| | | |

Graduate Position: Graduate Assistantship (M.S.) – Marbled Murrelet at-sea populations (CA, OR)

Cal Poly Humboldt is searching for a graduate student (MSc) for a partially funded research project monitoring threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) populations through at-sea monitoring in California and Oregon. Deadline to apply: January 23, 2025.

Agency/Organization: Cal Poly Humboldt

Location: California and Oregon

Website: Click here

Job Description: Cal Poly Humboldt is searching for a graduate student (MSc) for a partially funded research project monitoring threatened Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) populations through at-sea monitoring in California and Oregon. This work is part of a long-term monitoring project supported by the USFWS, and is in collaboration with Oregon State University.

The position will begin in May 2025. The successful candidate will participate in at-sea surveys for Marbled Murrelet and all other marine birds in near coastal areas throughout northern California and southern Oregon during the breeding season (May 12 – July 31). The candidate will be mentored by Drs. Daniel Barton and Frank Fogarty (Cal Poly Humboldt), and Dr. Rachael Orben (Oregon State University). There is the opportunity to investigate research questions related to population trends for other species in a long-term data set. The successful candidate is expected to participate in at-sea surveys throughout the Oregon coast in 2026, contingent on funding. The position includes partial support for a graduate student stipend, travel, and tuition, with the possibility of additional support from teaching assistant positions.

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

  • BSc in biology, zoology, wildlife ecology, fisheries, or a related field
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to achieve research goals
  • Willingness to travel and collect data in challenging conditions on small boats
  • Interest in developing advanced quantitative skills
  • The selected candidate will need to successfully apply to Cal Poly Humboldt’s Master of Science in Natural Resources program

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience using GIS and R to manage and analyze wildlife data
  • Experience collecting field data, including conducting point counts or other distance sampling methods
  • Familiarity with working on small boats in ocean conditions

Wage: N/A

To apply: Interested candidates should submit the following to Dr. Frank Fogarty (faf7@humboldt.edu):

  • Copy of unofficial transcripts
  • A letter of research interests that includes relevant skills and experiences
  • CV or resume, including contact information for at least two references

Application Deadline: January 23, 2025

Start Date: May 12, 2025

Contact: Dr. Frank Fogarty (faf7@humboldt.edu)