Volunteer Opportunity: Field Assistant (AK)

Volunteer field assistants needed for Alaska seabird research, early-May to mid-August 2021.

Availability for the whole interval is important—please indicate as much in your application. Study site is Middleton Island, a remote location in the north-central Gulf of Alaska with large populations of kittiwakes, cormorants, murres, puffins, and gulls (middletonisland.org). Crew of 8-10 people will live in close quarters and work together in conducting population studies of several species. Duties include censusing, banding and band resighting, blood sampling, deployment of bird tracking and monitoring devices, daily observation of breeding biology, and supplemental feeding of birds in artificial nest sites. Enthusiasm and willingness to work long hours under sometimes messy or inhospitable conditions essential; prior experience in field studies of birds or other wildlife a plus, but not essential. Receive roundtrip airfare (on or about 3 May) to Anchorage from lower 48, food and lodging on Middleton Island, plus $5.00 per diem (~$500 for the season). Current First Aid/CPR certification desirable before arrival in Alaska. One opening may be needed to begin as early as 5 April—please indicate whether available and interested in that option. International applicants probably cannot be considered unless already in possession of a suitable visa. Please send CV and two references, with contact information, to Scott Hatch (shatch.isrc@gmail.com). This project is jointly sponsored by the Institute for Seabird Research and Conservation, Gulf Watch Alaska, and McGill University.
Closing Date: 30 April 2021. Positions will be filled as suitable applicants are identified.