Skip to main content

This job has expired

Wildlife Habitat Restoration Volunteer Positions

Employer
Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI)
Salary
Kure Atoll Conservancy will award $1,000 upon completion of field season to help offset expenses
Closing date
Mar 30, 2019

Job Details

Job Type: Wildlife Habitat Restoration Volunteer Positions

Kure Atoll Conservancy will award $1,000 upon completion of field season to help offset expenses

Location: Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) 

Duration: 7 months (Approximately March to October 2019) 

Application deadline: Applications reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled

Inquiries: Email Matt Saunter & Naomi Worcester at kureatoll@gmail.com

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Matt Saunter & Naomi Worcester: kureatoll@gmail.com

Description: The State of Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking Habitat Restoration Volunteersfor work at Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Kure Atoll is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and is located 1,400 miles northwest of O'ahu. Kure Atoll provides important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Laysan teal (Anas laysanensis) and Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi). Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Kure including Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) and Christmas shearwaters (Puffinus nativitatis). 

Currently native plant species are outnumbered by non-native and invasive plant species. DLNR is committed to eradicating invasive plant species such as Golden crown-beard (Verbesina encelioides) from the atoll. Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plant habitat and nesting areas and may cause harm to wildlife. Native plants are an integral resource for nesting habitat and dune stabilization. This position is a unique opportunity to protect and recover important habitat while living in an intact wildlife sanctuary!

Kure Atoll is an extremely remote work location and transportation to the atoll is limited and infrequent.Deployment to a remote field site is a serious undertaking. Delays in travel dates due to weather or ship mechanical issues may occur. Due to Kure’s remote location and difficult access response times for emergencies, including evacuation, may be long and uncertain. Theability to live and work in close quarters with a small group of people for an extended period of time is of the utmost importance. Field teams typically consist of 6 to 8 personnel. There are only 2 six-month field seasons per year. There is no Internet or cell phone service available. Contact with friends/family is limited to text only email (no pictures or attachments) through the field station’s satellite phone.

Primary responsibilities include:Invasive plant removal (manual and chemical), invasive species monitoring, wildlife monitoring, native plant propagation and distribution, vegetation monitoring, seabird and shorebird surveys, marine pollution and entanglement hazard removal, data collection and entry, weekly field crew meetings. Additionally, all personnel will assist with camp upkeep and chores outside of regular work hours. 

**Although the workload is diverse, most of the hours are dedicated to invasive plant removal (75-80%)**

Desired Skills/Experience:Invasive species management, plant identification, nursery work, Hawaiian native plant knowledge, wildlife monitoring, animal handling, avian reproductive monitoring and identification, binocular/spotting scope use, familiarity with Excel and GPS use. Other useful skills include carpentry, boating, and maintenance.

Requirements:Strong interpersonal skills, excellent physical and mental health, able to walk 10 miles per day with a 40 lb. pack over soft sand and uneven terrain, able to lift and carry 50 lbs., data collection and management skills, able to work for long hours in uncomfortable and/or unpredictable weather, bend or stoop for long periods of time, ability to swim and pull self into a boat while in deep water, 20/20 color vision or correctable lenses. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on research vessels. Must be comfortable with use of pesticides.

Strict Quarantine:Biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent further introduction of alien species. This quarantine requires that all “soft” items (clothing, shoes, straps, etc.) must be purchased new and frozen for 48 hours prior to departure to Kure Atoll. All “hard” items (cameras, electronics, musical instruments, etc.) must be inspected thoroughly and may need to be frozen or fumigated prior to departure. 

All personnel can expect to work 40+ hours per week. Work hours are project dependent and may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Travel dates are tentative and subject to change. DLNR/DOFAW will provide transportation between Honolulu and KureAtoll. Lodging and food while on Kure and in transit between Honolulu and Kure are provided. Most field clothes and gear are provided. Applicant must supply all other transportation, housing, and personal items.

Company

Kure Atoll Conservancy A 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that supports the State of Hawaiʻi's ongoing wildlife management and habitat restoration program that enhances biological diversity, ecosystem health, and cultural resources.

 

Company info
Website

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert