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Paid Field/Research Assistant: Undergraduate Seabird Predator Field Assistant (OR)

The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one eligible university undergraduate to serve as a seasonal field assistant to support seabird predation research throughout Curry County, Oregon during the summer 2024 field season (June 17th to September 13th). Deadline to apply: March 17, 2024.

Agency/Organization: Oregon State University

Location: Curry County, Oregon

Website: Click here

Job Description: The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one eligible university undergraduate to serve as a seasonal field assistant to support seabird predation research throughout Curry County, Oregon during the summer 2024 field season (June 17th to September 13th).

The Seabird Predator Field Assistant will work with an MSc student on various field and laboratory 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 native predators on populations of Leach’s storm-petrels, with a primary focus on northern river otters. Field responsibilities will include camera trap deployment, hair snare operation, mesocarnivore scat surveys (on foot and by kayak), and seabird GPS tag deployment. Field work will be conducted at near-shore seabird colony islands, coastal mainland, and major coastal rivers. This work will require hiking over uneven terrain, operating sea kayaks in choppy 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).

All applicants must be enrolled as at least half-time students at an undergraduate institution during Spring and Fall 2024 to be considered for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Survey for and collect river otter scat and fur samples in coastal and riverine environments
  • 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 river otter scat samples in a laboratory setting
  • Strictly adhere to Oregon State University and USFWS field safety protocols
  • Collect, enter, and proof data on a daily basis

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Enrolled as at least a half-time student at an undergraduate institution during Spring and Fall 2024. The selected applicant will be required to show proof of enrollment via a letter from the university registrar or other similar document.
  • Ability to be located full-time in Curry County, Oregon from June 17th to September 13th (housing will be provided at no cost)
  • Physically capable of accessing field sites, including climbing up steep rocky slopes, carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment, and operating a kayak
  • Willing to work long hours and variable schedules, as the timing of field work will be mediated by tides and weather conditions
  • Comfortable living in shared housing with a diverse group of scientists and field personnel
  • Selected applicant must complete a Motor Vehicle History Check and possess a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience collecting biological data in the field
  • Up-to-date first aid and CPR certifications
  • Demonstrated proficiency with kayak (or other paddlecraft) operation
  • Experience rock climbing or hiking in dangerous terrain
  • Familiarity working with biological samples in a laboratory environment
  • Strong academic/professional interest in seabird conservation or mesocarnivore behavior

Wage: $15/hour; 35-40 hours/week

To apply: All applications must be completed through the Oregon State University jobs portal here. Interested applicants will be required to make an account on the job portal to apply. Applications must include a resume/CV and a cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position. Note that this job listing is designed as a pool hire for several positions within the Seabird Oceanography Lab; your cover letter should specifically address that you are interested in the “Seabird Predator Field Assistant” position. Please email luke.stuntz@oregonstate.edu with any questions about the position or the application process. Review of applications will begin on March 18th, 2024.

Application Deadline: March 17, 2024

Start Date: May 17, 2024

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