VOLUNTEER
SEABIRD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (5-7) needed for spring/summer 2014 on
Southeast Farallon Island, 30 miles west of San Francisco, California.
Become part of the longest continuous study of seabird ecology in the
Northern Hemisphere. Our studies examine upper trophic marine predators
as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic variation in the marine
ecosystem. RA duties include censusing and monitoring seabird and marine
mammal populations, conducting demographic investigations on
cormorants, gulls, and alcids, and conducting feeding ecology studies on
alcids. RAs also contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the
research station. RAs will work full-time, 7 days a week, with a
variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs
will receive some break time off the island. Some field work requires
rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing.
Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of
responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working
frequently with a partner or team.
Preference will be given to
applicants with a degree in biology or related field and prior
ecological research experience. Enthusiasm for intense field work in
windy, cold conditions is essential. The ability to coexist on a small,
isolated island with aggressive gulls and overworked humans is
important. If the thought of going a day without updating your Facebook
or Twitter page is shocking, then this is not the job for you.
Positions
are available 15 March through 6 September, 2014 with a minimum 8-week
commitment. We provide great food and island housing. Transportation to
boat in San Francisco not provided. More information can be found at
http://www.prbo.org.
Please send a cover letter explaining interests and dates of availability, resume, and names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references to RUSS BRADLEY (EM: rbradley AT pointblue.org), Farallon Program Manager, Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly PRBO), 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, CA, 94954. Email applications are preferred. Applications accepted until 15 January 2014 but early applications will be evaluated when they are received and positions may be filled long before the deadline.