Job Opening: Seabird Observers (OR)
The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University seeks two vessel-based seabird observers for a 10-day cruise on the NOAA vessel the R/V Shimada May 24-June 4, 2021 out of Newport, OR. Deadline to apply: 4/9/2021.
Job summary: We are seeking two vessel based seabird observers to conduct at-sea surveys aboard the NOAA Research Vessel Bell M Shimada from May 24-June 4 2021. This work will contribute to a multi-year data set of seabird community composition and abundance off the Oregon coast. Observers may be required to self-isolate for seven days prior to the cruise (more details below).
Status: Temporary (research cruise).
Job responsibilities:
• Participation on a 10 day research cruise of the Northern California Current System
• Conduct at sea seabird surveys from sunrise to sunset (with breaks per protocol) each day, as conditions allow.
• Observational and environmental data collection, entry, and proofing.
• Adherence with survey protocol and COVID-19 guidelines as outlined by NOAA and OSU
Qualifications: The ideal candidate(s) have sea going experience and are capable of identifying seabirds from a moving ship (using strip transect method). Must be able to work independently and ideally possess technical and logistical trouble shooting skills.
Experienced candidate:
• Experience conducting vessel based surveys
• Experience with seabird and shorebird species identification in the North Pacific
• Experience with extended/multi-day research cruises
• Familiarity with survey methods (e.g. strip transect, snapshot)
• Experience with standard software (e.g. SeeBird_WinCruz, DLog, SeaScribe)
• Ability to self-isolate prior to cruise
Trainee candidate:
• Possess some bird (preferably seabird) identification skills
• Have some experience working at sea
• Ability to spend up to 10 days at sea
• Ability to self-isolate prior to cruise
We expect that the experienced candidate can work independently and is comfortable/competent conducting at sea surveys. Ideally, the trainee should have bird ID skills and some experience working at sea. Observers are expected to conduct surveys during all periods of vessel transit from sunrise to sunset (with breaks per protocol), as conditions allow. The ability to troubleshoot minor technological issues will be helpful.
Participation in these cruises requires background and tuberculosis clearance, as well as adherence to COVID-19 guidelines aboard a government research vessel. As of March 2021, this includes:
• Candidates must be able to self-isolate for seven days prior to the cruise (as of March 2021). Lodging is available during this period as needed to meet the isolation requirements (at Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR).
• Commitment to wearing a mask for the duration of the research cruise Work period: May 24-June 4 2021, with self-isolation period beginning May 17 (as of March 2021).
The position will be hired through BlueSun. The compensation will be $140/day to $208/day dependent on experience. Room and board provided throughout the research cruise, and during the self-isolation period prior, if needed. Compensation provided during the self-isolation period.
Please submit your application (a pdf containing a brief cover letter and your CV) by April 9th for full consideration.
Contact: rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu
