Bird Conservation Assistant, Palmyra Atoll

The Nature Conservancy•Palmyra, HI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, TNC's Palmyra Preserve is a significant marine wilderness area. Palmyra Atoll encompasses 580 acres of emergent land and 480,000 acres of surrounding waters. The Nature Conservancy manages 230 acres of this property in partnership with the USFWS, focusing on wildlife habitat and operating a conservation research station dedicated to ecosystem adaptation and resilience to climate change. This role is part of an innovative conservation program to establish the first wild population of Sihek (Guam kingfisher) in 36 years. The assignment is for approximately 2.5 months, based at Palmyra Atoll, with Sihek first released there in September 2024. This position is for an assignment between late January to mid-April 2027. The Bird Conservation Assistant will work closely with a Bird Conservation Specialist, with training provided in bird population surveys, behavioral monitoring, and data entry. Additional tasks may include radio telemetry tracking, captive husbandry, health screenings, ecological surveys, aviary construction, and public outreach. The position is hosted by The Nature Conservancy in affiliation with the Zoological Society of London. Accommodation and meals are provided at a remote field station. Staff are expected to work 6 days per week and contribute to community-based functions like cleaning and station maintenance, and occasional support on other conservation projects. TNC covers travel expenses from the employee's home to Honolulu and provides round-trip travel from Honolulu to Palmyra, along with board and lodging at Palmyra and necessary supplies. Remote medical coverage and emergency evacuation insurance are also provided.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and 1 year's training or related experience in biological science, conservation science, or natural resource management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience following established protocols and recording data.
Familiarity and experience with Pacific Island culture and natural history.
Experience living and/or working in remote environments or small communities.
Experience performing work that requires physical mobility in a hot, humid, wet, and salty environment.
Comfort around water, including swimming and boating.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
US work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Basic field experience monitoring bird populations and behaviors.
Bird husbandry and care experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in an innovative conservation program aimed at establishing the first wild population of Sihek (Guam kingfisher, Todiramphus cinnamominus ) in 36 years.
Work closely in the field with a staff Bird Conservation Specialist.
Work independently and autonomously on a regular basis.
Conduct bird population surveys.
Conduct behavioral monitoring.
Perform data entry.
Assist with radio telemetry tracking.
Assist with captive husbandry.
Assist with health screenings.
Assist with ecological surveys.
Assist with aviary construction.
Assist with public outreach.
Contribute to community-based functions, including regular cleaning and station maintenance duties.
Provide occasional support on other conservation projects.

Benefits

Accommodation and all meals are provided at a remote but well-equipped field station.
TNC will cover travel expenses from the Bird Conservation Assistant's home to Honolulu.
TNC will provide round-trip travel to Palmyra from Honolulu.
Board and lodging at Palmyra.
Key supplies and equipment for the two-month term at Palmyra.
Remote medical coverage for non-emergency physician.
Emergency evacuation insurance.
Health care benefits.
Flexible spending accounts.
A 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
Parental leave.
Accrued paid time off.
Life insurance.
Disability coverage.
Employee assistance program.
Other life and work well-being benefits.