Paid Scientist: Assistant Project Biologist (CA)
The Common Murre Restoration Project is seeking an Assistant Project Biologist to assist the Lead Biologist with aspects of a long-term monitoring study of breeding seabirds including Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Western Gull, Black Oystercatcher, and Pigeon Guillemot along the central California coast. Deadline to apply: June 20, 2024.
Agency/Organization: Common Murre Restoration Project
Location: Fremont, California
Website: Click here
Job Description: The Common Murre Restoration Project is seeking an Assistant Project Biologist to assist the Lead Biologist with aspects of a long-term monitoring study of breeding seabirds including Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Western Gull, Black Oystercatcher, and Pigeon Guillemot along the central California coast. This project is conducted cooperatively by Cal Poly Humboldt and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex). The purpose of the project is to aid in the recovery of Common Murre colonies that were depleted because of oil spills, human disturbance, and other anthropogenic factors.
Primary duties will include field season logistics (e.g. arranging housing for technicians, coordinating with project partners to ensure access to field sites, preparing and re-stocking field supplies, coordinating routine vehicle and equipment maintenance), assisting with field staff training, data entry and proofing, approximately 1-2 days/week assisting with bird surveys during the field season (documenting human disturbances to seabirds, bird counts, productivity monitoring, organizing long-term data and project files), or other duties assigned by the Lead Biologist or Principal Investigator. Other duties may include database maintenance, statistical analysis, and assistance in preparation of reports.
Qualifications: Successful applicants must demonstrate specific evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to work independently, and ability to make good decisions. Preference may be given to applicants with prior field experience with seabird or other wildlife monitoring or census techniques and experience working with large datasets. Additional evaluation will be based on the applicant’s knowledge and experience with computer use, databases, and report preparation, and leadership or supervisory skills.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, biological sciences, or related discipline with an emphasis in wildlife biology, vertebrate restoration or behavior.
- Current driver’s license with a good driving record.
- Specific and demonstrable organizational skills.
- Specific and demonstrable database entry and proofing skills.
- Specific and demonstrable communication skills.
- Specific and demonstrable problem solving and leadership skills.
- Ability to sufficiently move and lift equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to regularly hike up to 3 miles in steep/narrow/uneven terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs. of gear.
- Ability to work at the tops of high, steep cliffs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with seabird colony monitoring.
- Ability to perform sedentary behavioral observations for multiple hours uninterrupted.
- Experience using spotting scopes.
- Experience managing and manipulating large datasets.
- Knowledge of SQL and database design in MS Access.
- Experience with statistical analysis and scientific writing.
- Experience with project administration.
Applicants will be evaluated and ranked based on details given in their application package; please address all qualifications and length of experience in each category to receive full consideration. Applicants who are citizens of countries outside of North America, or who are otherwise not eligible for work under existing treaties, must have valid documentation to work in the United States at the time of appointment; applicants for whom this applies must include their visa status in the application.
Wage: Range $25.00 to $28.00 per hour depending on experience and responsibilities. This is a full-time, year-round position based in Fremont CA. This position offers a competitive benefits package including group health, dental, and vision. Housing is not provided.
To apply: Application must include:
- 1) A SIGNED cover letter, which includes the exact job title: Wildlife Biologist/Assistant Project Biologist
- 2) Résumé
- 3) Names, affiliations, and phone numbers of two professional references
- 4) Completed and signed SPF Self-Identification Form for Job Applicants
Email completed application to: Carley.Schacter@humboldt.edu (she/her).
Application Deadline: June 20, 2024
Start Date: Desired start date on or about September 1, 2024; alternative start date may be negotiable.
Contact: Carley Schacter (Carley.Schacter@humboldt.edu)
