VIAN RESEARCH INTERN: (1) needed from Feb 27 - April 25, 2012 (~2 months, starting and ending dates somewhat flexible) to assist raptor research and nocturnal seabird monitoring on Santa Barbara Island, the smallest island in the Channel Islands National Park, California.
The successful applicant will work on a field crew as part of a graduate study of the interactions between Barn Owls, deer mice, and Xantus's Murrelets. Primary duties will include assisting with seabird nest monitoring, assisting with track tube grids and live-trapping of deer mice, nocturnal surveys of Barn Owls and seabirds, and collecting owl pellets and prey remains. Other duties include checking and maintaining camera traps, assisting with banding and telemetry of Barn Owls, as well as entering and proofing data. Work will include using handheld GPS units, a PDA for data entry, and the use of several computer programs such as: Word, Excel, Access, and ArcGIS. Applicant may also have the opportunity to help with additional ongoing projects: including but not limited to mist-netting Ashy storm-petrels and Cassin's Auklets as well as habitat restoration.
This is a full-time position with at least a 2-month commitment. Employment is with the non-profit organization California Institute of Environmental Studies. Salary ~$1,200/month DOE plus $20/day stipend for food for days on island. Transportation to and from the island will be provided from Ventura, CA, along with shared field housing on the island. Typical schedule will be living two weeks on island, followed by one week off island for resupply trips and office days in Ventura. Off island housing not provided, but we'll provide assistance with locating places to stay if necessary.
Applicants should have a strong interest in ecology and a desire to work with both seabirds and raptors. Feeling comfortable working on steep slopes is essential. Enthusiasm for field work at night and for working in windy, cold conditions a must. Successful candidates must be able to work well independently as well as with a team, be willing to work long hours in the field with a variable schedule of night and daytime work, able to make careful observations over long periods of time, maintain accurate field notes, and be in excellent physical condition. As this is a small and remote island, applicants must be able to get along well with others, and be able to live and work happily in close quarters.
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in relevant field (or progress towards), and field experience. Preferred qualifications include experience working with raptors or seabirds, working in remote field camps, and/or experience collecting data from behavioral observations.
To apply, please send a cover letter explaining interests and dates of availability, resume, and names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references to Laurie Harvey and Sarah Thomsen; xamubnow2012@gmail.com. Preferred start date is 27 Feb 2012; Applications accepted until position is filled.