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Paid Field/Research Assistant: Seabird Predator Research Assistant with Oregon State University (OR)

The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one seasonal field technician to assist with seabird predation research throughout Curry County, Oregon during the summer 2023 field season (June 12th to September 15th; dates somewhat flexible). Deadline to apply: 4/1/2023.

Agency/Organization: Oregon State University

Location: Curry County, Oregon

Website (to apply): https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/research-labs/seabird-oceanography-lab

Job Description: The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one seasonal field technician to assist with seabird predation research throughout Curry County, Oregon during the summer 2023 field season (June 12th to September 15th; dates somewhat flexible).

The Seabird Predator Research Technician will work with an MSc student on various field tasks pertaining to their thesis research. This project is being conducted in collaboration with the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS) and attempts to explore the impacts of various mammalian predators on populations of Leach’s storm-petrels. Field responsibilities will include storm-petrel burrow surveys, small mammal live-trapping, mesocarnivore scat surveys, camera trap deployment/maintenance, and seabird GPS tag deployment. Field work will be conducted at several near-shore seabird colony nesting islands and coastal areas adjacent to these sites. This work will require hiking over uneven terrain, operating sea kayaks in choppy coastal surf, and the transport of large amounts of equipment up steep island cliffs. In addition to field work, the technician will be responsible for processing and analyzing biological samples in a laboratory setting. Housing will be provided at an OSU operated biological field station located in Port Orford, Oregon throughout the entirety of the field season (see portorfordfieldstation.oregonstate.edu for details). Salary: $15.00/hour at 40 hours/week, plus housing

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Live-trap and collect biological samples (blood, fur, feces) from small mammals
  • Survey for and collect mesocarnivore scats in a coastal environment
  • Deploy and maintain an array of camera traps for seabird predator monitoring
  • Assist with seabird burrow surveys and GPS tag deployment
  • Organize, clean, and maintain large amounts of field equipment
  • Perform physical parts analysis of mesocarnivore scats
  • Process and prepare biological samples for stable isotope analysis
  • Strictly adhere to Oregon State University and USFWS field safety protocols
  • Collect, enter, and proof data on a daily basis

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate or recent graduate in wildlife biology or a related field
  • Ability to be located full-time in Curry County, Oregon from June 12th to September 15th (some slight flexibility in start/end dates may be possible)
  • Capable of working long hours and variable schedules, as the timing of field work will be mediated by tides and weather conditions
  • Physically capable of accessing field sites, including climbing up steep rocky slopes, carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment, and operating a sea kayak
  • Extensive experience working outdoors under difficult physical conditions
  • Comfortable living in shared housing with a diverse group of scientists and field personnel
  • Organizational skills to closely follow data collection and management protocols
  • Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience collecting biological data in the field
  • Demonstrated proficiency with sea kayak (or other paddlecraft) operation
  • Experience with rock climbing or hiking in dangerous terrain
  • Familiarity surveying for, identifying, and analyzing carnivore scat
  • Experience with camera trap deployment and maintenance
  • Experience trapping/handling small mammals
  • Familiarity working with biological samples in a laboratory environment
  • Strong academic/professional interest in seabird conservation or mesocarnivore behavior
  • Up-to-date Basic First Aid, Advanced First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Up-to-date CPR/AED or Basic Life Support certification Application Instructions

To apply, please assemble a single PDF containing a cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position, a full-length resume/CV, and contact information (email and phone number) for three professional/academic references. In your cover letter, please directly address the listed qualifications (e.g., if you have a first aid certification, mention it here). Please email this PDF to luke.stuntz@oregonstate.edu with “Seabird Predator Research Technician Application” in the subject line. Any questions that you have about the position may be sent to the same email address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we expect to make our hiring decision by April 15th, 2023.

Application Deadline: 4/1/2023

Start Date: 6/12/2023

Contact: Luke Stuntz (luke.stuntz@oregonstate.edu)