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Paid Technician: At-sea Seabird Observer Technician (OR)

The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one (1) at-sea seabird observer technician for a survey on the R/V Pacific Storm from 9/30/2023 to 10/20/2023 (10-days of survey work, 20-day cruise window tentatively departing Oct 1). The survey will occur off-shore from Cape Mendocino to the Columbia River. Deadline to apply: 8/20/2023.

Agency/Organization: Oregon State University

Location: Newport, Oregon

Website: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/marine-mammals-offshore-wind

Job Description: The Seabird Oceanography Lab at Oregon State University is hiring one seabird observer for a survey on the R/V Pacific Storm from 9/30/2023 to 10/20/2023 (10-days of survey work, 20-day cruise window tentatively departing Oct 1). The survey will occur off-shore from Cape Mendocino to the Columbia River. The Pacific Storm will depart and return to Newport, Oregon. The vessel will likely return to port to wait out poor weather conditions. The applicant will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work in a small team (2-3 people) to conduct at-sea seabird surveys from sunrise to sunset each day, as conditions allow
  • Use SeaLog to record observations
  • Observational and environmental data collection, entry, and proofing
  • 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:

  • Experience conducting vessel-based surveys for seabirds
  • Experience with seabird and shorebird species identification in the North Pacific
  • Familiarity with strip transect survey methods
  • Experience with standard software (e.g., SeaLog, DLog, SeaScribe)
  • Experience working in a small team at sea
  • Ability to work in cold conditions
  • Ability to work in the United States
  • Adherence to COVID-19 guidelines and testing as requested by OSU

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with extended/multi-day research cruises

Wage: $4300 total (inclusive of travel)

To apply:

  1. Cover letter that highlights relevant skills.
  2. Full-length resume or CV.
  3. Names and contact information (email and telephone) of two references who may be contacted.
  4. Email this document to rachael.orben@oregonstate.edu with “At-sea Seabird Observer Technician ” in the subject line. Questions may be addressed to the same email.

Application Deadline: 8/20/2023

Start Date: 9/30/2023

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