Aquatic Farms (, Ltd. of Honolulu, Hawaii) provides Scientific Support
Services to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands
Fisheries Science Center and is soliciting cover letters and resumes for the
upcoming 2005 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 is
also collected at some sites. For general information about the program,
visit this website:

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

There are two primary periods of employment available: late February/early
March until mid/late-August, and early April to mid/late August, though some
positions will last until September.

IMPORTANT: Please specify in your cover letter the period you are available.

The first 3-4 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 JANUARY 21 BUT SOONER IS BETTER*, Please submit a cover
letter and resume with employment history, education history, the names and
phone numebrs of three work related references to:

Aquatic Farms
Kathy Ciulla, Coordinator
Email: officeafl@...
Phone (808) 239 2929
Fax (808) 239 8436

The National Marine Fisheries Service Contact Person is:
Thea Johanos, Wildlife Biologist
Hawaiian Monk Seal Assessment Program
Email: Thea.Johanos-Kam@...
Phone (808) 983-5713
Fax: (808) 983-2902

Resumes sent to the NMFS will be forwarded to Aquatic Farms.

Applicants will be considered for either Biological Technician I or III
positions.

Biological Technician II (monthly salary $2,955 + overtime)
One Biological Technician II serves as the senior person in a field 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.

Biological Technician I (monthly salary $2,186 + overtime)
One or two Biological Technician I's participate in each field camp. Under
guidance of Biological Technician II 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.