• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Pacific Rim Conservation

  • About PRC
        • About PRC

        • Bird Translocations
        • Our Mission
        • Board of Directors
        • PRC Staff
        • Our Partners
  • Projects
        • Projects

        • Avian Biology
        • Guadalupe Island Seabird Restoration
        • Nihoku Ecosystem Restoration Project
        • Establishing Albatross Breeding Colonies in the Channel Islands
        • Oahu Elepaio
        • James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
        • Kilauea Point NWR
        • Seabird Restoration Database
        • Management Plans and Prioritization
  • Species
        • Species

        • White-tailed Tropicbird
        • Ainley’s Storm-Petrel
        • Black-footed Albatross
        • Bonin Petrel
        • Hawaiian Petrel
        • Kermadec Petrel
        • Laysan Albatross
        • Nēnē – Hawaiian Goose
        • Newell’s Shearwater
        • Oahu Elepaio
        • Red-footed Booby
        • Red-tailed Tropicbird
        • Tristram’s Storm-petrel
        • Wedge-tailed Shearwater
        • White-tailed Tropicbird
  • Publications
  • Support Us
  • Contact Us
  • Search
        • Search the website, including documents

Lindsay

PRC is looking for volunteers on Kauai!

May 15, 2023 By Lindsay

Pacific Rim Conservation in partnership with Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge are looking for enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to assist with seabird surveys and habitat maintenance of the nearly complete predator exclusion fence. Volunteers will work alongside PRC and the USFWS to restore native bird habitat and survey seabirds in areas of the refuge where few members of the public get to see. You will be working towards one of the larger ecosystem restoration projects underway within Hawaii and will get to see a variety of nesting seabird species up close while under the supervision of professional wildlife biologists.

Application: https://forms.gle/j3ZSJzK8WwGMJn6F9

Position requirements:

  • Time period: June- December 2023 with a minimum commitment of four volunteer sessions.
  • Frequency: Two options- either once per month, or every two weeks. Precise day can be determined, but will need to be M-Fri during regular staff hours since you will be working alongside us.
  • Length of shift: 4-6 hour time for each visit during regular business hours. Exceptions are for evening auditory surveys.
  • Physical requirements: Volunteers will be expected to be hiking and walking outside in the sun for 4-6 hours each shift. You are required to be able to lift 20 pounds and be able to safely walk over uneven, hilly and muddy terrain.
  • Volunteers must be US citizens or permanent residents and will be required to attend a breif orientation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service prior to commencing the work.

Duties:

Habitat maintenance: Each four-hour shift will require 2-3 hours of habitat maintenance. This includes weed whacking along fence edges, hand pulling weeds in seabird nesting areas and occasionally out-planting native plants. Training will be provided on how to use a weed whacker and all appropriate safety equipment will also be provided.

Seabird monitoring: Each shift will have 1-2 hours of seabird monitoring and surveys. These include:

  • Night-time Auditory Survey in Nihoku – Volunteers can accompany us for our night survey to listen for native seabirds calling, as well as observe wildlife with binoculars and night vision goggles. Surveys occur every two weeks
  • Nihoku Burrow Checks – assisting with opening artificial burrows to check for seabird presence and/or activity, with the chance of seeing Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels.
  • Wedge-tailed shearwater nest monitoring – assist with identifying active shearwater burrows, marking burrows with stakes and checking the status of burrows.

PRC is hiring three conservation technicians on Kauai

November 27, 2022 By Lindsay

Avian conservation technician based on Oahu, Hawaii

Pacific Rim Conservation is hiring a seasonal (Feb-Sept 2023) avian conservation technician who will assist with several projects aimed at conservation of native Hawaiian birds.  The position will primarily involve three projects: 1) management activities at a predator exclusion fence that protects translocated seabirds at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, 2) surveys for the Hawaiian Petrel and Newell’s Shearwater on Oahu, and 3) nest protection of the endangered Oahu Elepaio.

We are interested in enthusiastic biologists with experience in predator control, habitat management and forest bird monitoring. The successful candidate should have a proven ability to conduct field work in challenging locations.

For more information on the species and projects, visit www.pacificrimconservation.org.  For detailed position benefits, please scroll down to the bottom of the application.

To apply, please fill out the information below. If you have questions about the application, or the position, please e-mail:
Lindsay Young- lindsay@pacificrimconservation.org.

Applications are due by January 1, 2023 but will be reviewed as received.

Applicants must be legal to work in the US.

To apply, please fill out an application here: https://forms.gle/Pv67rmjSiasC8Cfj9

If you have questions about the application, or the position, please e-mail:
Lindsay Young- lindsay at pacificrimconservation dot org.

This position is based on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii and will primarily be field based (approximately 4 days per week) with weekly data entry and administrative work (~1 day per week). When not in the field, candidates are expected to either work from home. All candidates will be expected to keep accurate field data, enter data into a database, and help write technical reports summarizing the outcomes.

Work at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku will be the bulk of this position. Duties will include predator control, artificial burrow maintenance, searching for and monitoring seabird nests, removal of invasive plants, and predator-proof fence assessments. Tasks will require working in hot and humid conditions with little- to no shade. Predator control requires safely handling dead rodents and occasionally dispatching rodents using humane methods. Removal of invasive plants requires application of herbicide following all safety measures. Work at the refuge will be 1-4 days per week from Feb-Sep.

For surveys of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels work, duties will include: assisting with deploying and servicing remote sound recorders in montane areas. Some evening auditory surveys requiring overnight camping in the mountains may occur. Work will require hiking long distances (up to 15 miles) through steep, wet, and rough terrain.

Work with the Oahu Elepaio project will be primarily assisting lead biologists with deployment of rodent traps starting in February and clean up/removal of traps in July. Interested and/or qualified candidates may have the opportunity to assist with searching for and monitoring elepaio nests and resighting color banded adults. Elepaio work will be conducted in Wailupe Valley and Pia Valley. This work requires hiking long distances across steep and rough terrain. Work sites can be very wet and thus, full of mosquitoes.

A personal vehicle is required for driving to the work sites but a company vehicle will be provided for all work conducted on dirt roads. The duties and work location are expected to vary throughout the year according to project needs and species breeding cycles. The technician will be supervised by a PRC Wildlife Biologist but the technician will be expected to work independently at times. Candidate must be able to keep organized and accurate field data and enter data into a spreadsheet or database in a timely manner. Additional duties may include assisting with other PRC projects and other administrative duties as required.

 Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a biological or natural resources related field. Candidate currently working towards a degree may be considered.

Experience:  At least one year of experience in conducting biological field research. Field courses or outdoor experience may be considered.

Abilities/Knowledge:  Basic knowledge of resource conservation and avian ecology as demonstrated through university level coursework, previous experience, and/or primary-authored technical reports and publications. Ability to collect and enter detailed field data is required.

Skills:  Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Ability to drive, or learn to drive, a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rough terrain. Ability to obtain first aid certification.

Physical Requirements:  Ability to hike over rough terrain in hot, humid conditions carrying a backpack weighing up to 35 pounds for up to 8 hours per day.

Desirable Qualifications: 

Experience nest searching, resighting bird bands with binoculars, and handling wild birds preferred. Familiarity with the natural and cultural history of Hawaii encouraged. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience identifying native and non-native plants and animals on Oahu. Navigation and plotting locations using a GPS is desirable.

1.       Employment period.The employment period for this position is 01 February 2023 through 15 September 2023, with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance. Employment is considered to be at will.

2.       Salary. $20 per hour.

 3.       Health insurance. All employees working more than 20 hours per week for a minimum of one month are entitled to health and dental insurance offered through the University Health Alliance. The cost of the insurance is shared between PRC (98.5%) and the employee (1.5%) for the primary employee. Employees wishing to add family members will pay 75% of the cost for additional members. Please see the health insurance information handout for plan descriptions, policies, and costs.

 4.       Work Schedule, Work Week, and Work Hours: Work schedule (for 1.0 FTE) will be 40 hours per week but can range from 20-40 hours per week for the right candidate. The work days will be Monday-Friday, but days can be flexible once training has concluded. The employee will be expected to work independently from home when not in the field.

 5.       Vacation and holidays observed. This position is entitled to 2 days of vacation during the employment term. PRC observes all holidays observed by the State of Hawaii as well as the Friday after Thanksgiving; those dates can be found here. Any vacation leave not used by the termination of employment will be lost.

 6.       Pay schedule. Paychecks shall be deposited via direct deposit into employee’s bank account on the 15th and 30th of each month with the exception of February which will be the 15th and 28th of the month.

7.       Sick Leave. This position is entitled to 2 days of paid sick leave during the employment period. Sick leave may not be used as vacation, and any sick leave not used by the termination of employment will be lost.

About Pacific Rim Conservation

Our mission is to maintain and restore native bird diversity, populations, and ecosystems in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. We work together with local communities, government agencies, and other conservation organizations to achieve our goals. We are a ‘boots on the ground’ organization. Throughout all of our work, we actively conduct research to understand avian biology, and the ecosystem changes and benefits to inform future conservation actions. To date, we have published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and had our work featured in media outlets such as the New York Times, National Geographic, and the BBC.
Pacific Rim Conservation was founded in 2006 in response to a need for research-based management on native species, particularly birds, throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. For nine years we filled that niche operating as a small business, then in June 2015 we converted from a business to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in order to better reflect our goals and to ensure that as much of our funding as possible was used to achieve our conservation projects.

We are an equal opportunity employer who doesn’t discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability.

PRC is hiring three conservation technicians on Kauai

August 9, 2021 By Lindsay

Seabird conservation biological technicians based on Kauai, Hawaii

Pacific Rim Conservation is hiring for three biological technicians to complement our small, dynamic team who is working on the conservation of endemic and endangered birds throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. One position is for a bio tech specializing in predator control and seabird conservation based on Kauai, Hawaii, whose duties will be to assist with all aspects of implementation of the Kahauma`a Seabird Preserve as part of the Kaua`i Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan which will exclude non-native mammals while simultaneously using social attraction to create new breeding colonies of Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrels and Band-rumped Storm-petrels. This position works primarily in Kokee state park. Two positions are for bio techs specializing in ecological monitoring and predator control whose duties will be to assist with the biological monitoring of predator and native bird species prior to a predator eradication, and conducting a cat and rodent eradication at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

We are interested in enthusiastic biologists with experience in predator control, habitat management and seabird monitoring. The successful candidate should have a proven ability to conduct field work in challenging locations.

To apply, please fill out an application here: https://forms.gle/Pv67rmjSiasC8Cfj9

If you have questions about the application, or the position, please e-mail:
Lindsay Young- lindsay at pacificrimconservation dot org.

Applications are due by August 31, 2021.

Kahuamaa technician duties:

Pacific Rim Conservation is hiring for a biological technician to complement our small, dynamic team who is working on the conservation of endemic and endangered birds throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. This position is for a bio tech specializing in seabird conservation based on Kauai, Hawaii, whose duties will be to assist with all aspects of implementation of the Kahauma`a Seabird Preserve as part of the Kaua`I Seabird Habitat Conservation Plan which will exclude non-native mammals while simultaneously using social attraction to create new breeding colonies of Newell’s Shearwater, Hawaiian Petrels and Band-rumped Storm-petrels. We are interested in an enthusiastic biologist with experience in predator control, habitat management and seabird monitoring. The successful candidate should have a proven ability to conduct field work in challenging locations. This position will primarily be field based (approximately 4 days per week) with weekly data entry and administrative work (~1 day per week). When not in the field, candidates are expected to either work from home, or from a shared office.

Specific duties include:

  • Assist with installing and maintaining seabird social attraction equipment (nest boxes, speakers) within the fenced area at Kahuamaa
  • Remove predators from within the preserve with monitoring confirmation of their absence
  • Protect nesting birds in nearby source colonies by implementing predator control of barn owls and feral cats at ingress points to source colonies in the project area- this includes humanely euthanizing animals captured as part of this effort.
  • Maintain high quality seabird habitat at both sites by removing invasive plants
  • Conduct regular seabird monitoring, including auditory surveys and nest searches during the seabird breeding season (March-Sept)

Kilauea Point technician duties

Pacific Rim Conservation is hiring for two biological technicians to complement our small, dynamic team who is working on the conservation of endemic and endangered birds throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. This position is for a bio tech specializing in ecological monitoring and predator control based on Kauai, Hawaii, whose duties will be to assist with the biological monitoring of predator and native bird species prior to a predator eradication, and conducting a cat and rodent eradication. We are interested in an enthusiastic biologist with experience in predator control, habitat management and seabird monitoring. The successful candidate should have a proven ability to conduct field work in challenging locations.

This primary duties of this position will be to conduct ecosystem monitoring prior to the installation of a predator-proof fence around Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (KPNWR) and conducting cat and rodent control as part of the post-fence construction eradication effort. The first year of this project will be spent to conducting baseline ecosystem monitoring on the refuge to determine predator species present and their seasonal abundance in order to determine how to most effectively remove the predators, and how native species respond to their removal. Monitoring methods will closely follow Young et al 2018. This includes:

  1. Determining the rodent species present, their seasonal abundance, and approximate home range size
  2. Determining approximate density of feral cats using live trapping and remote cameras
  3. Determining reproductive success of several nesting seabird species using a plot design
  4. Conducting year round cat control
  5. Interfacing with fence construction crew to monitor the progress of fence construction and report to project manager on a weekly basis.

Once fence construction is complete after year one, the position will shift to conducting a full cat and rodent eradication.The candidate will be expected to keep accurate field data, enter data into a database, and help write technical reports summarizing the outcomes. This position will primarily be field based (approximately 4 days per week) with weekly data entry and administrative work (~1 day per week). When not in the field, candidates are expected to either work from home, or from a shared office. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Lindsay Young of PRC, but will be expected to work independently and in close coordination with KPNWR staff.

 All positions benefits and minimum qualifications

Education:  Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a natural resources or project management related field.

Experience and Knowledge:  At least two years of experience in natural management including avian surveys and predator control is required. A Master’s degree in a related field of study may be substituted for some experience requirements. Experience writing technical reports. Basic knowledge of natural resource conservation and seabird biology.

Abilities/Knowledge: Basic knowledge of avian ecology and natural resources management as demonstrated through education, previous experience, and/or primary authored technical reports and publications.  Familiarity with the natural and cultural history of Hawaii preferred.

 Skills: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Ability to drive, or learn to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rough terrain. Ability to obtain wilderness first aid certification, restricted pesticide applicators certification and firearms certification.

 Physical Requirements: Ability to hike over rough terrain in hot, humid conditions for up to 8 hours per day.

 Desirable Qualifications: 

First responder, wilderness first aid, or other safety training. Experience working in Hawaiian ecosystems. Supervisory experience.

 1. Employment period. The employment period for this position is 1 October 2021 through 31 December 2022 once employees have passed a 90 day probationary period. There is the possibility of extension pending performance.

2. Salary: $40,000 per year at 1.0 FTE

 3.Health insurance. All Employees working more than 20 hours per week for a minimum of one month are entitled to health and dental insurance offered through the University Health Alliance. The cost of the insurance is shared between PRC (98.5%) and the employee (1.5%) for the primary employee. Employees wishing to add family members will pay 75% of the cost of additional members. Please see the health insurance information handout for plan descriptions, policies, and costs.

4. Work Schedule, Work Week, and Work Hours: Work schedule (for 1.0 FTE) will be 40 hours per week; the employee may choose their own days and hours. Occasional night and weekend work may be required. The employee will be expected to work independently from home when not in the field.

5. Vacation and holidays observed. This position is entitled to 15 days (three weeks) of vacation per year. Vacation days can be used at any mutually agreeable time after the first month of employment is complete. If all vacation is used within the first 6 months of employment, and the employee leaves or is terminated prior to completing nine months of employment, the equivalent of seven vacation days pay will be deducted from the final paycheck. Any unused vacation days will accumulate and can be used the following year. PRC observes all holidays observed by the University of Hawaii and state agencies.

6. Pay schedule. Paychecks shall be deposited via direct deposit into employee’s bank account on the 15th and 30th of each month with the exception of February which will be the 15th and 28th of the month.

 7. Comp time. If employees work more than 40 hours in any given work week, they are entitled to the same amount of comp time to be used in the same way as vacation time. Employees will not receive overtime pay (pay rate higher than standard pay) for hours in excess of 40 hours per week.

 8. Sick Leave. This position is entitled to 15 days (three weeks) of paid sick leave per year. Any illness resulting in an absence of more than three work days requires a physician’s note indicating when the employee will be able to return to work. Sick leave can be used towards maternity/paternity leave. Any unused sick leave days can be used the following year. Sick leave may not be used as vacation, and any sick leave not used by the termination of employment will be lost.

 9. Family Leave. Employees are entitled to up to 15 days (three weeks) of paid family leave per year. This includes birth or adoption of a child, death of an immediate family member, or serious illness of an immediate family member. Family leave cannot be used as employee sick leave.

10. Leave without pay. Employees may request up to three months leave without pay for medical, family, or personal reasons. Requests for leave without pay will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

11. Retirement fund. Employees who have worked for PRC for at least three calendar years are eligible for our simple employee pension (SEP) plan. This is an employer contribution IRA where up to 25% of an employee’s salary is put into an account for them at the end of the year. All eligible employees receive the same percentage of their salary each year which has ranged from 15-25% annually for PRC employees. There is no employee contribution required. For more information on the SEP visit: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-seps

 12. Professional development. All employees are expected to attend at least one professional development opportunity per year (at PRC’s expense). This can include a conference, workshop, job exchange, or work shadowing with other organizations, or within PRC. Specific opportunities will be discussed upon hiring.

 About Pacific Rim Conservation

Our mission is to maintain and restore native bird diversity, populations, and ecosystems in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. We work together with local communities, government agencies, and other conservation organizations to achieve our goals. We are a ‘boots on the ground’ organization. Throughout all of our work, we actively conduct research to understand avian biology, and the ecosystem changes and benefits to inform future conservation actions. To date, we have published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and had our work featured in media outlets such as the New York Times, National Geographic, and the BBC.

Pacific Rim Conservation was founded in 2006 in response to a need for research-based management on native species, particularly birds, throughout Hawaii and the Pacific. For nine years we filled that niche operating as a small business, then in June 2015 we converted from a business to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in order to better reflect our goals and to ensure that as much of our funding as possible was used to achieve our conservation projects.

We are an equal opportunity employer who doesn’t discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability.

2021 Seabird restoration internships open for applications! Apply by Oct 30th.

August 17, 2020 By Lindsay

Internship Overview:

Pacific Rim Conservation is in search of passionate individuals interested in gaining experience in the avian care and seabird conservation field. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care of the translocated chicks with an emphasis on daily cleaning and food preparation. Interns will also gain training on seabird social attraction techniques and aspects of habitat restoration, including out-planting and predator control. Interns will go through and initial orientation to gain a basic understanding of avian husbandry in the conservation field and continue to refine these skills throughout the internship.  Interns will also shadow members of the PRC Animal Care team throughout the duration of the internship to learn through observation about avian care, feeding and holding techniques. Please keep in mind, due to the nature of this project and permitting restrictions, handling of the chicks is limited.

Our Seabird Translocation Projects  involves the social attraction and translocation of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, Bonin Petrels and Tristram’s Storm Petrels to create new colonies safe from sea level rise. For more information on these projects visit www.pacificrimconservation.org or www.islandarks.org

Essential responsibilities You will be based with our Seabird Translocation team for the majority of your internship.  Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

  • Diet Preparation​
  • Daily and weekly cleaning tasks
  • Assisting in care of the translocated chicks
  • Field maintenance/ Habitat restoration
  • Animal Observations
  • Data Collection
  • Assisting in Educational Outreach

Requirements:

  • Must have a great attitude, be willing to work hard and be an asset to our small team
  • Must be a self-starter and be self motivated
  • Must commit to staying the duration of the project (outlined below)
  • Must commit to 28 hours a week, 7 hours a day, starting at 7:00 AM
  • Must have completed at least two years of undergraduate education in a Biology or Conservation related field
  • Must have strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse audience
  • Able to lift 50 pounds
  • May be asked to work holidays

Dates and Location

​Start Date: February 1st 2021
End Date: July 2nd 2021
Internship Location:
You will be based with our Seabird Translocation Team at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Kahuku, Hawaii (1 hour from Honolulu)

Application Due Date:

October 30th 2020
​

Salary:

This is a non-paid internship, interns are responsible for all housing, transportation and living expenses. Credit for college work experience requirements can be given.  We work with our interns to develop a schedule that still allows them to work while completing their internship.

COVID-19 Policies and Precautions:
As our work is considered essential, our translocation projects will proceed as planned for 2021.  However, to ensure the safety of our entire staff, our interns and provide the best care for our translocated chicks, we will require each of our interns to strictly follow our COVID-19 policies, which include but are not limited to:
– Adhere to all of the COVID-19 guidelines as mandated by the State of Hawaii
– Wear a mask while at work and anytime you will be out in public (visiting the grocery store, drug store, etc.)
– Social distance yourself at the workplace and in your personal life.

During interviews we will also share any COVID-19 policy updates.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during these changing times and in following these guidelines as we strive to provide the healthiest work place possible. ​
​
How to Apply:
Click here to submit your resume, cover letter and contact information for two references.
​
If you have any questions/ concerns or problems with your application please contact:
Leilani@pacificrimconservation.org with the subject heading, “Seabird Restoration Internship 2021”

Who we are:

Pacific Rim Conservation is a Hawaii-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are a conservation organization whose primary focus is wildlife research and management, with a specialty in native birds. Our mission is to maintain and restore native bird diversity, populations, and ecosystems in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. We work together with local communities, government agencies, and other conservation organizations to achieve our goals; we are solidly a ‘boots on the ground’ organization. We do this by creating ‘islands’ within islands where predators have either been removed and excluded through fencing, or are controlled on a long term basis. We then work to restore the habitat in these areas, and in some cases, bring bird species back that are no longer found there through translocation and social attraction. Throughout all of our work, we actively conduct research to understand avian biology, and the ecosystem changes and benefits to inform future conservation actions. To date, we have published more than 115 peer-reviewed papers.

 

2020 Seabird restoration and seabird research internships

July 10, 2019 By Lindsay

Avian Biology

Seabird Restoration Internship – applications due Oct 7, 2019

We are in search of passionate individuals interested in gaining experience in the avian care and seabird conservation field. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care of the translocated chicks with an emphasis on daily cleaning and food preparation. Interns will also gain training on seabird social attraction techniques and aspects of habitat restoration, including out-planting and predator control. Interns will go through and initial orientation to gain a basic understanding of avian husbandry in the conservation field and continue to refine these skills throughout the internship.  Interns will also shadow members of the PRC Animal Care team throughout the duration of the internship to learn through observation about avian care, feeding and holding techniques. Please keep in mind, due to the nature of this project and permitting restrictions, handling of the chicks is limited. Our Seabird Translocation Projects involves the social attraction and translocation of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, Bonin Petrels and Tristram’s Storm Petrels to create new colonies safe from sea level rise. More information on the project can be found at www.islandarks.org

Application and position information: https://forms.gle/TeweS8vMoChznTk98

Internship dates: February 3rd- July 1st 2020
Internship Location: Option to be based in Hawaii or California.

 

Seabird Research Internship- applications due Oct 7, 2019

We are working with partners from around the world to build a global seabird restoration database – a database of all active seabird restoration activities using social attraction and/or translocation techniques – to document the methods and outcomes from these activities and inform best practices in the field of seabird restoration.

Research interns will have a passion for conservation and interest in seabird biology and restoration, research, data entry, and analysis. Primary duties will include conducting literature reviews, entering and checking data, and communicating with global experts in the field of seabird restoration. Other duties could include mapping in ArcGIS, organizing data in a database such as MS Access, data analysis, and scientific writing. For interns based in Hawaii, there are opportunities to also gain experience with the seabird restoration intern team.

 Application and position information: https://forms.gle/TeweS8vMoChznTk98

Internship dates: February 3rd- July 1st 2020
Internship Location: Option to be based in Hawaii or California.

We’re hiring a Wildlife Veterinarian!

July 2, 2019 By Lindsay

404 PagePacific Rim Conservation is seeking a wildlife veterinarian to complement our small, dynamic team who are working on cutting edge conservation of endemic and endangered birds in Hawaii and the Pacific region. We are translocating and captive rearing six species of seabirds to create new breeding colonies that are resilient to sea level rise and protected from non-native predators. With up to 140 individuals of four bird species in care at any one time, our veterinarian will be responsible for providing comprehensive veterinary care and assisting with feeding and otherwise caring for translocated chicks, sometimes in remote field conditions. We are interested in an enthusiastic, adventurous veterinarian who is open to new challenges, loves to travel, and is willing to assist with a variety of avicultural activities. For more information on the project, visit www.islandarks.org.

To apply: Please submit application electronically by Sept 15th, 2019: https://forms.gle/JB7qyeuDWiHNyZoz7

Questions? Please contact our executive director, Lindsay Young

Job Description:

This position is for a wildlife veterinarian to help oversee and assist with an ongoing seabird translocation program that raises Laysan Albatross eggs and chicks, and the chicks of Black-footed Albatrosses, Bonin Petrels, Tristram’s Storm-petrels, and possibly additional seabird and passerine species that have been translocated from their natal site to new locations for conservation purposes (see www.islandarks.org for more information). The duties of this position include:

  • Providing comprehensive veterinary care for all species in care- typically 20-80 birds, but sometimes up to 140 individual birds at once.
  • Assisting with feeding and otherwise caring for all translocated chicks in remote field conditions.
  • Assisting with the incubation and hatching of albatross eggs in an incubator and/or brooder
  • Assisting with transporting chicks to their release site, by truck, plane, helicopter, or ship depending on the species (safety training will be provided).
  • Keeping accurate and complete records of all avicultural practices, including feeding schedules, body mass and other measurements, vitamins, and any medications administered.
  • Assisting in writing reports and peer reviewed publications on the outcomes of the work.

 

More than 50% or the work is likely to be veterinary in nature, but when the birds in our care do not require veterinary care, the successful candidate also will be expected to perform other duties related to wildlife biology and care. This position will be primarily field-based (approximately four days per week; 0.8 FTE) with weekly data entry and administrative work (approximately one day per week; 0.2 FTE). Primary field sites include James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu (Jan-Aug) and Kilauea Point NWR on Kauai (Sept-Dec). When not in the field, candidates are expected to either work from home, or from an office at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. The duties and work location are expected to vary throughout the year according to project needs and species breeding cycles.

The Wildlife Veterinarian will work closely with the Director of Aviculture who is responsible for avian husbandry and the direction of our translocation projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Successful completion of a DVM (or equivalent) degree at a U.S. recognized institution by the time of hiring and be a licensed veterinarian in the U.S. New graduates welcome. Must have or be able to obtain a Hawaii veterinary license, and USDA APHIS category II accreditation upon hiring.

Experience:  Experience with avian veterinary care demonstrated through coursework and experience. Experience writing technical reports and manuscripts suitable for peer-reviewed journals.

Abilities/Knowledge: Basic knowledge of aviculture and avian ecology as demonstrated through education, previous experience, and/or primary authored technical reports and publications.  Familiarity with the natural and cultural history of Hawaii preferred.

Skills: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Ability to drive, or learn to drive, a 4-wheel drive vehicle on rough terrain. Ability to obtain wilderness first aid certification.

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike over rough terrain in hot, humid conditions for up to 8 hours per day on occasion.

Desirable Qualifications: Existing Hawaii Veterinary License, existing USDA APHIS category II accreditation, and federal license to prescribe controlled substances. Experience working in a wildlife biology/non veterinary position. First responder, wilderness first aid, or other safety training. Experience working in Hawaiian ecosystems. Supervisory experience.

Employment period. The employment period for this position is ~ 13 January 2020 through 31 July 2021, with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance. The start date is negotiable.

Salary. Starting salary is $65,000/year and is commensurate with experience.

Health insurance. All employees working more than 20 hours per week for a minimum of one month are entitled to health and dental insurance offered through the University Health Alliance. The cost of the insurance is shared between PRC (98.5%) and the employee (1.5%) for the primary employee. Employees wishing to add family members will pay 75% of the cost for additional members. Please see the health insurance information handout for plan descriptions, policies, and costs.

Work Schedule, Work Week, and Work Hours: Work schedule (for 1.0 FTE) will be 40 hours per week. The work days usually will be Monday-Friday, but some work on weekends are evenings may be required at times. The employee will be expected to work independently from home when not in the field.

Travel: This position would be expected to travel regularly for work-related duties; all travel costs will be covered by PRC. Each year this would include 1-2 trips to Midway Atoll, 1-2 trips to French Frigate Shoals, regular (weekly or twice monthly) trips to Kauai from the months of September-December, and other project sites as needed. Potential future project sites include Guadalupe Island (Mexico), Palmyra Atoll and Kiritimati island. Travel conditions range from typical commercial airline and hotel stays, to 14-day trips via cargo ships in rough seas and camping on uninhabited islands. Candidates would be expected to be comfortable in remote and rugged conditions.

Vacation and holidays observed. This position is entitled to 15 days (three weeks) of vacation per year. PRC observes all holidays observed by the University of Hawaii and state agencies.

Comp time. If employees work more than 40 hours in any given work week, they are entitled to the same amount of comp time to be used in the same way as vacation time. Employees will not receive overtime pay (pay rate higher than standard pay) for hours in excess of 40 hours per week. Many PRC employees work 50-hour weeks during translocation season and take 6-8 weeks of vacation/comp time during the off season (December and July-August).

Sick Leave. This position is entitled to 15 days (three weeks) of paid sick leave per year.

Family Leave. Employees are entitled to up to 15 days (three weeks) of paid family leave per year.

Retirement fund. Employees who have worked for PRC for at least three calendar years are eligible for our simple employee pension (SEP) plan. For more information on the SEP visit: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-seps

Professional development and continuing education. All employees are expected to attend at least one professional development opportunity per year (at PRC’s expense). This can include a conference, workshop, job exchange, or work shadowing with other organizations, or within PRC.

Seabird restoration internships available! Apply by Aug 16th.

July 5, 2018 By Lindsay

Internship Overview:

Pacific Rim Conservation is looking for self-motivated, hard-working individuals to participate in our Seabird Restoration Program as an Intern. Our seabird restoration project involves social attraction and translocation of Laysan and Black-footed Albatrosses, Bonin petrels and Tristrams Storm Petrels to create new colonies safe from sea level rise. More information on the project can be found at www.islandarks.org

We are in search of passionate individuals interested in gaining experience in the avian care and seabird conservation field. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the daily care of the translocated chicks with an emphasis on daily cleaning and food preparation. Interns will also gain training on seabird social attraction techniques and aspects of habitat restoration, including out-planting and predator control. Interns will go through and initial orientation to gain a basic understanding of avian husbandry in the conservation field and continue to refine these skills throughout the internship.  Interns will also shadow a member of the PRC Animal Care team throughout the duration of the internship to learn through observation about avian care, feeding and holding techniques. Please keep in mind, due to the nature of this project and permitting restrictions, handling of the chicks is limited.  However, as interns gain experience, they may have the opportunity to assist in feeding and handling of the translocated chicks.

Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to: diet preparation, daily and weekly cleaning tasks, field maintenance, animal observations and data collection.

Requirements:

  • Must have a great attitude, be willing to work hard and be an asset to our small team.
  • Must commit to staying the duration of the project (outlined below)
  • Must commit to 18 hours a week typically working 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Candidates must have completed at least two years of undergraduate education in a Biology or Conservation related field.
  • Must have strong communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse audience.
  • Able to lift 50 pounds.
  • May be asked to work holidays.

Dates and Location

February 4th, 2019– June 28, 2019

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Kahuku, Hawaii (1 hour from Honolulu)

Application Due Date:

August 16th, 2018

Salary:

This is a non-paid internship, interns are responsible for all housing, transportation and living expenses. Credit for college work experience requirements can be given.

How to Apply:

Please email cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to:

Leilani@pacificrimconservation.org

With the subject heading, “Seabird Translocation Internship”

Who we are:

Pacific Rim Conservation is a Hawaii-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are a conservation organization whose primary focus is wildlife research and management, with a specialty in native birds. Our mission is to maintain and restore native bird diversity, populations, and ecosystems in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. We work together with local communities, government agencies, and other conservation organizations to achieve our goals; we are solidly a ‘boots on the ground’ organization. We do this by creating ‘islands’ within islands where predators have either been removed and excluded through fencing, or are controlled on a long term basis. We then work to restore the habitat in these areas, and in some cases, bring bird species back that are no longer found there through translocation and social attraction. Throughout all of our work, we actively conduct research to understand avian biology, and the ecosystem changes and benefits to inform future conservation actions. To date, we have published more than 115 peer-reviewed papers.

 

First translocated Laysan Albatross chick returns as an adult

March 28, 2018 By Lindsay

She may not have a name, but her number is significant- V106. She is the first of 46 chicks that were translocated from Kauai to Oahu to return as an adult. Her return is an important milestone in the founding of a new Laysan albatross colony at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (James Campbell Refuge) in Kahuku.

V106 (pictured left) hatched three years ago and was raised inside a new predator proof fence on the refuge. After flying out to sea on June 30, 2015, she has returned to the refuge after having spent the last three years wandering the North Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Rim Biologist, Megan Dalton describes seeing her for the first time,

“She was atop the hill where the decoys and speakers are located, standing quite calmly in a bed of native coastal plants.” Seeing the first of the hand-reared chicks return as an adult in its new home is “a long-awaited reward and confirmation that our project continues to reach its important milestones.”

Albatrosses at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai nest near an active runway, where their 6-7 foot wingspan poses a collision hazard with aircraft. In partnership with the U.S. Navy (Navy) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), PRC moved eggs from nests that were creating an aircraft strike hazard and brought them to a protected fenced area within a newly acquired coastal dune ecosystem at James Campbell Refuge on Oahu.

“Our Navy’s Environmental Department here at PMRF has been working closely with Pacific Rim Conservation to create the best opportunities for Laysan Albatross survival while also protecting pilots on the PMRF airfield.  As responsible stewards of our natural resources, PMRF is proud to be a partner with Pacific Rim Conservation and USFWS to reduce the bird hazard to our airfield, and at the same time help repopulate the albatross colony on Oahu,” said Captain Vinnie Johnson, Commanding Officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Each year in December, eggs are flown by the Navy from Kauai to O‘ahu and incubated at the PRC office until late January of each year. Before hatching, the eggs were placed at Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve for a month with temporary foster parents, whose natural egg was infertile, so that the chicks would imprint on the correct species. At one month of age, just before albatrosses are thought to imprint on the location they view as home, the chicks were moved to James Campbell Refuge.

“James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge provides essential habitat for native and threatened and endangered species,” said Jeff Burgett, USFWS Acting Refuge Manager, James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. “This project demonstrates the difference we can make for wildlife when we restore habitat and provide predator free nesting habitat for species at risk from being preyed on by invasive species like cats, rats, and mongoose.”

From February- July of each year, the chicks were fed a slurry of fish and squid by PRC’s aviculture team who closely monitored their weights and wing lengths to ensure their health. The young birds spend their first few years at sea and were expected to begin returning to the refuge in 3-5 years, and to start nesting on the refuge in 5-8 years.

Many other wild adult Laysan albatrosses have visited the refuge over the past three years as a result of a social attraction project. The project uses speakers and decoys to tempt birds in to visiting and potentially nesting on the refuge. A pair of wild adults nested on the refuge for the first time earlier this year.

“The return of V106 marks a milestone toward the long-term success of this project” said Eric VanderWerf of Pacific Rim Conservation. “We hope this bird and others will continue to return and begin breeding at the refuge in the next several years.”

Seabirds face a myriad of threats – from fishery interactions and marine debris to invasive species and shrinking habitat. Safe places like James Campbell Refuge, where seabirds can rest and raise their young, are critical for their ability to survive into the future.

Over 99% of Laysan Albatrosses nest in the low-lying Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at the Midway Atoll and Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuges.

“Albatross are threatened by sea level rise associated with global climate change. Recent storm surges have wiped out thousands of albatross nests with eggs or young chicks in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” said VanderWerf. “By thinking proactively and working together to establish more secure colonies on high islands within the historical nesting range of the Laysan albatross, we can ensure a future for these birds.”

This innovative conservation effort is an on-going partnership involving Pacific Rim Conservation (PRC), the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge system and Pacific Islands Coastal Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and American Bird Conservancy.

“The seabird project at the James Campbell Refuge is a tremendous example of how we work across agencies to make a difference for Hawaii’s wildlife,” said Mary Abrams, USFWS Field Supervisor, Pacific Island Fish and Wildlife Office.  “Partnerships like these are key to successfully protecting and recovering Hawaii’s native species.”

More information on this project, including picture galleries, can be found at www.islandarks.org

Project partners:

Pacific Rim Conservation

The U.S. Navy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 Project funders:

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

The U.S. Navy

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The David and Lucille Packard Foundation

American Bird Conservancy

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Footer

  • Conservation
    • Biological Surveys
    • Bird Translocations
    • Management Plans
    • Project Coordination
    • Predator Proof Fencing
    • Predator Management
  • Support Us
  • News & Opportunities
  • Image Galleries
  • Contact Us
Pacific Rim Conservation
Pacific Rim Conservation

Restoring Biodiversity

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

DONATE TODAY!

Help Hawaii & Pacific Native Birds

Copyright © 2025 Pacific Rim Conservation | A Non-Profit Organization | Website design by HotPixels