The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University has openings for up to 6 Field Technicians within a Seabird Ecology Restoration and Management Project that has been studying the diet and behavioral ecology of Caspian terns, Double-crested cormorants, and several gull species in coastal and southeast Oregon, the upper Columbia River basin, and northern California for over 15 years. Current studies include on-colony behavioral and productivity observations, ground and aerial surveys to determine nesting and foraging distribution, diet sampling, leg banding and satellite telemetry to document inter-colony movement and foraging patterns, and non-lethal techniques for management of piscivorous waterbirds. The project is a collaboration with researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey - Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Real Time Research, a private consulting firm. Positions provide excellent field research experience and employees can expect to learn a great deal about seabird biology. Further information about the project can be viewed at www.birdresearchnw.org.
LOCATION: Seasonal Field Technician positions to be based out of the Tri-Cities and Othello area (Potholes Reservoir) of Washington State.
DATES: Full time seasonal position with anticipated starting dates of February 24, 2015. Anticipated ending dates are July 31, 2015. Work period may be extended beyond the anticipated end dates as needed; flexibility on start and end dates is desirable.
SALARY: $2200.00 monthly base salary, shared housing and some food is provided.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver’s License. Seasonal technicians will be employed through a temporary hiring agency and will be required to pass a drug screening and background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have a strong interest in avian ecology, feel comfortable working on small boats. Current Department of Interior motor boat operator certification (MOCC) and good swimming skills a plus. Preference will be given for knowledge of boat operation, seabird behavior, fish identification experience, and possession of a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science or a related field.
DUTIES: Primary duties will be to assist with the implementation and monitoring of the US Army Corps of Engineers Inland Avian Predation Management Plan (IAPMP) using passive and active dissuasion of Caspian tern nesting in order to reduce predation of ESA listed salmonids in the Columbia River system. Positions require working extended hours, often in suboptimal conditions (wet, cold, windy, or hot), with infrequent and irregular time off. The work is physically strenuous and may involve crawling on knees, bending over or stooping, and sitting for long periods of time using binoculars and spotting scopes. All duties must be performed with a high degree of quality, uniformity, and timeliness. The employee must work as a team member and will be required to live and work in close quarters and in isolated settings. For all positions, regular on-site camping will be required throughout the field season. Field Technicians may be asked to participate in regional aerial surveys of Caspian tern and double-crested cormorant colonies. In addition to the duties list above, all employees will be expected to assist with field site preparation and maintenance, which can be physically demanding at times. Selected candidates may provide support to graduate student projects.
APPLICATIONS: A complete application must consist of an attached SINGLE DOCUMENT (Word or PDF) containing; 1) a one page cover letter addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific requirements, qualifications, and duties described above, 2) a professional resume, and 3) telephone numbers and email addresses of three references familiar with the applicant's professional qualifications. Application Documents must be named with the following format; Lastname_Firstname_2015_Field Tech. MS word files preferred. For full consideration apply by January 2, 2015.
SUBMIT TO: Peter Loschl and Tim Lawes at avian.jobs@oregonstate.edu with subject line: seabird 2015 field tech
Email submissions preferred or send hard copies to:
Peter Loschl and Tim Lawes
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University
104 Nash Hall
Corvallis, OR, 97331-3803
If you have specific questions regarding this position, please contact Peter Loschl pete.loschl@oregonstate.edu or Tim Lawes timothy.lawes@oregonstate.edu.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN AA/EOE