Opportunities at MFBRP
Employment Opportunities
Hawaiian honeycreepers need your help!
We are seeking dedicated crew members to join our research team on the front lines of mosquito control and endangered species management. You can directly contribute to preventing extinctions and caring for Hawaiian ecosystems.
These postitions will be posted on RCUH.com soon.
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MOSQUITO RESEARCH/CONTROL FIELD TECHNICIAN
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
** Conducts research and management projects for the recovery of Maui’s endangered bird species and deployment of landscape level mosquito control. Captures and surveys for mosquitos for avian disease studies in native, restored, and non-native forest habitats.
** Drives project vehicles both on and off road and works in and around helicopters. Maintains field equipment and field stations, including base yard landscaping and yard care.
** Assists with logistics for field operations. Enters field and Geographic Information System (GIS) data into computer files for information summary and reporting. Writes trip summaries from field work completed.
** Helps maintain and manage electronic records of program operations. Helps maintain databases. Participates in conscientious adherence to all safety and research protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Assists with public outreach and education activities.
** Temporary communal housing is available.
To apply, the job will post here: https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/.
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MOSQUITO RESEARCH/CONTROL FIELD ASSOCIATE
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
** Conducts fieldwork on the deployment of landscape level mosquito control (setting, checking, and monitoring traps, and collecting data) and conducting other management activities on Maui to benefit the recovery of native Hawaiian forest birds.
** Drives project vehicles, both on and off road, for fieldwork, and works in and around helicopters. Hikes, camps, and carries a backpack and other heavy gear in forest conditions. Employee will be expected to camp in remote areas four to ten (4-10) days at a time on a regular basis. Most work will be performed in remote areas and will require the ability to hike long distances. Assists with maintenance of field equipment, trails, and field stations.
** Assists with preparations and logistics for field operations. Assists with entry of field data into computer databases for analysis. Assists with baseyard and office maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment (including repair of essential tools used in the field).
** Temporary communal housing is available.
To apply, the job will post here: https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/.
To be considered for these postions, the following documents must be submitted online: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) List of Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Unofficial or Official Transcript(s)/Certificate(s).
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Housing on Maui is extremely limited. While we consider all qualified applicants for open positions, we strongly recommend applying if you already have a secure housing situation on island.
Come work with us!
Graduate Student Research
MFBRP occasionally coordinates and conducts research with graduate students whose projects are focused on Maui’s native birds and forest ecosystems.
These projects are co-advised through an external university advisor and MFBRP. Financial responsibilities are up to the student, but MFBRP may be able to help identify and procure funds. MFBRP may be able to provide housing, office space, data support, field logistics, and equipment. Each student and project is reviewed on a case by case basis. For more information, please contact infoATmauiforestbirds.org.
Here is a selection of past research:
‘Ākohekohe Movements
Investigation of the dispersal of ‘ākohekohe. Alex Wang used radio-telemetry to document ‘ākohekohe movements and conduct foraging observations of both adults and juveniles.
Alex found that adults tended to stay in the same general area, whereas juveniles roamed over much larger areas. These long-distance juvenile movements led a few individuals to dip lower in elevation, where higher densities of mosquitoes can persist. This increases the risk for disease exposure.
Wang Alex X, Paxton E.H, Mounce H.L, Hart PJ. 2020. Divergent movement patterns of adult and juvenile ‘Akohekohe, an endangered Hawaiian Honeycreeper. Journal of Field Ornithology.
Wang AX. 2014. The presence of an ecological trap in the juvenile dispersal of the ‘Ākohekohe (Palmeria dolei), a population limiting life stage Poster Presentation. Hawai’i Conservation Conference, Honolulu, HI.
Kiwikiu Genetics
Genetic diversity (the variability of genes in a species) is fundamental to biodiversity and is important to the overall health of populations. MFBRP manager, Hanna Mounce, used microsatellites and mtDNA sequence data to analyze the current and historic population structure and diversity of kiwikiu.
Decreased genetic variability leads to increased levels of inbreeding, reduced fitness, and could accelerate species extinction. Hanna’s research provides information on the current genetic diversity of kiwikiu in the wild. This data has informed management decisions on behalf of kiwikiu survival.
Non-native Forest Use
Due to extensive habitat destruction, the Maui ‘Alauahio occurs in two known disjunct populations where habitat conditions vary extensively. The primary population in high elevation native forests and the secondary population in non-native forest sites.
Graduate student Peter Motyka investigated the use of non-native forest by native birds to facilitate informed management of non-native forest for the benefit of native forest bird species. The project included color-banding and resighting Maui ‘Alauahio, quantifying vegetation structure for foraging habits, conducting variable circular plot point counts for bird densities, and nest searching and monitoring.
Because of this study on native bird use of non-native forest, MFBRP continues to conduct point counts and monitor native bird disease prevalence studies in non-native forest sites.
