Stipended Field/Research Assistant: Volunteer Puffin Research Assistant (AK)
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge seeks one volunteer intern to assist an Oregon State University Ph.D. student conducting research on Tufted and Horned Puffin migration. Deadline to apply: 1/12/2023.
Agency/Organization: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Kodiak, Alaska
Website: Click here
Job Description: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge seeks one volunteer intern to assist an Oregon State University Ph.D. student conducting research on Tufted and Horned Puffin migration. Primary tasks will include:
- Capturing adult Tufted and Horned Puffins at nest sites to retrieve and deploy geolocation devices
- Collecting measurements and biological samples from adults and chicks
- Scouting new active nests for deployments
- Entering data and mapping nest locations
This research will require several multi-day backcountry camping trips and day trips to islands accessed via kayak or small skiff. Work will occur in bear country, and volunteers will be provided bear safety training. Fieldwork may require stooping, crawling, and navigating on steep, fragile terrain. Work schedule will be weather dependent and include early morning and weekend work.
The volunteer may also have the opportunity to assist Aleutian tern colony monitoring along the Kodiak road system and assist mist netting and banding land birds as part of the refuge Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship (MAPS) program.
Qualifications:
Preferred experience:
- Handling and banding birds
- Conducting surveys or collecting other biological data
- Kayaking and backcountry camping
- Data/software skills
Wage: The Fish and Wildlife Service will pay round-trip airfare to Kodiak from a U.S. city, provide shared housing while in Kodiak, and provide all overnight field equipment except personal clothing. Volunteers will be reimbursed up to $280 every two weeks for food and non-alcoholic beverages while in the town of Kodiak. Mandatory training in bear awareness, watercraft operation, and aviation safety may be provided depending on need and availability.
To apply: To apply, please email a single document with a cover letter addressing the above criteria, your resume, and email contacts for three references to Robin Corcoran (robin_corcoran@fws.gov) and Katie Stoner (stonerk@oregonstate.edu).
Application Deadline: 1/12/2023
Start Date: 6/15/2023
Contact: Please contact Katie Stoner (stonerk@oregonstate.edu), Graduate Research Assistant at Oregon State University, or Robin Corcoran (robin_corcoran@fws.gov), Avian Biologist at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for more information.
