Job Opening: Research Scientist – Marbled Murrelet Breeding Ecology (OR)
The Forest Animal Ecology Lab in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University is seeking a full-time Research Scientist to join the Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project, a large-scale, long-term project investigating space use, habitat selection, and breeding ecology of the Marbled Murrelet in western Oregon. Deadline to apply: priority by 4/16/2021.
Position Summary
The Forest Animal Ecology Lab in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University is seeking a full-time (1.00 FTE) Research Scientist to join the Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project, a large-scale, long-term project investigating space use, habitat selection, and breeding ecology of the Marbled Murrelet in western Oregon. The incumbent will fill a dynamic, fast-paced position with two primary foci: (1) planning and coordinating technical aspects of research, leading field work during April–September annually, and assisting with the hiring, supervising, and managing of field crews and laboratory assistants; and (2) collation and management of data, statistical analysis, and preparation of reports and manuscripts to support broader project goals.
Position Duties
30% Research Program Coordination – Interact closely with project leaders, research staff, senior project personnel, independent contractors, and members of the OSU community to lead planning and execution of field season logistics. Includes but is not restricted to working with land managers and agencies to obtain permits or other permissions for land access; testing, deploying, and maintaining electronic recording equipment; and coordinating all aspects of field work for a large research team (>20 members). Incumbent will provide support to other project elements including leading Marbled Murrelet at-sea capture and tagging, nesting or occupancy surveys, and radio-telemetry.
30% Travel and Field Data Collection – Travel to field sites throughout the Oregon Coast Range to support studies on space use and breeding ecology of Marbled Murrelet. Includes leading nocturnal at sea captures for capture and tagging of Marbled Murrelets in challenging ocean conditions; conducting early morning occupancy and/or nesting surveys; conducting tagging attachment and radio-telemetry to track radio-tagged birds; and quantifying nest site vegetation in nesting areas. Incumbent will also be responsible for ordering of supplies, editing of data collection protocols, and keeping inventory of project gear.
30% Data management & Analysis – Independently develop and maintain archival databases for data collected in the field in audio, visual, and tabular formats. Analyze data, interpret results, draw conclusions, prepare results statistically and graphically, and prepare reports for use in peer-reviewed publications and for presentation at scientific conferences.
10% Supervisory – Lead and supervise seasonal field crews and laboratory assistants; training of personnel to ensure data collection protocols are understood and correctly implemented, and resolving personnel issues.
Minimum Requirements
– M.S. degree in wildlife conservation, animal ecology, or a closely related field. – Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to effectively coordinate research and lead field based research teams.
– Professional competence in executing ornithological research, including capturing, handling, tagging, banding, and blood-sampling of birds.
– Demonstrated experience working on boats in rough, near-shore waters and under challenging conditions to perform detail-oriented work, including bird handling, bleeding, and VHF radio-tag attachment. Incumbent must be able to work at sea and not be incapacitated by seasickness.
– Demonstrated data management and statistical analysis skills, including use of spatial software (ArcGIS, Google Earth), database programs (Access, Excel), and statistical software. – Strong evidence of verbal and written communication skills.
– Ability to work effectively as a member of a large research team.
– Must possess a valid Driver’s License and be eligible to drive OSU Motor Pool vehicles. – This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions.
Preferred Qualifications
– Prior experience working with seabirds, especially Marbled Murrelets or other species of small auk. – Demonstrated experience undertaking minor wildlife surgeries for tag attachments. – Previous experience deploying electronics used in wildlife studies such as bird vocalization units, remote nest cameras, and managing and analyzing data from such efforts.
– Record of communicating scientific findings in peer-refereed scientific journals. – Experience with aerial- and ground-based radio-telemetry to quantify space use and movement. – Experience working in managed forests of the Pacific Northwest and knowledge of contemporary forest management practices.
– A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Application Instructions
To submit an application, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs and apply to posting #P04265UF. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: (1) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position, and (2) a full-length resume/curriculum vitae (CV). You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers as part of the application process. Review of applications will be begin on April 16, 2021, although applications will be accepted until the closing date of April 30, 2021. For additional information please contact: Jim Rivers (jim.rivers@oregonstate.edu).
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
