Volunteer Position: Vegetation Inventory and Monitoring--Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Dates: On-going. Positions last three months. Opportunity Description: Volunteer needed for three months at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) to assist with field and office work for (1) plant community mapping, (2) long-term focal terrestrial plant community monitoring, and (3) invasive plant species monitoring. Mapping field work provides data necessary for accurate classification and description of the plant communities within the park as well as provides ground-truthing for vegetation community maps. The two monitoring projects are long-term studies intended to detect changes in plant communities and invasive species. The volunteer will work in a group of 2-4 individuals conducting field work in a wide array of vegetation types under the supervision of a field crew leader. Field work for all three projects will require the establishment of temporary and/or permanent plots, plant identification, and extensive data collection on the immediate plot environment and vegetation. All projects necessitate navigation by GPS, map, and compass. Office work entails data entry into MS Access databases. Additional duties in the office or field may arise. Applicant must have a strong background in botany/biology/ecology, an interest or knowledge of Hawaiian plants, and experience in challenging backcountry conditions (hiking extended distances on and off of trails carrying a 30 lb. backpack in high heat and high humidity). Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to camp overnight for up to a week at time. A meal reimbursement ($20.00 per working day), housing (4,000’ elevation), and a vehicle for transport to and from work will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering, please send a resume and cover letter. Be sure to list specific relevant vegetation experience in your application. To Apply or For Additional Information: Contact the Inventory and Monitoring Biological Science Technician Julie Christian by calling (808) 985-6187, writing: Julie Christian, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Inventory and Monitoring Program, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 or emailing: [email protected].
