Research Assistant - Hawksbill Turtle Program

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Requirements:

● Commit to the project for the entire term period requested.

● Be at least 18 years of age.

● Possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

● Be first aid and CPR certified.

● Be able to hike up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound

backpack.

● Be able to hike/work in vog (sulfur dioxide gas emitted from the nearby volcano, which

can be problematic for individuals with respiratory concerns).

● Be a team player and work well with others.

● Be positive in adverse or challenging situations.

● Be able to stay awake late at night.

● Be able to work with minimum sleep.Monitoring research assistant duties:

● Camping 6+ consecutive nights at remote beaches with a project technician or other

trained team members.

● Conducting nightly watches (from 5 p.m. until at lease 2 a.m.) to observe nesting turtles and

emerging hatchlings.

● Hiking up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack to

reach remote field sites.

● 4-wheel driving on long, rough roads to reach remote field sites.

● Day-checking other potential nesting sites on a daily basis to look for signs of nesting

activity by hiking up to 12 miles or 4-wheel driving.

● Handling nesting hawksbills (i.e., restraining, measuring, applying flipper tags, and

checking for injuries).

● Ensuring that hatchlings reach the ocean by monitoring nests, rescuing stranded

hatchlings, and conducting nest excavations.

● Recording data in field notebook and on data sheets.

● Controlling non-native predator populations by baiting and checking live-traps on a daily

basis and by euthanizing mongooses, feral cats, and rats using carbon dioxide gas.

● Interacting with the public regarding sea turtle conservation.

● Assisting with logistics (e.g., equipment and camp maintenance, vehicle inspections).

Shared, dorm-style housing is provided at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park housing is

located within walking distance of both the visitor center and our office, in a rainforest

environment at an elevation of 4,000 feet.

This is an unpaid position. A $20 per workday food reimbursement will be provided. However, it

can take approximately three months to receive payment. Additional funds are needed to

supplement this stipend for basic needs and entertainment. Furthermore, a vehicle will not be

provided for personal transportation.

How to Apply:

1) Request an application via email at: info@HawaiiIslandHawksbillProject.org

2) Submit a cover letter, resume, and completed application form.

These documents can be emailed to: info@HawaiiIslandHawksbillProject.org or mailed to:
Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project
Resources Management Division
P.O. Box 54
Hawai'i National Park, Hawaii 96718

Start Date - 2022-03-02

End Date - 2022-12-31

Activities include: Fish/Wildlife

Difficulty_Level: Strenuous

Hosts Housing Amenities: Bunk House;Camp Sites