Research Associate - Tarwater Field Crew Leader, Zoology & Physiology

Position: Research Associate I - Tarwater Field Crew Leader, Zoology & Physiology
Job Description

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JOB TITLE:

Research Associate I - Field Crew Leader for Hawai'i VINE Project

JOB PURPOSE:

Conduct investigative research requiring the application and analysis of standard tests and procedures as defined by the project.

We are seeking an experienced biologist to be the field crew leader for project on Oʻahu, Hawai'i as part of the Hawaiʻi VINE (Vertebrate Introductions and Novel Ecosystems) Project. The project is a multi-disciplinary effort between University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa, Northern Arizona University, University of Wyoming, and US Army Natural Resources Program. The VINE project has been running since 2014 and has involved over 70 field technicians, 20 undergraduate students, and 6 graduate students.

The project has also been involved in over 150 outreach events on Oʻahu, an essential part of our mission. The VINE project investigates seed dispersal networks comprised of interacting native and non-native plant and vertebrate species in mesic and wet forest ecosystems. Specifically, the project will focus on (1) quantifying vertebrate seed disperse rs and their interactions across space and time, (2) conducting an experiment to remove non-native plant species and evaluate the impacts on bird behavior and seed dispersal of the remaining plants, and (3) evaluating the factors that influence temporal variation in seed dispersal.

Field work will include invasive plant removal, behavioral observations, point counts, game cameras on plants, identification of and surveys of plants, and plant experiments. The candidate selected for this position will work closely with the graduate students on the project. The candidate will train field technicians, help hire field technicians, conduct field work, oversee monthly reports to funding agency, help organize monthly outreach, and oversee equipment maintenance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise a field crew of 4-8 people
• Coordinate with graduate students on the project
• Travel to sites associated with project to collect data/specimens.
• Aid in hiring and training new field technicians
• Oversee monthly reports to funding agency and VINE Team
• Oversee equipment maintenance
• Help organize monthly outreach
• Communicate with field technicians, graduate students, and PIs on the project in an efficient and respectful manner

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• May perform additional assignments as directed

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability and flexibility
• Responsibility
• Positive Attitude
• Organization
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Integrity
• Problem analysis/identification
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in biology, natural…