1) ALASKA SHOREBIRD ASSISTANTS are needed to assist with a breeding population study of the Bristle-thighed Curlew on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in western Alaska. We are seeking one paid biological technician and 2 volunteers to work from 1 May to 16 Jul 2011 with a possible two week extension. This is a great opportunity to work on a rare and unique species and gain experience working at a remote field location. Field work will include surveying curlews and other birds at point counts, delineating breeding territories, conducting behavioral observations, searching for and monitoring nests and broods, capturing and color banding adults, resighting marked individuals, documenting predators, and gathering information about prey items, habitat use and berry production. Personnel will also assist with field logistics, gear maintenance, and data entry. The field site is at a remote wilderness location in the southern Nulato Hills in western Alaska and is accessible by helicopter only. A crew of four will stay at this isolated site for 9-10 weeks. Camp life is communal, with a common cook tent, individual sleeping tents, and few amenities. Field personnel will be required to hike 6-12 miles per day over rugged tundra-covered hills and through shrub-filled drainages under a variety of weather conditions. Temperatures can range from 20-80s, fog is likely, snow is possible, and winds can exceed 50 mph during storms. Working conditions may also include dense clouds of mosquitoes and other biting insects and possible surprise encounters with moose or bear. We are seeking applicants that are self-motivated, enthusiastic, and can work effectively as part of a team. To qualify, you must be available no later than 3 May and be in excellent physical condition. To qualify as a paid technician, you must also be a US citizen, have knowledge of shorebird identification and behavior, and meet the education and specialized experience requirements of a GS-05 biological technician.
Prior experience camping in a remote setting is desired. Initial training (bear safety; firearms safety; aircraft safety) is mandatory.
For the volunteer position, we will provide airfare from a US city and lodging while in Bethel. Food, some required field equipment, and a tent will be provided to all crew members while in the field. Interested applicants should send a cover letter summarizing relevant experience, names/contact information for 3 references, and an updated resume to KRISTINE SOWL (EM: kristine_sowl@fws.gov) by 31 Dec 2010.
2) HAWAII AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS (6) needed for breeding season work with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project in the Alakai Wilderness Area, Kauai, HI. Four (4) assistants are needed from 31 Jan-15 Jun and two (2) assistants needed 15 Mar - 29 Jul 2011. Our project focuses on a variety of work with three endemic Hawaiian songbirds - the Akikiki, Akeke’e, and Puaiohi - that all inhabit the extremely wet, beautiful, and rugged montane rainforest located at ~4500ft on the island of Kauai. This is a rare opportunity to work on endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4 to 8 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest, and stream crossings. Daily activities include conducting ornithological fieldwork while hiking through dense forest, in and along streams, and often in rainy and chilly weather. Applicants must be able to detect birds by color-bands and sounds, physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS and maps. Experience with songbird re-sighting, behavioral observation, territory mapping, nest searching, point counting, radiotelemetry, vegetation surveys, and mist-netting is strongly desired. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species (including the ability to kill a few invasive species along the
way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a remote field camps for more than a week at a time. Careful data collection is a must. When not in the field, duties will include data entry and organization, maintenance of field equipment and living quarters, and other work around the office. Compensation is housing, limited use of project vehicles, and ~$1300/mo. Must provide own travel to Kauai and have a valid driver’s license. To apply, send 1) resume, 2) cover letter, and 3) contact info for 3 references and address all inquiries to LUCAS BEHNKE by email (EM: puaiohijobs@gmail.com). Positions open until filled, no applications received after Dec 15th will be considered.
Prior experience camping in a remote setting is desired. Initial training (bear safety; firearms safety; aircraft safety) is mandatory.
For the volunteer position, we will provide airfare from a US city and lodging while in Bethel. Food, some required field equipment, and a tent will be provided to all crew members while in the field. Interested applicants should send a cover letter summarizing relevant experience, names/contact information for 3 references, and an updated resume to KRISTINE SOWL (EM: kristine_sowl@fws.gov) by 31 Dec 2010.
2) HAWAII AVIAN CONSERVATION FIELD ASSISTANTS (6) needed for breeding season work with the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project in the Alakai Wilderness Area, Kauai, HI. Four (4) assistants are needed from 31 Jan-15 Jun and two (2) assistants needed 15 Mar - 29 Jul 2011. Our project focuses on a variety of work with three endemic Hawaiian songbirds - the Akikiki, Akeke’e, and Puaiohi - that all inhabit the extremely wet, beautiful, and rugged montane rainforest located at ~4500ft on the island of Kauai. This is a rare opportunity to work on endangered tropical species in the U.S. while gaining valuable research skills. The work is physically challenging, requiring a 4 to 8 mile hike to the main field camps by way of steep slopes, tangled forest, and stream crossings. Daily activities include conducting ornithological fieldwork while hiking through dense forest, in and along streams, and often in rainy and chilly weather. Applicants must be able to detect birds by color-bands and sounds, physically fit, and able to navigate rugged and complex terrain using GPS and maps. Experience with songbird re-sighting, behavioral observation, territory mapping, nest searching, point counting, radiotelemetry, vegetation surveys, and mist-netting is strongly desired. Abundant enthusiasm for conserving Hawaii’s native species (including the ability to kill a few invasive species along the
way) is essential, as are self-motivation, the ability to work well in a small team, a positive attitude, and willingness to live in a remote field camps for more than a week at a time. Careful data collection is a must. When not in the field, duties will include data entry and organization, maintenance of field equipment and living quarters, and other work around the office. Compensation is housing, limited use of project vehicles, and ~$1300/mo. Must provide own travel to Kauai and have a valid driver’s license. To apply, send 1) resume, 2) cover letter, and 3) contact info for 3 references and address all inquiries to LUCAS BEHNKE by email (EM: puaiohijobs@gmail.com). Positions open until filled, no applications received after Dec 15th will be considered.