Seabird Island Supervisor

Audubon manages seven island research stations off the coast of Maine that are nesting sanctuaries for Arctic, Common, Roseate, and Least Terns, Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, Laughing Gulls, Common Eiders, Leach’s Storm-Petrels, and wading birds (species vary by island). Work includes, but is not limited to: Managing multiple concurrent seabird research projects; training and supervising Research Assistants, interns, and volunteers; creating daily work schedules; monitoring seabird populations, productivity, and growth; conducting seabird diet studies; banding and resighting birds; removing invasive vegetation; educating island visitors; conducting predator management; data entry and proofing; camp maintenance; and coordinating logistics with mainland staff. Living and working on offshore islands are required. Conditions are rustic; at each island, a cabin or wall tent serves as the base of field operations, and field team members sleep in their own tents. Island field stations have limited electricity (solar panels power research needs), propane stoves, composting toilets, and no running water. Field teams (ranging in size from 2-6 people) will spend the entire field season living on island. Supervisors working on inshore islands (3 of the 7 islands) will be able to go ashore about every 1-2 weeks to procure food and supplies for the field station. Inshore Island Supervisors must possess a valid driver’s license, and a personal vehicle is desirable. On offshore islands, food and supplies will be delivered approximately every two weeks.

Compensation: A salary of $455-475/week (depending on island and experience), plus food and worker’s compensation insurance are provided, as well as housing when on the mainland and camping space on the islands.

Duration: early to mid May (start dates variable by island) through Aug. 15

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field with several seasons of experience in similar field research programs. Must be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and slippery rocks and able to lift approximately 50 lbs.) and have wilderness camping experience. Bird banding experience is required. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to get along with people of diverse backgrounds. Capable of working long hours outdoors in variable weather conditions. Comfortable on the water in small boats; rowing experience is helpful. For supervisors on inshore islands, experience operating small motorboats is required, and a personal vehicle may be necessary for these positions. Supervisors on offshore islands will not operate motorboats. Experience with the following: spotting scopes, binoculars, bird banding equipment, camping equipment (e.g. tents, composting toilets, etc), basic hand tools (e.g. hammer, drill driver, etc). A sense of humor, dedication to wildlife conservation, and passion for seabirds and isolated islands. Desirable: Previous experience leading and training field crews; Experience with predator control, hunting and/or trapping; Experience with the following: outboard engine care/basic maintenance, inflatable boat repair, boat safety equipment, solar power systems, and VHF radios. Must provide own binoculars, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references with contact information via Audubon’s career website: www.audubon.org/careers (search words: seabird, Maine). Applications are accepted through Feb. 15, but hiring may begin earlier. For questions regarding the positions contact Paula Shannon (EM: pshannon AT audubon.org). For further information on the Seabird Restoration Program and research islands, visit http://projectpuffin...esearch-program

Website: http://projectpuffin.audubon.org