The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking volunteers beginning April 20, 2015 for up to 8 months to join the 10th Crazy Ant Strike Team (CAST X) Expedition to Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge to work towards eradicating an infestation of the Yellow Crazy Ant (YCA), Anoplolepis gracilipes, on Johnston Island.
Johnston Atoll is located in the central Pacific Ocean, over 700 nautical miles west-southwest of Honolulu, and is uninhabited except for the four volunteers and one crew leader. The refuge is managed for 14 species of breeding seabirds and 5 species of wintering shorebirds in addition to its diverse coral reef and marine organism assemblages, including the threatened Green Sea Turtle. The atoll’s four small islands constitute the only non-rat-infested land area in approximately 750,000 square miles of ocean, making it critical seabird nesting habitat. Volunteers will have the rare opportunity to live in this remote setting surrounded by abundant birds and sea life. Applicants must be willing and able to work 48 hours per week. Must be physically fit and able to walk 10 miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 70 lbs, ride a bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions. Must be able to perform all duties in various weather conditions including high heat and humidity, strong winds, and rain. Must be able to work well independently as well as closely in a small group, be easy-going with a good sense of humor, and flexible to changing conditions. All CAST members must follow all pesticide and safety protocols. Qualified applicants must possess a valid passport that will not expire before March 2016. Possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license is preferred. Prior experience in the following is preferred: camping, invasive species control, shorebird and seabird identification and monitoring, entomological surveying, familiarity with GIS tools and software, data management, pesticide application, being awesome. Please see the posting on Texas A&M for the full position description and how to apply: http://wfscjobs.tamu.edu/jobs/10th-crazy-ant-strike-team-volunteer-johnston-atoll-honolulu-hi/
