Volunteer Positions on the 9th Crazy Ant Strike Team Expedition Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking 4 volunteers beginning early November 2014 for up to 8 months to join the 9th Crazy Ant Strike Team (CAST IX) Expedition to Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Johnston Atoll is located in the central Pacific Ocean, 717 nautical miles west- southwest of Honolulu. The refuge is managed for 14 species of breeding seabirds and 5 species of wintering shorebirds in addition to its diverse coral reef and marine organism assemblages, including the threatened green sea turtle. The atoll contains four small islands (696 acres), which constitute the only land area in over 750,000 square miles of ocean. The emergent land associated with this refuge provides critical, rat-free habitat for central Pacific seabird populations and its coral reef ecosystem is an important marine resource. The refuge is uninhabited except for the 5 member crew. Volunteers will have the opportunity to live in this remote setting surrounded by birds and sea life. In January 2010, an infestation of Yellow Crazy Ants (YCA), Anoplolepis gracilipes, was found affecting approximately 130 acres of the 630-acre Johnston Island. Yellow Crazy Ants, named because of their manic behavior when disturbed, have wreaked havoc on ecosystems and bird habitats in other parts of the world; therefore the presence of this infestation is cause for great concern. Local impacts to wildlife already observed on Johnston Island include the apparent desertion of the entire affected area by ground nesting birds (Red-tailed Tropicbird and Wedge-tailed Shearwater) that previously occupied those areas and a possible reduction in density and numbers of tree-nesting bird species (Red-footed Booby and White Tern) inside the area colonized by YCA. The potential for even greater impacts to the terrestrial ecosystem at Johnston Atoll is substantial if the infestation of YCA is left unchecked. Efforts have been ongoing since August 2010; YCA numbers have been reduced by 99% and the seabirds have begun to return. Duties performed by CAST IX will include: 1) in Honolulu, Hawaii, packing and preparing gear, food, and all items necessary for the camp; and 2) on Johnston Island, applying pesticides, biological monitoring of ants, coral reef, and bird communities, and camp maintenance. CAST IX will consist of 4 volunteers and a crew leader. Volunteers will be expected to work at least 48 hours/week, 6 days/week. However, this does not necessarily mean 8-5 M-F as some projects will necessitate working evenings or consecutive days. Primary responsibilities will include: Ant bait application and monitoring Entomological surveys/ bioassays Seabird, shorebird, and sea turtle surveys Data collection and management Weekly and summary reporting Camp establishment/disestablishment Camp maintenance and chores It is imperative that candidates consider that Johnston is a remote site where all but emergency access is by ship, which takes 3-5 days to transit from Honolulu. No re-supply or ship visits during the 6-month camp are anticipated. On the island, transportation will primarily be by foot or bicycle with 1-mile daily commutes to the work site. Living conditions are primitive and consist of 12 x 14 x 6 personal sleeping tents while a bunker is used for communal/food storage/kitchen and office areas. Weather conditions can be harsh with strong winds, tropical storms, and hot sun. Bathing and washing is done in the ocean. Communication with the island has proven to be reliable but is limited to slow internet access. However, this internet access cannot be guaranteed and team members must be prepared in case communications become limited to text only e-mail with no internet browsing capability. Direct medical attention is at minimum 1-3 days away. Safety in this remote setting is of primary concern and all individuals are expected to work together as a team to maintain good communication at all times. Requirements: Must be willing and able to work 48 hours per week. Must be physically fit and able to walk 10 miles a day, lift and carry 70 lbs, ride a bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions. Must be able to perform all duties in various weather conditions including high heat and humidity, strong winds, and rain. Qualified applicants must possess a valid passport that will not expire before August 2015. All CAST members must follow all pesticide and safety protocols. Prior experience in the following is preferred: camping, invasive species control, shorebird and seabird identification and monitoring, entomological surveying, familiarity with GIS tools and software, data management, pesticide application and possession of a valid U.S. drivers license. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide: airfare to and from Honolulu, housing and a modest food stipend while in Honolulu, transportation between Honolulu and Johnston, island quarantine clothes, and food and housing on Johnston. The Honolulu stipend will not be paid up front so volunteers will need to have sufficient finances to provide for their own food for the preparation period in Honolulu. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive. Interviews will begin mid- September 2014. Please include CAST IX Volunteer Application in the e-mail subject line. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references in one PDF to: [email protected]
