Job Opening: Short-term Arctic Field Assistant Position (AK)

Cooper Island Arctic Research is seeking field assistant(s) for the beginning (early June to early July) and end (mid-August to early September) of the 2021 field season. Deadline to apply: priority by 4/30/2021.Work is a continuation of long-term research at a colony of Mandt’s Black Guillemot on Cooper Island, 30 km east of Pt. Barrow Alaska, now focusing on the response of an ice-obligate seabird to ongoing reductions of sea ice in the Western Arctic.

Duties and Experience: Primary duties will include identifying color-banded birds, daily monitoring of nest contents, and deployment/retrieval of biologgers with daily processing and entry of observations and data. Applicants should have previous field experience monitoring nests and handling birds (preferably seabirds). Experience in deploying biologgers and GPS units highly desired. Possibility of assisting with post-field data processing and analysis.

Fieldwork occurs at temperatures from freezing to 50°F (10°C) with wind and precipitation events occasionally modulating the high serotonin levels induced by 24 hours of daylight. Applicants should enjoy rustic camping, have their own cold weather clothing, and be comfortable carrying firearms for polar bear deterrence.

Compensation: $1600 per month, transportation to and from Utqiagvik, Alaska, and meals in the field.

To Apply: Email divoky@cooperisland.org with a statement of interest, resume, and dates of availability. Include COVID-19 vaccination status. Note that starting on June 1, nonresidents traveling to Alaska will be able to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at the Anchorage or Fairbanks airport.