EHW ORNITH FIELD ASSOC I #226694

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i in Hilo, Hawai‘i, is seeking an EHW Ornithological Field Associate I to support field operations for endangered forest birds, including palila. The role requires extensive hiking, camping in remote areas, and hands-on avicultural work with safety and data collection protocols.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma or GED, 1–3 years in natural resource protection or related biology, and the ability to work independently or in small teams.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• One to three (1-3) years of experience in natural resource protection, conservation, or related field biology.
• Good knowledge of natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions.
• Ability to undertake strenuous physical exertion and live in primitive living conditions in remote field camps.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurance; navigate in remote areas with GPS.
• Must be able to complete helicopter safety course (A100) within six months of hire and obtain First Aid/CPR certification within three months.

Responsibilities

• Conduct avicultural activities: support capture, transfer, and care for endangered avian species in field and aviaries.
• Follow safety standards and protocols in all operations.
• Drive project vehicles on and off-road for fieldwork.
• Work in and around helicopters.
• Hike, camp, and carry heavy gear in forest conditions.
• Maintain field equipment, trails, and field stations; assist with baseyard and office maintenance and vehicle upkeep.
• Assist with logistics for field operations and data management for project summaries.

Skills

Physical endurance

Data collection and entry

Bird re-sighting/observations

GPS navigation

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent

Tools

GPS unit

Spreadsheets

Job description

EHW ORNITHOLOGICAL FIELD ASSOCIATE I – ID# 226694

CLOSING DATE: November 16, 2026. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended. INQUIRIES: Cara Thow 808-797-8711 (Hawai`i).

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), 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: $3,525/Mon.

DUTIES:

• Conducts avicultural activities: implements support to capture, transfer, and care for endangered avian species in the field and aviaries.
• Conducts all operations according to accepted safety standards and established protocols.
• Drives project vehicles, both on and off road, for fieldwork.
• Works in and around helicopters.
• Hikes, camps, and carries a backpack and other heavy gear in forest conditions.
• Assists with maintenance of field equipment, trails, and field stations.
• Assists with baseyard and office maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment (including repair of essential tools used in the field).
• Assists with preparations and logistics for field operations.
• Conducts field research and management projects for the recovery of forest birds – primarily palila.
• Assists in translocation support.
• Assists in the collection of eggs or nestlings for short-term captive care.
• Assists in capturing, banding and processing birds using mist-nets and play-back.
• Assists in surveys of breeding birds and nesting activity.
• Assists in endangered species recovery and habitat management techniques, which may include small mammal monitoring and control, weed censuses, erosion control, and trail maintenance.
• Assists in data management and analysis for project summaries and helps complete scientific reports, articles, and workplans.
• Most work will be performed in remote areas and will require the ability to hike long distances.
• Employee will be expected to camp in remote areas for up to five (5) days at a time on a regular basis.
• 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

• Progression job with minimum experience requirements for Level I, and combination of experience and demonstrated competence and abilities for Levels II, III. It will assume the employee to start at Level I (unless justified and qualified to start at a higher level). Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on “time-in-grade”, rather upon incumbent's demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs. One to three (1-3) years of experience working in natural resource protection, conservation, or related field biology.

KNOWLEDGE

• Good knowledge of natural history and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions. Knowledge of field activities relating to natural resources management.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

• Ability to undertake strenuous physical exertion and live in primitive living conditions in remote field camps. Ability to take detailed notes and follow a prescribed data collection system and perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases. Ability to re-sight individually marked birds; nest search or perform wildlife behavioral observations; conducting vegetation surveys; small mammal or predator control trapping. Basic computer skills. Must possess a valid driver's license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver's insurance equivalent to Hawai`i's No-Fault Driver's Insurance) and maintain throughout duration of employment. Demonstrated ability to navigate in remote areas with and without a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Ability to work independently and as a small team. Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire) and maintain throughout duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

• Able to conduct fieldwork in high elevation forest under cold, wet and extremely rugged field conditions. Able to hike on poor footing conditions for ten to fifteen (10- 15) miles carrying loads up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. Expected to live and work in remote field camps under primitive conditions in close quarters with other individuals for up to four to ten (4-10) consecutive days. Able to conduct strenuous fieldwork under extremely difficult conditions. Able to work around and fly in approved helicopters.

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 procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and 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

• Experience in techniques of aviculture and/or endangered species captive care.
• Experience mist netting, banding, and taking blood samples from songbirds.
• Familiarity with native Hawaiian flora and fauna.

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.