Interested in joining us as we advance the seabird recovery and conservation on the island of Kauaʻi? We’re currently accepting applications for the following positions:
Position 1: KESRP Field Technician
Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is seeking a Field Technician who will implement predator control and seabird monitoring activities in the project. The Field Technician will help the program achieve its goals for the recovery of the endangered seabird species on Kaua‘i. The anticipated start date of the position is March 16, 2026.
Location: Lihue, HI
Salary: $4071.00/Month
Last Date to Apply: 02/11/2026
Main Responsibilities
The Field Technician will implement management (primarily predator and invasive plant control) and research activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i. This position will operate lethal predator traps and air guns for predator control and use manual and chemical control methods for invasive plant management. The position will also conduct fieldwork regarding the locating and monitoring of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i.
55% Conducts fieldwork to monitor, trap and remove rats, mice, cats and Barn Owls in and around seabird colonies. Identifies and controls invasive plant species in seabird colonies using manual, mechanical and approved chemical methods. Assists in maintaining, calibrating and cleaning tools and equipment used for invasive species management. Drives to conduct biological fieldwork primarily in remote areas. Follows established biosecurity, safety and animal welfare protocols at all times. Upon approval, loads, unloads, aims, and fires air guns from a variety of body positions in authorized project-related research or wildlife control programs. Assists with planning and coordinating predator and invasive plant management activities.
25% Implements surveys to locate and monitor endangered seabirds across Kaua‘i. Conducts auditory point counts to identify the distribution of seabirds. Conducts fieldwork to monitor breeding success and relative abundance of Newell’s Shearwaters and Hawaiian Petrels at colony sites, using auditory, visual (binoculars, night vision), burrow cameras, and song meters. Includes logistics management, operation of equipment and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and tools. Assists with training the field crew and volunteers in the field.
15% Enters all field data into computer files and digitizes data from burrow cameras. Carries out preliminary data quality control, including identifying and correcting errors, data cleaning and validation. Assists with preparing preliminary field data summaries and final reports.
Organizational Background
Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in association with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Founded in 2006, KESRP focuses on the endangered seabirds found on the island of Kauaʻi. Our work involves identifying the breeding distribution of these rare and enigmatic seabirds, monitoring their breeding colonies, undertaking research projects to better understand their life histories and the various threats they face, and working with partner projects and organizations to ensure their long-term conservation. We also work towards the restoration of two seabird sanctuaries on the island of Kauaʻi, Lehua, and Moku‘ae‘ae, to monitor seabird populations breeding on these islets and carry out social attraction projects to bring the native seabirds back.
Qualifications and Skills
- Associate’s Degree from an accredited community college in a related biological science.
- Three to five years of paid or volunteer experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork. Volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable.
- Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: natural resource conservation related hunting and trapping experience (lethal predator control), seabird monitoring methods, and auditory point counts. Demonstrated remote area experience.
- Proficient knowledge of safe use of firearms and/or wildlife traps. Knowledge of the importance of animal welfare.
- Ability to hike at least four miles on obscure trails or off-trail with a 30–40-pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace to undertake field reporting. Experience in open-source data analysis and Geographic Information System software is a plus.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in communication and outreach is a plus.
How to Apply
To be considered, please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/ and search for job ID # 226068. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Professional References
- Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s).
All online applications must be submitted/received by 02/11/2026 11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time. If you do not have access to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
Position 2: KESRP Field Assistant
Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is seeking a Field Assistant who will assist with research, monitoring, and management of endangered seabirds. The Field Assistant will help the program achieve its goals for the recovery of the endangered seabird species on Kaua‘i. This is a full-time, limited-term position between March and December 2026. The anticipated start date of the position is March 16, 2026.
Location: Lihue, HI
Salary: $3,525.00/Month
Last Date to Apply: 02/11/2026
Main Responsibilities
The Field Assistant will implement research and monitoring activities for the recovery of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i. This position will conduct fieldwork regarding locating and monitoring of endangered seabirds on Kaua‘i. In addition, this position will assist with management activities, including rat control at colonies, and the minimization of light pollution mortality of seabirds.
70% Participates in surveys to document endangered seabird distribution across Kauai and monitor breeding success and relative abundance of mainly but not limited to Band-rumped storm petrels, Newell’s shearwaters, Hawaiian petrels and other seabirds at colony sites, using ornithological radar, auditory point counts, visual (binoculars, night vision), burrow cameras, nest boxes and song meters. Includes occasional supervision of volunteers, logistics management, and equipment maintenance.
20% Enters field data into computer files and digitizes data from burrow cameras. Assists with preparing preliminary field data summaries and reports.
5% Participates in management tasks for endangered and native seabirds at colony sites, potentially including predator control, and seabird interactions with human-made infrastructures.
Organizational Background
Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project (KESRP) is a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in association with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Founded in 2006, KESRP focuses on the endangered seabirds found on the island of Kauaʻi. Our work involves identifying the breeding distribution of these rare and enigmatic seabirds, monitoring their breeding colonies, undertaking research projects to better understand their life histories and the various threats they face, and working with partner projects and organizations to ensure their long-term conservation. We also work towards the restoration of two seabird sanctuaries on the island of Kauaʻi, Lehua, and Moku‘ae‘ae, to monitor seabird populations breeding on these islets and carry out social attraction projects to bring the native seabirds back.
Qualifications and Skills
- One to three years of college-level biological sciences coursework from an accredited college or university.
- One to three years of (paid or volunteer) experience in terrestrial biological fieldwork (volunteer experience must be documented and verifiable). Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: seabird-monitoring methods, auditory point counts, operating ornithological radar, song meters or burrow cameras, or predator management near seabird colonies. Demonstrated remote area experience.
- Ability to hike at least four miles on obscure trails or off-trail with a 30–40-pound backpack unassisted and live and work in isolated field camps under primitive conditions for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace to undertake field reporting. Experience in open-source data analysis and Geographic Information System software is a plus.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Experience in communication and outreach is a plus.
How to Apply
To be considered, please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/ and search for job ID # 226046. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Professional References
- Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s).
All online applications must be submitted/received by 02/11/2026 11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time. If you do not have access to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH’s Benefits for eligible employees.
Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project 