[MARMAM] Hawaiian monk seal field camp position posting for 2009-2010 winter season

[Thea Johanos-Kam]

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works 
closely with The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific 
Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with 
the University of Hawaii, and will be accepting applications for field 
assistants to participate in the upcoming 2009-2010 winter field 
research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal at Laysan 
Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a 
long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and 
conservation program by NMFS which includes: conducting trend counts; 
tagging seals; identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural 
markings, and applied bleach marks; monitoring reproduction, survival, 
injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies; collecting 
scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal 
analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & 
removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior 
data are also collected. In addition, researchers will periodically 
handle, weigh, and administer de-worming medication to immature seals in 
an effort to increase seal condition and survival by removing parasite 
loads. For general information about the program, visit this website:

http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/

Employment will be from early September through May, or for a subset of 
this period. Options include 1) from early September through 
mid-December, 2) from mid-December though March, and/or 3) from March 
through May. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program 
is subject to funding.
The first weeks of employment are spent in Honolulu training and 
packing, and the final weeks are also spent in Honolulu to clean up gear 
and summarize data. Travel to Honolulu and food and lodging while in 
Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is 
available. Transportation between Honolulu and the field site, and food 
and lodging in the field are provided.

Field work is accomplished by a 3 member team in a remote camp at Laysan 
Island. Researchers live in wall tents, and the site is accessible by 
ship (4 day travel; 1,300 km from Honolulu). Few supply opportunities 
exist and outside communication is limited.

Employment will be provided by JIMAR, which hires its program and 
scientific staff through the Research Corporation of the University of 
Hawaii (RCUH). To search and apply for RCUH positions, refer to the 
following website:

http://www.rcuh.com <http://www.rcuh.com/>/

**NO LATER THAN AUGUST 3^rd 2009 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* *

*IMPORTANT:* Please specify in your application the period(s) you are 
available, remote field experience, and animal handling experience. 
Applicants will be considered for the position described below.

*JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT – ID# 29318.* Joint Institute 
for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (4) Regular, Full-Time, RCUH 
Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science 
and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric 
Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), 
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. 
Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, 
satisfactory work performance, and availability of funds. *MINIMUM 
MONTHLY SALARY:* $1,730/Mo. *DUTIES: *Under guidance of field camp 
leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily 
maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and 
life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at 
multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and clean-up of 
field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. *PRIMARY 
QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: *High School Diploma or equivalent.* 
EXPERIENCE:* One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including 
experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience 
with handling of wildlife. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of 
personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and 
databases. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data 
entry. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: *Ability to swim. Ability to work 
in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work 
long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to 7 
miles) in the sand carrying 25-35 pounds of field gear. Must be able to 
manually restrain immature seals (up to 200 pounds). Must be able to 
obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels 
or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required 
immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required 
by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. Must meet the US Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration security 
requirements for working in a federal facility which includes being 
fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed. Must be 
able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field 
medical training before being deployed to remote islands. *SECONDARY 
QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field 
camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine 
mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data 
entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in 
marine mammology or related field. For positions requiring travel 
between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small 
boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. 
Possess NOAA certification for small boat operations (having completed 
Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat 
component training) to work at multiple-island atolls. *_INQUIRIES: 
Nicole Wakazuru 956-9465 (_**_Oahu_**_). _**APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* 
The preferred method of applying for a job is through our on-line 
application process. Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment” 
and navigate to “Job Announcements/Apply for a Job.” However, if you do 
not have access to the Internet, you may apply by submitting resume; 
cover letter including Recruitment ID#, referral source, narrative of 
your qualifications for position and salary history; names, phone 
numbers and addresses of three supervisory references and copy of 
degree(s)/transcripts/certificate(s) to qualify for position by fax 
(808) 956-5022 or mail to Director of Human Resources, Research 
Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2530 Dole Street, Sakamaki Hall 
D-100, Honolulu, HI 96822 before the closing date. If you have questions 
on the application process and/or need assistance, please call 
(808)956-3100. *_CLOSING DATE: _**_August 3, 2009_**_. _*EEO/AA Employer.

-- 
Thea Johanos
Lead, Monk Seal Population Assessment Program
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1601 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1110
Honolulu, HI 96814-4700

808-944-2174 office
808-941-0307 fax