MEDIA RELEASE
45 positions are available in conservation and must be filled by Sept. 23!
Want to Apply? Please submit your typed, completed application to acprograms@hawaiiycc.com by Aug. 31.
For an application and more info visit: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/RYCC/Apply
AmeriCorps Members start on September 23rd, 2009 and the program is 42 weeks long. Benefits include: a living stipend, health care, loan forbearance, and a child care stipend. An Education Award of $4,750 for current or future school loans is awarded upon completion of service.
For more information about the programs that will be hosting AmeriCorps Members and the job duties, see below:
Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) – Natural Area Reserve System (NARS)
Administration Natural Area Reserves System
Learn what it takes to get conservation projects to happen in Hawaii as an intern for the Natural Area Reserves System’s main office in Honolulu. This internship offers an excellent training opportunity for planning, coordinating, and finding funding for the activities that preserve Hawaii’s endangered species and native ecosystems. Possible projects include providing research assistance for environmental assessments, management plans, and grants; coordination of volunteer trips and other outreach or management activities, and creating educational materials for distribution and website design. Please contact Emma Yuen at (808) 587-4170 or Emma.Yuen@hawaii.gov for more information.
Oahu Natural Area Reserve System
I. Oahu NARS Field Crew Intern: Monitors and controls non-native plants and feral ungulates in Natural Area Reserves and other areas on Oahu. Assists in collection of technical field data. In the field, assists regular Natural Area Reserves System staff in alien plant control, feral animal control and other resource management work in the Kaena, Pahole and Kaala Natural Area Reserves and other areas where we work cooperatively with other sections within the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and other natural resource management agencies. YCC crew members in this position will likely learn GIS data collection and archiving techniques, alien plant control techniques, feral ungulate control techniques, and information about rare native Hawaiian plant species. The work may entail camping in remote areas and requires the ability to drive off-road vehicles and to hike through densely vegetated, wet and/or dry forests in all types of weather conditions carrying loads up to 50 pounds.
II. Rare Plant Propagation Assistant Intern: Works in greenhouse and in the field under the direction of Rare Plant Horticulturalist in propagating, outplanting and monitoring native plants which includes rare, threatened or endangered species. Does routine greenhouse maintenance and repairs; propagates and cultivates plants; manages insect and pathogen pests and decontaminates plants before outplanting in designated sites and nurtures them on site. Will assist in preparing reports of project accomplishments. YCC Interns in this position will learn propagation techniques of many rare native Hawaiian plant species, greenhous management techniques, and details about safe pesticide application and use.
III. Kaena Point Ambassador Intern: Assists the Kaena Point Ambassador with educating visitors to the area about the natural and cultural resources in the area and to discourage rule violations that degrade native ecosystems and cultural resources. Will likely assist the Kaena Point Ambassador with supervision and direction of volunteers and community service projects in the Kaena Point area. May work weekend days to provide coverage during the busiest time for visitors to the area.
Maui Natural Area Reserve System
Like to hike, camp and have picnics in the woods? Come work with Maui NARS to help protect the best of what’s left of Hawaii’s unique biology, geology and cultural sites in Maui Nui. Help to restore arguably the best-preserved remnant tract of dryland forest in Hawaii as well as rare and endangered plant and forest bird habitat. Work is hard but, very satisfying in helping to preserve and protect irreplaceable parts of Hawaiian natural and cultural history. Learn to identify native and non-native species and about the issues surrounding the conservation of our natural heritage in Hawai’i as well as the people who help make it happen.
Assist in field projects involving primarily the control of non-native plants and animals. Non-native plant control involves use of herbicide and other treatments and may include native plant species regeneration that involves seed collection and supplemental planting as appropriate and necessary. Fence construction and maintenance work involves lifting and carrying materials and supplies in often wet and muddy conditions. Field and safety gear as well as training are provided to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All field work sites are located in very rough terrain and may involve helicopter or other assisted remote camp outs.
Kauai Natural Area Reserve System:
Regular, Full-Time year-round internship with the Natural Area Reserve System (NARS) program on the island of Kauai. Internship is projected to run for a period of 10 months. Participates in a variety of activities associated with the Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) on Kauai. Serves as field crew member working with NARS staff, performing various resource management and monitoring activities. These include collection and analysis of technical field data, using standardized methods to collect information about distribution of native and alien plants and animals, monitoring and control of alien plants with chemical and mechanical means, monitoring and control of feral animals, maintenance and construction of fences, native plant cultivation and outplanting, and other duties as assigned. Occasionally, helps to coordinate the activities of volunteers performing alien plant control, feral animal control, outplanting, and other resource management work.
Watershed Partnerships
Ko`olau Mountains Watershed Partnership KMWP:
Work to protect Oahu’s forested watersheds! The Ko`olau Mountains Watershed Partnership (KMWP) is an alliance of public and private landowners who collaboratively manage over 100,000 acres of Oahu’s forested watersheds. Though KMWP is presently the only Watershed Partnership on the island of O‘ahu, it is one of nine WatershedPartnership across the state- collectively with over 1 million acres in conservation! We are looking for motivated interns to join our field crew and help us protect the remaining native forests on Oahu. Our work involves 4-day camp trips to the summits for surveys, outplanting, weed removal, fence construction, and monitoring on both private and public-owned lands in the upper elevations of the Ko’olau Mountains. Work is mainly conducted in remote areas only accessible by helicopter and at higher elevations along the summits adjacent tosteep cliffs and rugged terrain and may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions. The work is of a physical nature and interns must be able to carry a 30 lb pack and hike for up to 6 hours at a time, traverse steep terrain, and perform weed control measures using appropriate tools (handsaws, chainsaws, backpack sprayers). Interns should be comfortable with heights, and with learning weed control techniques and data collection methods used by KMWP staff. The work is as challenging as it is rewarding.For more information about KMWP, visit www.hawp.org.
Three Mountain Alliance Watershed Partnership – Three different types of positions are available
1) Natural Resource Management Intern (2 positions available) – The lands of the Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnership encompass nearly 50% of the native ecosystems in the state! You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of habitats across the landscape of the Big Island from Volcano to North Kona, from coastal habitats to near the mountain summits. This 10 month AmeriCorps position is based in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Volcano. Most of this work is field based, with some camping involved. Our work serves to protect and manage native ecosystems through monitoring native and exotic species, controlling invasive plants and animals, outplanting rare and endangered species, and building and maintaining fence-lines. We often work with staff from other agencies and organizations in our shared goal to preserve the health of the watershed. Interns should expect to spend their days working hard in all sorts of weather conditions, hiking long distances over rough terrain, and often carrying heavy packs while maintaining a positive attitude. Successful applicants are those who enjoy working outside, work well on a team, take direction well, have a strong desire to learn about our native species, and enjoy camping with fun and friendly people. For more information about the Three Mountain Alliance, visit www.hawp.org.
2) Environmental Education: Imi Pono no ka Aina, the outreach arm of the Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnership, is one of the longest running environmental education program on the Big Island. Our dedicated and experienced staff work with students, teachers, families, and community groups to help increase awareness of our native species and the threats they face. Student programs, teacher workshops, community events, service trips and presentations are some of the regular activities that the outreach staff is involved in. Successful applicants for this internship should enjoy working with people of all ages, be able to clearly communicate basic Hawaiian ecological issues, use creativity and imagination to engage people with science, and have a friendly and positive attitude. This intern will have the opportunity to work with several partner agency and organizations across the island. Some field time is required for service trips including outplanting rare species and weed pulling. Limited camping is required for overnight student programs and workshops. This 10 month AmeriCorps position is based in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Volcano. For more information about the Three Mountain Alliance, visit www.hawp.org.
3) Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project: Endangered Sea Turtle Management and Community Education Intern. The hawksbill turtle, honu‘ea, is the rarest sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean. A small population of this critically endangered species nests along the shores of the island of Hawaii. Since 1989, volunteers with the Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project have worked tirelessly to identify nesting beaches, monitor, and protect nesting hawksbills and hatchlings while collecting baseline data and educating the community. This 10 month AmeriCorps position is based at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Interns will camp up to 6 nights in a row at remote turtle nesting beaches with one to three other volunteers. Some of these field sites are in the National Park backcountry and are reached by hiking 5-10 miles over barren, rugged lava fields with a 30+ pound backpack. Other sites outside the Park are reached by driving long slow 4-wheel drive roads. Interns will assist in conducting nightly watches from dusk until 2 am for hawksbill turtle activity. Turtles will be tagged and measured, nests will be marked and monitored, hatchlings assisted to the ocean, and nests will be excavated. Field data will be collected, entered into a computer, and summarized. Non-native predators (mongooses, rats, and feral cats) will be trapped and humanely euthanized to protect eggs and hatchlings. In addition, intern will assist the coordinator with all aspects of sea turtle project management and will provide marine resource interpretation and education to other beach users, as well as youth and student groups
West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership
Do you like adventure and the outdoors? Do you like flying in helicopters and seeing spectacular views of grand valleys and waterfalls? Do you enjoy working to protect Hawaii’s unique flora and fauna? Then come work for WMMWP and make a difference. The West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership focuses on the protection of native Hawaiian forest and related water resources within ~48,000 acres of forested watershed in the West Maui Mountains. The majority of the work will be performed in remote locations and will require the ability to backpack over rough terrain and camp in sometimes difficult conditions for up to three nights at a time. Volunteers will learn skills in resource management activities such as building fence lines, controlling invasive species, monitoring vegetation/ecosystem recovery, and more. Skills learned will require working safely with herbicides and helicopters, maintaining field equipment, recording field data and using Global Positioning Systems and computers. All training is provided on the job. Knowledge of native Hawaiian flora and fauna and threats from alien species and related work and outdoor skills are desirable. Offices are located in Lahaina on the island of Maui. For more information and photos go to www.westmauiwatershed.org.Check Us Out.
Kohala Mountain Watershed Partnership: Kohala Mountain – Like No Other Place on Earth!
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), montane cloud forests like those found on the summit of Kohala are globally rare, and contain a disproportionately large number of the world’s rare and endemic species. The native species of Kohala are truly unique; some of the plants and animals in our native forests are found nowhere else on earth. By protecting the last remaining forests where these species live, you will help to ensure their long-term survival.
A huge range of environments in a relatively small area also sets apart Kohala from other tropical environments. In the eleven miles from Kawaihae at sea level, to the summit Kaumu o Kaleiho*ohie at 5400 feet elevation, the annual rainfall ranges from 4 inches to more than 150 inches! This diversity of habitats creates a diversity of species, from dry forest trees to mosses, ferns and flowering shrubs of the cloud forest.
The Kohala Watershed Partnership (KWP) is a voluntary coalition of private land owners and State land managers who joined together in 2003 to work across property boundaries to manage the forested watershed of Kohala Mountain and protect it from threats, primarily feral animals, invasive plants, fire and human impacts. Working every day to protect our unique mountain forest from threats is physically challenging but deeply rewarding.
Lanaihale Project on Lana’i and Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Project on Maui
Lana’ihale Project: Work with endangered Hawaiian species with DLNR’s Wildlife Program in the Lana’ihale mountains of Lana’i! AmeriCorps positions will be based on Lana’i. The work is mostly in the field in Lana’i’s cloudforest. We will address recovery needs of the endangered Hawaiian Petrel and Hawaiian Hoary Bat, the threatened Newell’s Shearwater and the other plants and denizens of the Lanaihale watershed.
Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Project: Work with endangered Hawaiian species with DLNR’s Wildlife Program in wetlands on Maui. The work is mostly in the field – either mostly in coastal wetland wildlife sanctuary. We will work to improve Maui’s wetland habitat by removing invasive plants and restoring native coastal plants for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, the Hawaiian Stilt, Hawaiian Coot and Hawaiian Duck.
The successful applicants will enjoy learning, working outdoors, hiking, working with plants and wildlife, and even doing night-time seabird surveying work. We will provide transportation from the reporting location to your field site. Knowledge of Hawaii’s native plants and wildlife is preferred, but a great deal of information on conserving Hawaiian wildlife and habitat will be learned on site, and note, while we love previous experience, please know we are also eager to teach and train you. For more information about the AmeriCorps Program, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp. For more information about The Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Programs, visit: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/.
Contact: Dr. Fern P. Duvall, at email fern.p.duvall@hawaii.gov, or phone 808-873-3502 for more information about the positions.
State Parks
BIG ISLAND: Kona Cultural Resources Assistant with State Parks
Experience the diversity of the State Parks along the Kona Coast of Hawaii Island – from the lava fields with remote rocky shorelines to dense kiawe forests and popular sandy beaches. As a cultural resources assistant, you will have the opportunity to assist the State Parks archaeologist for 10 months with survey and mapping projects in several Kona parks. This outdoor fieldwork under hot, dry environmental conditions will introduce you to several historic parks, cultural sites, and historic trails. You will get to hike, clear vegetation from archaeological sites, map and record the sites, and interpret the sites for park visitors and Hawaii residents. This job will provide training in basic archaeological fieldwork, identification of archaeological sites, management of cultural resources, and interpretation. Knowledge of Hawaii’s history is preferred, but a great deal of information will be learned by working in the parks. Transportation from the baseyard in Kailua-Kona to the various park sites will be provided.
For more information about the AmeriCorps Program, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp. For more information about the Division of State Parks and historical parks, visit: www.hawaiistateparks.org
OAHU: Diamond Head Resource Assistant and Interpreter with State Parks
Here’s a chance to work at Oahu’s most famous landmark and one of the most popular state parks for 10 months. Approximately 750,000 people visit Diamond Head State Monument each year to hike the 0.8-mile trail to the summit of the volcanic crater and are rewarded with a spectacular view of southeastern Oahu. In this job, you will share the military history and unique natural resources and geology of the crater with visitors by staffing the visitor booth, leading tours, and welcoming visitors at the summit. You will also assist in restoring the natural landscape of the crater by working in several native plant gardens located around the crater. Job activities include the propagation of native plants, removal of alien vegetation to expand the planting of the natives, and ongoing maintenance to insure their survival. Most of the work will be outdoors in the dry, hot environment of the crater with opportunities to hike, interact with visitors, and work with plants. Some knowledge of Hawaiian plants and history is preferred but most of the information specific to Diamond Head will be learned on the job.
For more information about the AmeriCorps Program, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/state_national.asp. For more information about the Division of State Parks and Diamond Head State Monument, visit www.hawaiistateparks.org
Invasive Species Committees
Oahu Invasive Species Committee
The O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee was formed by volunteers in the late 1990’s concerned about the spread of miconia (Miconia calvescens) on O‘ahu. Miconia is a tree native to South and Central America that has proven to be one of the most destructive invasive species in the Pacific. If allowed to proliferate, single-species stands of miconia will replace the forests of the Ko‘olau, driving native plants to extinction and permanently damaging the island’s watershed. OISC Americorps participants will protect O‘ahu’s native forests from this threat by surveying the valleys of the Ko‘olau Mountains and removing miconia.
OISC does most of its work in the backcountry and participants should be willing and able to work outdoors and off-trail. Like most outdoor work, OISC fieldwork often involves extremes in temperature, mosquitoes and cross-country travel by foot over rugged terrain. It may also involve helicopter surveys. Participants will learn basic plant identification, orienteering skills, basic surveying skills and helicopter and pesticide safety. Work with OISC will prepare participants for a variety of hands-on natural resource work in Hawai‘i and elsewhere.
Kauai Invasive Species Committee
The Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC) is looking for hard-working individuals to assist us with daily fieldwork battling invasive species on the island of Kauai. Work will include plant, animal, and insect control using integrated pest management techniques. KISC also works closely with on-island partners to help increase their capacity. Intern will have the opportunity to meet and work with many different agencies including Federal, State, and local entities. Learn about the threats to Hawaii’s ecosystem as we spend time on targeted species. Learn various techniques for identifying, containing, and controlling invasive pests. Be a part of our organization as we conduct outreach and education in the community, raising awareness as to the impacts that invasive species have on our fragile ecosystem.â€
Maui Invasive Species Committee
Would you like to hike, camp, explore rare ecosystems, and help people learn about the unique plants and animals of Hawaii? The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is looking for interns to help us defend the ‘aina from an onslaught of invasive species. MISC works throughout Maui County from the coastline of Lanai to the summit of Haleakala controlling the invasive alien plants and animals threatening the diverse ecosystems we depend on for our watersheds. As an intern you will have the opportunity to learn more about these ecosystems and the rare plants and animals that compose them. Be prepared to hike in rough terrain and spend a week camping in Hana, Lanai, or high in the rainforest of East Maui. Help with helicopter surveys, learn about GPS data collection and processing, and canvas neighborhoods explaining the importance of removing invasive species. Late night hours are required when assisting with coqui frog control.
There are also a positions with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee.
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC):
The Conservation Intern position is located in Kunia at the HARC substation. The intern will assist HARC and its collaborators in projects that address agricultural conservation measures such as erosion control (from wind and water influences), invasive species management, and soil conservation practices in production and research sites. Additional experiences in energy conservation and the utilization of renewable energy resources in agricultural settings will also be gained. Interns will also have the opportunity to work on research projects (eg vetiver as an erosion control – a USDA funded demonstration project).
The Conservation Intern will have opportunities to participate in the following: erosion control structure design, installation, and maintenance at HARC’s Kunia substation and the former Del Monte acreage at Upper Kunia; Eliminate invasive and noxious weed species as directed by HARC staff using a variety of tools and techniques, ranging from manual removal to chemical applications; Plant and maintain various cover crops and groundcovers to reduce soil runoff throughout high rainfall periods (winter 2009-2010); Monitor over 200 acres of land for problematic areas for wind and water erosion, and develop control strategies to implement with HARC site managers; Work with other employs and provide daily/weekly updates of project status as requested by HARC site managers. To learn more about HARC and this position, please contact Lance Santo at Lsanto@harc-hspa.com – 228-0162.
Hawaii Nature Center:
The Hawaii Nature Center in `Iao Valley Maui, offers a diverse and in-depth internship opportunity at our Maui campus. Interns will be exposed to the inner and out workings of our 501 c-3 educational non-profit. Housing for the successful applicant is provided free of charge at our facility.
Areas of responsibility and applied learning include: Group activities facilitation; Environmental Education field trips; Residential overnight group hosting; Museum docent/ exhibit maintenance; Lead interpreted guided hikes; Office management and communication; History and lore of `Iao Valley; Lo`i maintenance, and cultural site restoration; Research and development of community outreach programs; Excellent customer service; Working with other volunteers; Routine cleaning of our facilities
As you can see we have a very dynamic workplace. Past interns have thrived on the diversity of tasks and responsibilities that our site provides. As we say around here, “Never a dull moment here at The Nature Centerâ€. One hour you could be stewarding an elderly hiking group, the next you could be searching for native fish in the stream with middle school keiki. We look forward to seeing what you can bring to our organization.
Feel free to contact Jay Franey, our programs manager at 808-244-6500 ext.22 for further information or visit our Maui HNC website:
http://hawaiinaturecentermaui.yolasite.com/
