Paid Field/Research Assistant: Ecologist with Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge (CA)
Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge is seeking a seasonal field ecologist who is passionate about seabird conservation and community to work with their project at Año Nuevo Island, on the central California coast. This Ecologist position would co-lead fieldwork and student mentoring, and lead day-to-day coordination of the project. Deadline to apply: 1/7/2023.
Agency/Organization: Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge
Website: https://www.oikonos.org/
Job Description: We are seeking a seasonal field ecologist who is passionate about seabird conservation and community to work with our project at Año Nuevo Island, on the central California coast (http://oikonos.org/ano-nuevo-island). This Ecologist position would co-lead fieldwork and student mentoring, and lead day-to-day coordination of the project.
Job Responsibilities: Co-lead weekly 1-2 day field trips to Año Nuevo Island – duties include:
- Collecting standardized and rigorous data contributing to a 30-year time series on seabird breeding and diet metrics from April – August
- Training and working with seasonal staff and early career ecologists o Banding and measuring seabirds
- Capturing seabirds with mist nets
- Field station maintenance and upkeep
- Manage safety in the field
- Depending on interest, driving small boats in challenging ocean conditions
Project administration (WFH or at Oikonos office in Santa Cruz):
- Data management including entering, proofing, and managing databases
- Co-managing and supporting early career ecologists outside of time in the field
- Summarizing data and report writing
- Supporting fundraising efforts and grant writing
- Preparing for field operations
- Budget management
- Assisting with social media and relevant organization administration
- Creating outreach materials
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Qualifications:
Who you are (the basics):
• Passionate about seabird conservation
• A strong leader with excellent collaborative, communication, and mentoring skills
• Ability to identify problems and to develop and implement effective solutions
• Well organized and able to calmly juggle and achieve multiple responsibilities
• Sustain a strong culture of health, safety, and inclusion in the project
• Able to lift up to 50lbs
• Comfortable working long days and nights outdoors in challenging field conditions
• Comfortable in small zodiacs and confident ability to swim
• Able to work in groups and independently
• Competent with Microsoft Office programs
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in biological sciences or related field)
• Able to legally work in the United States
• On the job, candidates will be expected to become proficient at data analysis and report writing
Who you are (bonus points):
• Experienced handling birds
• Experienced with collection of clear, legible, and rigorous biological data in a field setting
• Experienced mentoring students or early career individuals, and creating inclusive educational experiences to support students from diverse backgrounds
• Experienced with driving small boats and basic outboard motor maintenance
• Experienced working around marine mammals and seabirds
• In possession of a good sense of humor
• Reside locally
• First aid certified
• Experience working in R and GIS
• Proficient Spanish speaker to effectively communicate with our Oikonos team in Chile
• Interest in continuing position after 6 months, dependent on funding
Application Requirements:
• Cover letter – briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position
• C.V. – most recently updated, including a list of two professional references and their contact information. Oikonos will contact the references of applicants under serious consideration.
• Application packet should be emailed to Danielle Devincenzi (danielle@oikonos.org), with “Año Nuevo Ecologist Application” included in the email subject. The application period ends Jan. 7, 2023.
Application Deadline: 1/7/2023
Start Date: 4/1/2023
Contact Person: Danielle Devincenzi (danielle@oikonos.org)
