Job Type: Volunteer – Temporary
Location: Kure Atoll Seabird Sanctuary
Closing Date: Jan 20th 2012

Description:

The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking three to four volunteers for the summer field season on Kure Atoll (mid-February – September 2012). Kure Atoll is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) and is located 1400 miles northwest of O’ahu. Kure Atoll occupies a unique position referred to as the ‘Darwin Point’, which is the northern extent of coral reef development and the atoll is estimated to be 29.8 million years old. The atoll is an important breeding site for a sizable and diverse population of wildlife, with several rare or endangered species. Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Kure Atoll, including MōlÄ« or Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), Ka’upu or Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), and ‘Ewa’ewa or Sooty tern (Sterna fuscata). There are currently 15 native and 28 introduced plant species known on Green Island. Native plants are an integral resource for seabird nesting habitat and dune stabilization. Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plant habitat and seabird nesting areas, entrap seabirds in dense vegetative mass and outcompete native plants.

Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

Kure Atoll is an extremely remote work location as it is the last atoll in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. This volunteer position is unique opportunity to protect and recover seabird habitat. Transportation to Kure Atoll is by plane and boat. Living conditions consist of one concrete structure and an elevated wooden bunk house. Contact to and from the field site is limited to text only e-mail with no internet. Ecosystem protection protocols to prevent introduction of alien species requires that all “soft” (clothing, shoes, straps etc…) items must be purchased new and frozen for 48 hours prior to departure to Kure Atoll. All “hard” items (cameras, musical instruments, etc…) may be inspected thoroughly and frozen or bug bombed prior to departure. For more information on Kure Atoll please see the Kure Atoll Conservancy website: http://www.kureatollconservancy.org/ and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument website: http://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/visit/kure.html

Volunteers are expected to work 40 hours/week though this does not mean 8-5 M-F, but may include evenings and weekends. Primary responsibilities include: invasive plant monitoring and removal (majority of the time is spent working with invasive plants), native plant propagation, bird surveys and banding, vegetation surveys, marine debris removal, data collection and management, weekly and summary reporting. Additionally volunteers will be expected to help with regular camp maintenance and chores.

Prior experience in the following is recommended: invasive species control, native plant propagation and out-planting, waterfowl surveys, avian reproductive monitoring, color and metal band resight, shorebird and seabird monitoring and identification, binocular/spotting scope use, GPS, data management, familiarity with Excel and ArcGIS. Other useful skills: carpentry, solar equipment maintenance, small boat experience, ability to live with a small group of people for an extended period of time in a remote environment.

Requirements: Must be in excellent health, able to walk 10 miles per day with a 40lb pack, lift 50 lbs, work for long hours in hot, sunny conditions and bend or stoop for long periods of time. Knowledge of native Hawaiian species and invasive plant identification skills. First Aid/CPR certified.

DLNR DOFAW will provide: transportation between Honolulu and Kure Atoll and a stipend for food.

Please send resume, cover letter and three references to:
Julia Parish
jparish@hawaii.edu

Julia Parish
DLNR DOFAW Kure Atoll Seabird Sanctuary
Field Project Support Assistant
Office: 808.973.9788
Work Cell: (808) 352-6218