Field Assistant

Employer:

Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project - Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii

Country:
United States

Last Date to Apply: 02/11/2026

Field Assistant – Full‑time, limited‑term position between March and December 2026. Anticipated start date:
March 16, 2026.

• Implement research and monitoring activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i.
• Participate in surveys to document endangered seabird distribution across Kauai and monitor breeding success and relative abundance (70% of time).
• Assist with management activities such as rat control at colonies and minimization of light pollution mortality of seabirds.
• Enter field data into computer files, digitize data from burrow cameras, prepare preliminary field data summaries and reports (20% of time).
• Participate in management tasks for endangered and native seabirds at colony sites, including predator control and interactions with human‑made infrastructures (5% of time).
• Occasionally supervise volunteers, manage logistics, and maintain equipment.

Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in association with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Founded in 2006, KESRP focuses on the endangered seabirds found on the island of Kauaʻi and works to identify breeding distributions, monitor colonies, conduct research to better understand life histories and threats, and partner with other projects to ensure long‑term conservation.

• One to three years of college‑level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.
• One to three years of paid or volunteer terrestrial biological fieldwork, documented and verifiable; experience with seabird‑monitoring methods, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies; remote area experience.
• Ability to hike at least four miles on obscure trails or off‑trail with a 30–40‑pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; experience with open‑source data analysis and Geographic Information System software is a plus.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; outreach experience is a plus.
• Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s) required.

All online applications must be submitted/received by 02/11/2026 11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time.

Contact: (808) 956‑7262 or (808) 956‑0872; email: