Assistant Wildlife Biologist

Pulama Lanai•Lanai City, HI

2h•$60,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Under the supervision and guidance of the Wildlife Biologist, the Assistant Wildlife Biologist assists with executing the Department’s wildlife programs. With limited supervision, this role manages seabird colony monitoring and protection in coordination with research partners and permitting agencies, and serves as a point of contact for contractors and partners on projects such as predator-proof fences, specialized seabird monitoring, and predator control. The position manages field operations and logistics for monitoring native and non-native wildlife populations, including seabirds, invertebrates, non-native predators, and ungulates, and supports invasive species control. The Assistant Wildlife Biologist coordinates with other Conservation Department programs to protect native wildlife populations and is responsible for equipment deployment and monitoring, field surveys, data collection and management, and report preparation in coordination with the Wildlife Biologist. The position may lead or supervise crews and may participate in wildfire suppression and control. This role reports to the Wildlife Biologist and may supervise Wildlife Technicians or lead and oversee other Conservation Department staff, volunteers, contractors, and partner personnel in the field, depending on the project. Compensation is $60,000–$75,000 per year, exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in wildlife biology or another natural resources field, with at least three years of work experience in natural resource management.
Demonstrated leadership, team-building, and written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work successfully as a productive team member with people of diverse cultures, ages, and educational backgrounds.
Strong interest in natural resource management and a strong safety ethic.
Ability to execute instructions and direction effectively, efficiently, and safely.
Ability to drive four-wheel-drive vehicles, ATVs, and UTVs in off-road conditions.
Ability to identify key wildlife species and knowledge of Hawaiian fauna.
Ability to accurately record field data and enter and manage information in spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to work irregular hours and serve on-call to assist in other program areas.
Ability to work in remote field conditions and inclement weather.
Ability to fly in and work around helicopters.
Ability to use computers, GPS, tablets, and other electronic devices; proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn in-house database systems.
Must pass a criminal background check indicating ability to acquire, possess, and use firearms.
Must possess or be able to obtain a current State of Hawaiʻi Hunting License.
Must possess or be able to obtain current Wilderness First Responder and Red Cross First Aid certifications.
Must be able to successfully complete Basic Wildland Firefighter Training.
Valid Hawaiʻi Driver’s License and successful review of Motor Vehicle Record.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting and moving up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, carrying up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain in inclement weather, and hiking 5–8 miles over uneven terrain.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling seabirds and working around seabird colonies.
Experience deploying, maintaining, and analyzing data from remote sensing technology, such as camera traps and auditory recorders.
Experience with predator control and wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques.
Knowledge and experience in Hawaiʻi conservation.
Experience supervising staff and managing field operations.
Experience with GIS mapping and data management.
Knowledge and experience with Hawaiian language, culture, and/or natural resources, and knowledge and experience with Lānaʻi natural resources and people.
Knowledge and experience designing outreach, education, and training in natural resource and wildlife topics.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing wildlife programs, including surveys and monitoring for seabirds, invertebrates, invasive predators, ungulate populations, and other native and non-native animals.
Oversee fieldwork supporting invasive species control efforts, especially around priority wildlife areas.
Assist with preparing, maintaining, and deploying monitoring devices.
Assist with overall planning and implementation of wildlife research, monitoring, and field projects.
Conduct management, assessments, and control actions according to direction and established protocols.
Assist with surveys and monitoring for other wildlife projects, including marine mammals, sea turtles, invertebrates, bats, non-native birds, and game mammals.
Assist in evaluating projects for their effects on wildlife and make recommendations for future developments.
Assist with responding to calls involving sick, injured, stranded, or dead wildlife, including salvage and care.
Assist with habitat protection and improvement for ecosystem enhancement.
Monitor and track actions and results; record and enter data for reporting and project tracking; create and manage spatial data and maps; and write reports.
Support outreach, education, and training for internal and external audiences on wildlife issues.
Comply with relevant state and federal regulations and company policies and procedures.
May lead or supervise crews.
May participate in wildfire suppression and control.
Perform other duties as assigned.