SEABIRD HABITAT RESTORATION TECHNICIANS (2)JOB OPENING: Seabird Habitat Restoration Technicians (2), Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California
EMPLOYER: California Institute of Environmental Studies
Position Background: Two technician positions to support seabird monitoring and habitat restoration are available in Channel Islands National Park. Habitat restoration work is being conducted to address impacts to seabird populations caused by marine contamination (primarily DDT and PCB) in the Southern California Bight (www.montroserestoration.gov). This is a full time, field-based position with the majority of work conducted on Santa Barbara, Anacapa, and Santa Cruz Islands.
Job duties during the spring and summer months are focused on monitoring multiple species on Park islands, including Ashy Storm-Petrel, Scripps’s Murrelet, and Cassin’s Auklet. Monitoring techniques include land-based nest monitoring and mist netting as well as boat-based surveys. Fieldwork during the fall and winter will support plant restoration efforts, including nursery propagation, weed removal, plant surveys, and native outplanting work.
Applicants should have a strong interest in island ecology and a desire to work with both seabirds and plant restoration projects. Enthusiasm for fieldwork, including nocturnal surveys, and for working in a variety of weather conditions is a must. Feeling comfortable working from small boats and on steep slopes is essential. 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, be able to make careful observations over long periods of time, maintain accurate field notes, possess excellent balance and agility, and be in excellent physical condition. As much work is conducted on small and remote islands, applicants must be able to get along well with others and be able to live and work in close quarters.
Qualifications: 1) Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline, 2) prior experience with seabird monitoring on remote islands, 3) ability to undertake extended periods of physically demanding work; 4) ability to move and lift equipment and materials up to 40 lbs; 5) ability to hike in steep, unstable terrain; 6) ability to leap out of small boats onto slippery rocks; 7) desire to work in a remote field setting both independently and as part of a field crew; 8) native plant propagation and survey experience, 9) superior observational and data collection skills, 10) excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preference may be given to applicants with prior field experience in seabird monitoring and/or restoration ecology. Additional evaluation may also be based on applicant’s experience in the following areas: knowledge of seabird monitoring techniques (i.e. nest monitoring, boat surveys, mist-netting, etc.), native California flora, horticulture, small boat work, kayaking, and remote field work. The applicant must be comfortable with extensive boat travel and with living in a remote location for extended periods of time.
Employer and Position Duration: The position is a seasonal 6-month appointment with the possibility to extend. Employment is with the nonprofit organization California Institute of Environmental Studies (CIES). Preferred start date is October 1st, 2012.
Job Location and Wages: The position is based out of Ventura, CA with regular travel via boat or helicopter to the Channel Islands National Park out of Ventura, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara Harbors. Island travel ranges from day trips to multiple weeks on island; the schedule varies seasonal, with year-round fieldwork. Island housing is provided and consists of a shared bunkhouse with all amenities. Housing on the mainland is not provided. Gross starting salary, including benefits, is $2,800 per month.
Application Submission: Please email a cover letter, resume, and names and phone numbers of three professional references to: jobs@seabirds.org.in; applications must be received by August 31st, 2012.