SUMMER INTERNSHIP - May 2008

Invasive Species Control in Koke’e, Island of Kaua’i
 
Koke`e Resource Conservation Program, a program of GIRC&D

LOCATION. Operations are based out of the CCC Camp in Koke`e State Park on the island of Kaua`i. The areas worked are within Koke`e and Waimea Canyon State Parks, and sometimes in the surrounding Forest Reserves.

MAJOR WORK TASKS

Summer interns will assist Koke`e Resource Conservation Program and Kaua`i State Parks with the implementation of field management tasks. Tasks will include but not be limited to the following:

1. Conduct weed control with both mechanical and chemical techniques. Weed control projects are performed in selected areas in a diversity of habitats from mesic Koa dominated forests to wet montane Ohia dominated forests, and are performed to protect native ecosystems and remove invasive threats. Target species include Strawberry guava, Kahili ginger, and Australian Tree Fern removed by hand pulling, or cutting, followed by direct application of herbicides using a drip bottle. Herbicides currently used are Escort, Garlon 4, Aquamaster and Roundup. Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is strictly enforced.

2. Delineate and follow field transects searching for and removing incipient invasive weed species.
Weed control techniques same as above.

3. Teach and train individual and/or group volunteers, supervise groups in the field.

4. Conduct threat control around rare plant species.

5. Identify the location of and/or obtain Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates for daily work sites. Download GPS information into ArcView, print maps of daily work sites.

6. Assist with greenhouse work in the native plant nursery, occasional outplanting.

7. Occasional trail maintenance and/or tree cutting and chipping.

QUALIFICATIONS. The interns must have the following qualifications:

1. Age: Minimum 18 years of age.
2. Education: Minimum of a High School diploma.
3. Abilities, Knowledge and Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and supervise students, mostly age 10 to 16. Commitment to preservation of Hawai`i’s native plant communities. Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions.
4. Physical and/or Medical Demands: Physically able and willing to carry out organized field work under rigorous physical conditions. Able to hike up to 10 miles per day, backpack 35 pounds, and camp in remote areas for a period of several days. No back problems, serious allergies or other medical conditions. Team player, safe worker; ability to accept instructions and put them into practice.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS.

1. Experience with Hawaiian flora and fauna, training in botany or ecology. Enrolled in a Bachelor program in environmental sciences (e.g., botany, ecology, natural resource management)
2. Ability to identify and evaluate significance of the resource and use of compass and maps. Ability to make sound planning and logistical decisions.
3. Experience with GIS/GPS and Arcview Mapping Program.
4. Hawaii Driver’s license and clean traffic abstract.

8 week program: mid-June to mid-August (flexible); Housing provided at CCC Camp.
Living Allowance $125 per week provided. Closing Date May 15, 2008
^{Click here to read Intern Testimonials}

For an application click here or write to rcp@aloha.net or call Katie Cassel at (808) 335-0045 or
(808) 335-0924. Preference is given to local Hawai`i residents.