsibility, be accountable and make decisions that support the goals of the project.
• have independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills to respond appropriately to unexpected wildlife care situations
• be familiar with GIS, Microsoft Office and Access, and Adobe Suite Software

Compensation is a $25/hr ($4333/mo). Costs of health insurance are split by the employee and employer. The successful applicant must provide own travel to Lihue, Kauai and have a valid US drivers license.