The
Department Environmental Permitting & Compliance, located on the Island of
Maui, Hawaii is seeking a Wildlife Technician. First Wind is an independent
North American wind energy company focused exclusively on the development, ownership
and operation of wind energy projects since 2002. First Wind is committed to
the communities it works with to achieve the most efficient and economic wind
generation projects in North America.
Job Purpose: Responsibilities will include assisting with and coordinating seabird conservation activities at a newly established mitigation site in West Maui, Hawaii. This project supports the mitigation requirements for 2 operating wind energy generation facilities on the island of Maui.
Kaheawa Wind Power (KWP) is the first wind energy project in the United States to implement a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under state and federal endangered species laws. A second project planned adjacent to the existing project (KWP II) will be implementing similar provisions under a new HCP. Key provisions of both HCPs include developing and implementing management actions that will promote the survival and reproductive success of Hawaiian Petrels (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and Newell’s Shearwaters (Puffinus newelli) and result in a net conservation benefit for both species. The project entails the installation of two separate predator-free fenced enclosures, eradication and control of predators inside the protective enclosures, installation of artificial nesting burrow structures and social attraction, and frequent operational and biological monitoring.
Job Purpose: Responsibilities will include assisting with and coordinating seabird conservation activities at a newly established mitigation site in West Maui, Hawaii. This project supports the mitigation requirements for 2 operating wind energy generation facilities on the island of Maui.
Kaheawa Wind Power (KWP) is the first wind energy project in the United States to implement a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under state and federal endangered species laws. A second project planned adjacent to the existing project (KWP II) will be implementing similar provisions under a new HCP. Key provisions of both HCPs include developing and implementing management actions that will promote the survival and reproductive success of Hawaiian Petrels (Pterodroma sandwichensis) and Newell’s Shearwaters (Puffinus newelli) and result in a net conservation benefit for both species. The project entails the installation of two separate predator-free fenced enclosures, eradication and control of predators inside the protective enclosures, installation of artificial nesting burrow structures and social attraction, and frequent operational and biological monitoring.
Principal Responsibilities
· Working alongside the project leader, plan and perform regular inspections of the fenced enclosures to identify and repair breaches and/or damaged sections; make repairs as necessary.
· Establish and maintain an intensive trapping grid targeting the eradication of mongoose, feral cats, and rats inside the protected enclosures and within buffer zones outside the enclosures;.
· Install artificial nesting burrow structures and social attraction media (vocalization playback system and decoys) and maintain these in functional working order.
· Monitor and document visitation, prospecting and breeding activities by the target species and evaluate project success.
· Assist with site rejuvenation as necessary which may include native plant procurement, layout and installation.
· Record detailed field notes, create and maintain computer data bases, summarize and analyze monitoring data, and generate periodic and annual reports of results.
· Coordinate with contractors, collaborators, and agency officials as necessary.
· Working alongside the project leader, plan and perform regular inspections of the fenced enclosures to identify and repair breaches and/or damaged sections; make repairs as necessary.
· Establish and maintain an intensive trapping grid targeting the eradication of mongoose, feral cats, and rats inside the protected enclosures and within buffer zones outside the enclosures;.
· Install artificial nesting burrow structures and social attraction media (vocalization playback system and decoys) and maintain these in functional working order.
· Monitor and document visitation, prospecting and breeding activities by the target species and evaluate project success.
· Assist with site rejuvenation as necessary which may include native plant procurement, layout and installation.
· Record detailed field notes, create and maintain computer data bases, summarize and analyze monitoring data, and generate periodic and annual reports of results.
· Coordinate with contractors, collaborators, and agency officials as necessary.
Qualifications
· Bachelors degree in an applicable field required (biological science, wildlife ecology/management, environmental biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline).
· 3-5 years of professional work experience related to natural resource management, seabird conservation, wildlife and/or habitat enhancement, and ecological assessment.
· Proficient with GIS and GPS and with the interpretation and use of map and earth imagery data products.
· Prior experience working with colonial nesting seabirds and habitats, field survey techniques, bird banding and handling, and knowledge of regulatory provisions associated with threatened and endangered species is required.
· Self-motivated, able to work independently and in a team setting, and willing to occasionally work extended hours in the field.
· Ability to safely perform field survey work, operate hand and power tools, and exercise good judgment in remote locations. Much of the work will be during the day, but frequent night work and other atypical hours will be required.
· Communicate effectively with supervisors, project staff, contractors, collaborating scientists, and regulatory agency personnel.
· Demonstrate and/or develop working knowledge of the conservation principles of HCPs, state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to threatened and endangered species, and relevant conservation strategies that are likely to promote project success.
· Bachelors degree in an applicable field required (biological science, wildlife ecology/management, environmental biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline).
· 3-5 years of professional work experience related to natural resource management, seabird conservation, wildlife and/or habitat enhancement, and ecological assessment.
· Proficient with GIS and GPS and with the interpretation and use of map and earth imagery data products.
· Prior experience working with colonial nesting seabirds and habitats, field survey techniques, bird banding and handling, and knowledge of regulatory provisions associated with threatened and endangered species is required.
· Self-motivated, able to work independently and in a team setting, and willing to occasionally work extended hours in the field.
· Ability to safely perform field survey work, operate hand and power tools, and exercise good judgment in remote locations. Much of the work will be during the day, but frequent night work and other atypical hours will be required.
· Communicate effectively with supervisors, project staff, contractors, collaborating scientists, and regulatory agency personnel.
· Demonstrate and/or develop working knowledge of the conservation principles of HCPs, state and federal regulatory requirements pertaining to threatened and endangered species, and relevant conservation strategies that are likely to promote project success.
Personal Attributes Essential for
Success at First Wind
· Integrity and accountability.
· Communicate with honesty and respectful candor.
· Make and honor well thought out commitments.
· A collaborative style and a can-do attitude.
· Passionate and enthusiastic about alternative energy and wildlife conservation.
· Integrity and accountability.
· Communicate with honesty and respectful candor.
· Make and honor well thought out commitments.
· A collaborative style and a can-do attitude.
· Passionate and enthusiastic about alternative energy and wildlife conservation.
For additional Information, please
contact:
Gregory Spencer
First Wind, Environmental Affairs
PH: (808) 298-5097
EMAIL: gspencer@firstwind.com
Gregory Spencer
First Wind, Environmental Affairs
PH: (808) 298-5097
EMAIL: gspencer@firstwind.com