Paid Technician: Undergraduate Tufted Puffin Bill Load Photographer (OR)
The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one eligible* university undergraduate to serve as a seasonal field technician from 7/13/2026 to 8/15/2026 to conduct bill load photography of tufted puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, interact with the public, curate photos, and identify photographed prey items. Applications due 4/24/26!
Agency/Organization: Oregon State University
Location: Cannon Beach, OR
Website: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/178789
Job Description:
The field work will occur at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon, with an initial ~5 day training period and then solo work for the remainder of the time.
The Tufted Puffin photography technician must be able to work solo with minimal supervision. Field work will be scheduled to capitalize on low tides and conditions suitable for photography. This includes very early mornings, evenings, and weekends. It is anticipated the technician will spend 2-5 hours in the field each day when conditions are good. The technician will be expected to curate photos on a regular basis and review photos for initial prey identification following established protocols and by using a custom prey identification guide. Experience in technical wildlife photography is desirable. The applicant will be using a Sony A9 with a FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens and a 1.2x teleconverter to photograph flying puffins with bill loads. Experience with a similar system to photograph flying birds is highly advantageous.
Camping accommodations will be provided throughout the duration of the position.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Photograph tufted puffins and other marine birds carrying bill loads at Haystack Rock, OR
• Document disturbances by eagles and other causes during photography sessions
• Curate photos on a regular basis
• Follow bill load identification protocols to identify prey items
• Use field notebooks, datasheets, and a laptop to maintain records
• Interact with the general public and document interactions with interested visitors
• Regularly clean and maintain camera gear
• Conduct all work in accordance with Oregon State University safety requirements
• Maintain professional and positive working relationships on the job and in living quarters
Minimum Qualifications
•All applicants must be enrolled as students at an undergraduate institution during Spring and Fall 2026 to be considered for this position.
• Photography experience using DSLR cameras
• Basic bird identification knowledge
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs
• Capable of working variable schedules including early mornings and weekends
• Comfort camping in established campgrounds for extended periods of time
• Ability to work outdoors, sometimes in cold and windy conditions
• Ability to work legally in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience and skill photographing birds with at least a 300mm lens
• Up-to-date first aid and CPR certification
• Strong interest in photography, ecology, marine birds, and conservation
• Demonstrated ability to work solo with minimal supervision
Wage/Compensation: $15.05 per hour, up to 150 hours total. Travel reimbursement will be provided for travel to Oregon and field sites.
To Apply: All applications must be completed through the Oregon State University jobs portal at the following link https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/178789. Interested applicants will be required to make an account on the job portal to apply. Applications must include a resume/CV and a cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position.
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026
Start Date: 7/13/2026
End Date: 8/15/2026
Contact: Rachael Orben (rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu)
