Job Openings: Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project Crew Lead + Tech (OR)
The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project (OMMP) at Oregon State University is hiring one of two seasonal field crew leaders from 4/19/21 to 8/13/21 (17 weeks, start and end date may be flexible, possibility of extension) to assist with a long-term, large-scale study of space use and nest success of the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet. OMMP is also hiring one of eight (8) seasonal field technicians from 4/26/21 to 8/13/21 (16 weeks, start and end date may be flexible, possibility of extension). This work is being conducted as part of the Forest Animal Ecology Lab at Oregon State University and is led by head PI, Dr. Jim Rivers.
This is a great opportunity to study one of the most unique birds in North America. Marbled murrelets spend the majority of their time out on the ocean, but fly inland to nest in mature forests. Murrelets are cryptic nesters, and locating nests is a notoriously difficult task. Therefore, much about their nesting habits remains a mystery. Each nest located provides critical information to understanding this species’ habits, and the field crew members will be able to proudly say they have searched for the most elusive nest in North America.
Marbled Murrelet Crew Lead:
Link to application and position description: https://www.oregonmurrelet.org/2021-ommp-crew-leader-position
Application Deadline: Jan 15, 2021 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
The Crew Lead will manage the field crew and lead field work using radio telemetry, point counts, electronic audio and visual equipment, and vegetation sampling to collect data on nesting and space use of Marbled Murrelets. The crew will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast. The field schedule will be variable and includes long days, very early mornings, and night work, with limited time off. Extensive driving is required on unimproved forest roads with active logging, as well as through paved but busy tourist towns. All safety training is provided. Field work occurs in all weather conditions. Wind, fog, rain, biting/stinging insects, and poison oak will be encountered on a regular basis. All personnel should expect to carry loads upwards of 50 lbs. in steep, loose terrain. Physical fitness is necessary for safe transport of heavy and expensive equipment to off-trail forest locations; prior experience hiking and backpacking is an asset. Work will occur solo and in pairs depending on the nature of the work. Some travel out of state may be required. Compensation is a monthly salary, based on experience, plus shared field housing, and use of university vehicles for work activities.
Marbled Murrelet General Technician:
Link to application and position description: https://www.oregonmurrelet.org/2021-ommp-general-technician-position
Application Deadline: Jan 15, 2021 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)
Technicians will use radio telemetry, audio and visual equipment, vegetation sampling, and other observational survey techniques to collect data on nesting and space use of marbled murrelets. Full training will be provided for all field tasks. Technicians will gain experience and become highly proficient using radio telemetry in difficult conditions and diverse landscapes. The field crew will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast and will utilize university-provided vehicles for all work activities. The field schedule is variable including long days, very early mornings, and night work, with limited time off. Extensive driving is required on unimproved forest roads with active logging as well as through paved but busy tourist towns. The use of CB radios is required while driving in the forest and safety training is provided. Work occurs in all weather conditions which regularly include rain, fog and large temperatures swings. All personnel should expect to carry field equipment upwards of 50 lbs. off-trail in steep, loose terrain. Work will occur solo, in pairs, and in larger groups depending on the nature of the work. Some travel out of state may be required. Compensation is a monthly salary, based on experience, plus shared field housing, and use of university vehicles for work activities.
Contact Person: Jon Dachenhaus and Ethan Woodis
Contact Email: osumamujobs@gmail.com
