Paid Student Field/Research Assistant: Tufted Puffin Bill Load Photographer (OR)
The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one eligible university undergraduate to serve as a seasonal field technician from July through August to conduct bill load photography of Tufted Puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, interact with the public, curate photos, and identify prey items in photos. Deadline to apply: April 14, 2025.
Agency/Organization: Oregon State University
Location: Newport, Oregon; Cannon Beach, 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 technician from 7/01/2025 to 8/15/2025 to conduct bill load photography of tufted puffins, monitor disturbances by eagles, interact with the public, curate photos, and identify photographed prey items. The field work will occur in Cannon Beach, Oregon, following an initial 1-3 day training period in Newport, Oregon. Start date is slightly flexible.
The Tufted Puffin photography 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, evenings, and weekends. It is anticipated the technician will spend 2-5 hours in the field each day when conditions are good. The technician will be expected to curate photos on a regular basis and review photos for initial prey identification following established protocols and by using a custom prey identification guide. Experience in technical wildlife photography is desirable. 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. Accommodations will be provided throughout the duration of the position and may include student dorm housing and/or tent camping. Applicants are expected to be able to provide their own vehicle. The technician will be paid $15.00/hour with a maximum work load of 200 hours throughout the entire appointment period. Travel reimbursement will be provided for travel to Oregon and field sites.
*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:
- Photograph tufted puffins and other marine birds carrying bill loads at Haystack Rock, OR
- Document disturbances by eagles and other causes during photography sessions
- Curate photos on a regular basis
- Follow bill load identification protocols to identify prey items
- Use field notebooks, datasheets, and a laptop to maintain records
- Interact with the general public and document interactions with interested visitors
- Regularly clean and maintain camera gear
- Conduct all work in accordance with Oregon State University safety requirements
- Maintain professional and positive working relationships on the job and in living quarters
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be enrolled as at least a half-time student at an undergraduate institution 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
- Photography experience using DSLR cameras
- Basic bird identification knowledge
- Familiarity with 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 outdoors, sometimes in cold and windy conditions
- Ability to work legally in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience and skill photographing birds with at least a 300mm lens
- Up-to-date first aid and CPR certification
- Strong interest in photography, ecology, marine birds, and conservation
- Demonstrated ability to work solo with minimal supervision
Wage: The technician will be paid $15.00/hour with a maximum work load of 200 hours throughout the entire appointment period. Travel reimbursement will be provided for travel to Oregon and field sites.
To apply: All applications must be completed through the Oregon State University jobs portal at the following link: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/164362.
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 state that you are interested in the “Tufted Puffin Bill Load Photography Technician” position. Please email rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu with any questions about the position or the application process. Review of applications will begin on April 14th, 2025 and applications received after this date will not be considered for this position.
Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
Start Date: July 1, 2025
Contact: Rachael Orben (rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu)
