Archipelago Research and Conservation LLC (ARC) is a conservation consulting company focused on research and management activities for the recovery of native fauna in the Pacific, with a particular focus on the endangered Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus newelli), Hawaiian Petrel (Pterodroma sandwichensis), and Band-rumped Storm-petrel (Oceanodroma castro) on the island of Kaua‘i.
This is an exciting 9-month full time position offering competitive salary with benefits to join our team and make a real difference to the future of endangered birds, in some of the most beautiful and challenging locations in the world. Continuation of employment may be possible, dependent upon availability of funds, work performance, and operational considerations. Infrastructure Monitoring and Minimization (IMMP) staff document avian interactions with human infrastructure, which is a critical step in the conservation of Hawaii’s endangered seabirds and waterbirds. This work will lead directly to immediate and real conservation action. The position reports to the ARC Senior Scientist and ARC Field Crew Leader—IMMP.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Using night vison, near–infrared illuminators and thermal binoculars to conduct surveys of nocturnal seabird (particularly Newell’s Shearwater and Hawaiian Petrel) passage rates at powerlines between seabird breeding colonies and the sea.
- Conduct diurnal waterbird surveys for passage rates at powerlines in wetland areas, using visual and auditory surveys.
- Deploy remote acoustic sensors across the island to quantify bird interactions with infrastructure. This requires hiking into remote locations.
- 4x4 driving, hiking, helicopter access to remote sites, helicopter sling loading of equipment, overnight and multi day camping.
- Working both in small teams and independently.
- Collect survey data using a voice recorder.
- Enter field data accurately and diligently onto tablets in the field, cross-reference data in the office and digitize data from night vision cameras.
- Assist with preparing field data summaries and reports.
- Perform other duties as assigned – which may include ecological monitoring of other species, public outreach and administration, and management and monitoring for seabirds at breeding colonies.
- Participate in assuring proper maintenance of project vehicles and care of project equipment. All work must be in accordance with ARC policies and guidelines.
Education
BSc Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Biological Sciences.
Experience
REQUIRED: One to three years of experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork. Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: seabird-monitoring methods, take monitoring, auditory point counts, operating song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies. Similar experience with other bird species or species of conservation concern may be considered. Demonstrated remote area experience critical.
