Paid Field/Research Assistant: Tufted Puffin Bill Load Photography Technician (OR)
The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one (1) seasonal field technician from 7/10/2023 to 8/18/2023 (40 days, start and end date may be flexible) to conduct bill load photography of tufted puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, and interact with the public. The field work will occur in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Deadline to apply: 6/9/2023.
Agency/Organization: Oregon State University
Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Website: https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/coastaloregonbirds/
Job Description: The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one (1) seasonal field technician from 7/10/2023 to 8/18/2023 (40 days, start and end date may be flexible) to conduct bill load photography of tufted puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, and interact with the public. The field work will occur in Cannon Beach, Oregon.
The technician must be able to work solo with minimal supervision. Field work will be scheduled to capitalize on low tides and conditions suitable for photography. This includes very early mornings and weekends. It is anticipated the technician will spend 2-5 hr in the field when conditions are good. The applicant will also be expected to curate photos on a regular basis. Experience in technical wildlife photography is highly advantageous. The applicant will be using a Sony A9 with a FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens and a 1.2x teleconverter to photograph flying puffins with bill loads. Experience with a similar system to photograph flying birds is highly advantageous.
The successful applicant should be able to carry loads upwards of 30 lbs. Accommodation will be provided from 7/10/2023 to 8/18/2023. Accommodation from July 12-14 will be tent camping. Applicants are expected to be able to provide their own vehicle, but a shorter period of employment may be possible for a strong applicant without a vehicle.
A strong interest in using photography as a story-telling tool is also desired. Additionally, the applicant will be expected to create a photo essay on Cannon Beach containing the themes of seabirds and humans. At the end of the field season they will curate, caption, and publish the photo essay. Morgan Heim will provide mentorship for the photo essay project. Applicants must be available for a pre-season zoom session with Morgan. Creation of the photo essay is not included in the compensated working hours.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Photograph tufted puffins and other marine birds carrying bill loads at Haystack Rock.
- Document disturbances by eagles and other causes during photography sessions.
- Curate photos on a regular basis.
- Use field notebooks, datasheets, and a laptop to maintain records and databases.
- Regularly clean and maintain camera gear.
- Conduct all work in accordance with the Oregon State University safety requirements.
- Maintain professional and positive working relationships on the job and in living quarters.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work in the United States
- Technical photography experience
- Bird observing experience
- Computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner
- Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs
- Capable of working variable schedules including early mornings and weekends
- Ability to work in cold conditions.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience and skill photographing birds with at least a 300mm lens.
- Strong interest in photography, visual story-telling, ecology, marine birds, and conservation.
- Demonstrated ability to work solo with minimal supervision.
Wage: $3000 including local travel ($18/hr, ~140 hrs of work)
To apply:
- Cover letter that highlights relevant skills.
- Full-length resume or CV.
- Names and contact information (email and telephone) of two references who may be contacted.
- Email this document to rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu with “Tufted Puffin Technician Application” in the subject line. Questions may be addressed to the same email. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis and hiring decisions will be made by 6/16/2023.
Application Deadline: 6/9/2023
Start Date: 7/10/2023
Contact: Rachael Orben (rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu)
