The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands
Fisheries Science Center is soliciting cover letters and resumes for
the upcoming 2006 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian
monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a
long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and
conservation program which includes: conducting trend counts; tagging
seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings,
and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival,
injuries,entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting
scat & spew samples for food habitat analysis; collecting tissue samples
for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling
seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some
sites. For general information about the program, visit this website:
http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/
There are two primary periods of employment available: mid-March
through mid/late August, and early April to mid/late August, though some
positions will last until September.
IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are
available.
The first 3-4 weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and
packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear
and summarize data. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a
listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from
Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are
provided.
Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps.
Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites.
All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from
Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities
exist and outside communication is limited.
*NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31 BUT SOONER IS BETTER*
Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education
history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to:
Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist
Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone (808) 983-5713
Fax: (808) 983-2902
Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to
Thea Johanos
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
2570 Dole St. Honolulu, HI 96822
Employment will be provided by a contractor yet to be determined.
Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader
and field camp assistants. Monthly salary (+overtime) will be offered
depending upon qualifications.
FIELD CAMP LEADER
One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field
personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and
editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field
team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for
field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and
supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily
maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life
history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at
multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and
supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to
conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field
season.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years
field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education
requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making
skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word
processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able
to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical
training before being deployed to remote island. Ability to work in
remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long
hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles)
in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to
manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to
obtain medical clearance for working on NOAA research vessels.
Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk
seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of
marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working
knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career
in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data
analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine
maintenance.
FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT
One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of
field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation,
collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment
for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of
field
camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals.
Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return,
repair and clean-up of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp.
Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years
field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge
of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets,
and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment
training requirements including field medical training before being
deployed to remote island. Ability to work in remote locations for
extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun.
Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 miles) in the sand carrying
25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to manually restrain immature
seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to obtain medical clearance for
working on NOAA research vessels.
Desirable qualities include prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk
seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of
marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, working
knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer
applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related
field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.
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