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Job Opening: Snowy Plover Monitor Position (OR)

The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, part of the Institute for Natural Resources at Portland State University, is conducting ongoing research on the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon coast. Position runs from 4/3/2023 to approximately 9/15/2023 and is located near Florence, OR. Deadline to apply: ASAP!

Work involves locating nests, conducting surveys, following broods, and periodic assistance to staff at cooperating agencies for signing, roping, and monitoring during habitat restoration work. Occasional assistance with banding may occur. Field assistants are also responsible for timely and accurate data entry, and assist with equipment maintenance as needed. Work requires long hours under a variety of weather conditions. Field crews typically work 6 6-hour days; some days may be longer. If applicable, we are willing to help an undergraduate student arrange college credit for this work.

Required Qualifications:

  • progress towards undergraduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources
  • field experience in avian research, including experience using binoculars, spotting scopes, and reading color bands
  • experience in methods commonly used to locate and observe nesting shorebirds
  • strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • ability to communicate well under a variety of situations, including one on one, in small group settings, and with partner agencies
  • ability to make sound judgement calls in the field
  • willingness and enthusiasm to work under a variety of weather conditions
  • ability to hike 5-8 miles per day
  • willingness to work alone and as part of a team in the field
  • valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred qualifications:

Studies have shown that women and minorities often don’t apply for positions where they don’t meet all of the preferred skills and experience. We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work, and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills.

  • an undergraduate degree in one of the above disciplines,
  • bird handling experience
  • bird banding experience
  • excellent shorebird identification skills
  • experience safely operating all-terrain vehicles,
  • experience using Microsoft Access and Excel
  • a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Position runs from 4/3/2023 to approximately 9/15/2023 and is located near Florence, OR. Pay is competitive, begins at $24 per hour, and depends on education and experience. The applicant will be required to be based on the central Oregon coast (between Florence and Lakeside). Shared housing (USFS Bunkhouse) is available for a small fee. Pets are not allowed in USFS housing. Students enrolled in an undergraduate program may be able to earn credit for participation on the project.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, copy of university transcripts (unofficial), and telephone numbers/email addresses of three references to: ELEANOR GAINES, eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. PSU is an AA/EOE.