Principal Investigator: Dr. Corey Tarwater
Avian Ecology & Behavior Lab
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Field Technician for Hawai'i VINE Project
Employer: The University of Wyoming (Laramie)
Location: Oahu, Hawaii
Country: United States
Last Date to Apply: 04/01/2025
Open Until Filled: No
JOB PURPOSE: We are seeking technicians to work on a research project on Oʻahu, Hawai’i as part of the Hawai’i V.I.N.E. (Vertebrate Introductions and Novel Ecosystems) project, a collaboration across multiple universities (UH Manoa, UW, NAU, and UIUC) that began in 2014. The project is investigating temporal changes in seed dispersal and how removal of dominant invasive plants alters seed dispersal in mesic and wet forest ecosystems. Native species extinctions and non-native species introductions have dramatically changed the forest species composition. Although many native plants depend on birds for seed dispersal, on Oʻahu there are no longer any native frugivorous birds to provide this function. Instead, a suite of non-native birds are dispersing seeds. Additionally, invasive plants often dominate seed dispersal networks with impacts to native plant seed dispersal. Understanding temporal changes and how removal of invasive plant species impacts seed dispersal is critically important for restoration efforts.
There are multiple positions open with starting dates spanning March to May with a minimum of a five-month commitment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Basic duties include: (1) conducting mist-netting of birds to collect fecal samples for diet analysis, (2) performing point counts for bird abundance, (3) bird and plant ID, (4) measuring fruit abundance, (5) measuring vegetation characteristics, (6) removing access to non-native fruit, and (7) deploying game cameras. Additional duties will include: (1) regularly checking and maintaining netting and other experimental setups, (2) ensuring accurate and consistent data recording and entry, (3) collaborating with team members for data analysis and interpretation, and (4) participating in team meetings and contributing to project planning and adjustments. Additionally, applicants will be expected to participate in regular (at least monthly) outreach and education events related to the project.
The candidate(s) selected for this position will work on a field crew of 6-9 people including other technicians, crew leader, and graduate students. Technicians must be able to work early mornings in rugged terrain in challenging field conditions. Fieldwork will involve long days of hiking and temperamental weather conditions. This is a full-time position and technicians will receive effective compensation of $14/hour, plus shared access to vehicles and the option to live in crew housing. Further details will be provided during interviews. Applicants will be responsible for their flight to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum: A bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, wildlife management, botany, ecology or a related field and field experience pertaining to wildlife biology or botany are required. Applicants must be responsible, organized, and comfortable living and working as a team. An enthusiasm for research and fieldwork is essential, as well as patience and a strong work ethic. Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy. Desired: Preference will be given to applicants with experience in tropical ecosystems, avian ecology, plant ecology, and/or a demonstrated knowledge of Hawaiian plants.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Complete the online application. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information (email and phone) for 3 references familiar with your field work experience as a single PDF document. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications for this round of hiring will not be accepted after April 1st, 2025. In your cover letter, please specify your availability for the start dates. Include details of any prior experience in bird banding, such as the approximate number of birds you have banded and extracted. Additionally, highlight any experience with plant identification and/or systematic vegetation surveys.
For questions, please email us at vine.hawaii@gmail.com.
TO APPLY: Please apply by following the link below to the University of Wyoming hiring portal.