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Paid Student Field/Research Assistant: Seabird Monitoring Technician (OR)

The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is seeking to hire a currently enrolled undergraduate student as a seabird monitoring technician for seabird productivity monitoring projects along the Oregon Coast. Deadline to apply: March 17, 2025!

Agency/Organization: Oregon State University

Location: Newport, Oregon

Website: Click here

Job Description: The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is seeking to hire a currently enrolled undergraduate student (see guidelines below) as a seabird monitoring technician for seabird productivity monitoring projects along the Oregon Coast. Field research will occur primarily at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (Newport, OR) and Pirate Cove (Depoe Bay, OR), with the potential to assist other field projects in Oregon and Washington. Field work will consist of early mornings five days per week, following an established protocol to monitor the reproductive success and diets of breeding murres, cormorants, and gulls. Additional work will include data entry, prey identification, writing blog updates, and equipment maintenance. Housing is available beginning June 1st until Aug 31st. Start and end date are flexible, with an anticipated start date of June 2nd, 2025.

The seabird monitoring technician must be able to work solo with minimal supervision, but some field work is anticipated to be done with a team of 2 or 3 people.

All applicants must be enrolled as at least half-time students at an undergraduate institution during Spring and Fall 2025 to be considered for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Follow protocols to continue the long-term seabird reproductive success and diet monitoring work at Yaquina Head and Pirate Cove.
  • Collect field data independently and as part of a field team.
  • Communicate seabird monitoring crew needs to supervisor.
  • Enter, validate, and organize biological datasets in both physical and digital formats.
  • Ensure all research protocols are strictly followed by the seabird monitoring team.
  • Assist with the maintenance and organization of field research equipment as needed.
  • 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:

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be an undergraduate student, enrolled at least half time during Spring and Fall 2025. The selected applicant will be required to show proof of enrollment via a letter from the university registrar or similar document from their institution.
  • Experience collecting biological data in the laboratory or field.
  • Experience observing and identifying birds.
  • Computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner, including working both independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.
  • Ability to work in cold, windy conditions.
  • Ability to live in shared housing.
  • Capable of working variable schedules including early mornings and occasional weekends. Some overnight travel beyond Newport may be required.
  • Ability to work legally in the United States.
  • Possession of a current, valid driver’s license. The selected applicant must be able to successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to identify common seabirds of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Ability to communicate with interested members of the public about seabird life history, ecology and conservation.
  • Experience recording and entering biological data into spreadsheets, ensuring high data quality at all steps.
  • Up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification.
  • An academic and professional interest in marine conservation.
  • A demonstrated ability to work in a team and with minimal supervision.

Wage: The technician will be paid $14.70/hour with an expected workload of 30 hours each week (maximum work 40 hours/week) of the appointment period. A field vehicle and housing will be provided at Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport, OR) at no cost to the student employee. Some overnight travel may be required.

To apply: All applications must be completed through the Oregon State University jobs portal at the following link: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/164345. 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 “Yaquina Head Monitoring Technician” position. Please email rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu with any questions about the position or the application process. Review of applications will begin on March 17th, 2025 and applications received after this date may not be considered for this position.

Application Deadline: March 17, 2025

Start Date: June 2, 2025

Contact: Rachael Orben (rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu)