Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii), a contractor for The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the upcoming 2009 field research season to study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program 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 analysis; collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis; collecting & removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. For general information about the program, visit this website: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/ Employment will be from mid April to early September, though some positions will continue until mid/late September. The starting date may be delayed until early May depending on cruise scheduling. The number of positions and/or continuation of the program is subject to funding. The first 3 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. Food and lodging in Honolulu are not provided; a listing of potential housing options is available. Transportation from Honolulu to and from the field site, food, and lodging in the field are provided. Field work is accomplished by 2-5 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live either in wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and two are accessible by plane. Few supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. *NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 20 BUT SOONER IS BETTER* Please submit a cover letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and phone numbers of three work related references to the contact below. IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available, remote field experience, animal handling experience, boating skills, and whether you will accept a volunteer position. Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms Email: officeafl@hawaii.rr.com Email submissions are preferred, but you can also mail applications to: Calinda Goo Aquatic Farms 49-139 Kam Hwy Kaneohe, HI 96744 Please also send duplicate cover letters and resumes to: Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program Phone (808) 944-2174 Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam@noaa.gov (preferred) or By mail to: Thea Johanos Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Protected Species Division 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700 Employment will be provided by Aquatic Farms (Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii)a contractor that provides Scientific Support Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). Applicants will be considered for two types of positions: field camp leader and field camp assistants, depending upon education and experience. Volunteer positions for field camp assistant may also be available for applicants without prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp or without prior field experience in a related PIFSC research effort within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. FIELD CAMP LEADER One field camp leader serves as the senior person in a camp. Leads field personnel in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Responsible for quality and timeliness of the field team's work. Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for field personnel. Responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies for remote research camp are prepared. Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Responsible for return of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Produces annual report at end of field season. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Associates degree with 2 years field experience (5 yrs experience may be substituted for the education requirements). Good communication, leadership and decision-making skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. 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 working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include 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, working knowledge of computers, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance. FIELD CAMP ASSISTANT One or two assistants participate in each field camp. Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparation, collection, entry and editing of data. Maintains a safe working environment for field personnel. Participates in daily maintenance and operation of field camp. Collects 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. Minimum Qualifications: High school graduate or equivalent with 3 years field experience. Good communication and team skills. Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets,and databases. Ability to swim. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. 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 working on NOAA research vessels. Desirable qualities include 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, working knowledge of computers, previous data entry experience, prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to operate small boat and conduct routine maintenance.