AVIAN CONSERVATION TECH I #226492

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i in Hawaiʻi Island seeks an Avian Conservation Technician I to conduct field research on the recovery of the Hawaiian bird fauna, including post-release monitoring and aviary maintenance. The role involves field duties, data collection, and use of telemetry to study bird movements and survival.

Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years of field experience, strong Hawaiian biota knowledge, and the ability to work in remote field camps.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 3–5 years of biological fieldwork experience; data entry; remote area work.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian biota and natural history; natural resources management.
• Ability to take detailed field notes, follow data collection protocols, and perform data entry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and field projects for recovery of the ʻālalā and other forest birds.
• Perform fieldwork to support reintroduction and post-release monitoring.
• Assist with predator control, habitat restoration, and site preparation at release sites.
• Use telemetry and monitoring gear (VHF, GPS, camera, acoustic systems) to track birds.
• Follow safety protocols, permits, and SOPs in all operations.
• Support helicopter-based field logistics, data management, GIS, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Field notes

Data entry

GPS use

Bird identification

Vehicle operation

Basic mechanics

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

ArcGIS

Database software

Microsoft Office

Job description

AVIAN CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN I – ID# 226492

CLOSING DATE: August 25, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Laura Berthold 808-761-7996 (Hawai‘i).

(2) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), East Hawai‘i Wildlife (EHW), located in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $4,071 - $4,500/Mon.

DUTIES

• Conducts research and management projects for the recovery of the ʻālalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) and other forest bird species.
• Conducts fieldwork to support the reintroduction and post-release monitoring of captive-bred ʻālalā and other forest birds on Hawaiʻi Island, including construction and maintenance of release aviaries, automated feeding stations, and associated field and monitoring infrastructure.
• Assists with supplemental feeding, mammalian predator control and monitoring, habitat restoration, and other site preparation activities at release sites.
• Uses telemetry and monitoring equipment, such as VHF, GPS, camera, and acoustic monitoring systems, to monitor survival, movements, breeding, foraging, and social behavior.
• Conducts all operations according to safety protocols, research permits, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assists with helicopter-supported field logistics, data management, GIS/mobile data collection, equipment and vehicle maintenance, and remote field camp operations.
• Drives project vehicles both on- and off-road.
• Assists with public outreach.
• This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties.
• Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase.
• Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs.
• Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION – High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent.
• EXPERIENCE – Three to five (3-5) years of experience in biological fieldwork, including experience entering data and working in remote areas. (Associate`s Degree from an accredited community college in Biological Sciences, Wildlife Conservation, Natural Resource Management, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience).
• KNOWLEDGE – Proficient knowledge of Hawaiian biota/natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawaiʻi. Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management.
• ABILITIES & SKILLS – Ability to take detailed field notes, follow prescribed data collection protocols, and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases. Some mechanical, construction, or electrical skills for maintaining project equipment, field camps, and vehicles. Ability to identify common native Hawaiian plants and birds. Basic computer skills. Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Must possess a valid driver`s license (and if use of a personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver`s insurance equivalent to Hawaiʻi`s No-Fault Driver`s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Must be able to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle in off-road conditions. Must be willing and able to set and monitor humane kill traps for predator control. Ability to undertake strenuous physical exertion and live in primitive living conditions in remote field camps. Ability to distinguish color bands and hear bird calls.
• Post Offer/Employment Condition: 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 three (3) months from date of hire and (A219) within twelve (12) months from date of hire.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forests under cold, wet, and extremely rugged field conditions.
• Ability to hike on poor footing conditions over long distances, carrying loads up to forty (40) pounds unassisted.
• Ability to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to eight (8) consecutive days.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

• As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. 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

• Strong interest and background in Hawaiian forest ecosystems and bird ecology.
• Experience with mist-netting, bird handling, and/or banding.
• Experience tracking and monitoring birds using telemetry and visual resighting techniques.
• Experience controlling invasive plants and animals using live and kill traps.
• Experience constructing and maintaining field infrastructure such as aviaries, feeding stations, and solar systems.
• Experience working in helicopter-supported remote field operations.
• Familiarity with GIS software (ArcGIS 10.x, etc.) and database software.

RCUH's mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.