Oikonos Ecosystem Knowledge (www.oikonos.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission of studying and protecting imperiled ecosystems by engaging diverse communities through innovative scientific and artistic collaborations. Location: field work at Año Nuevo Island/Santa Cruz, CA and office work at Santa Cruz, CA. Description: We are seeking a field ecologist to work with our seabird conservation science project at Año Nuevo Island, on the central California coast (http://oikonos.org/ano-nuevo-island). Año Nuevo Island is important breeding habitat for seven species of seabirds. Oikonos annually monitors seabird population, reproduction, and diet on the island, as well as restoring native island vegetation to improve degraded breeding habitat for burrow-nesting Rhinoceros and Cassin’s Auklets. During weekly 1-2 day field trips, duties include leading the collection of standardized and rigorous data contributing to a 24-year time series on seabird breeding metrics, diet studies, and plant surveys; training seasonal staff; banding and measuring seabirds; capturing seabirds with mist nets; and field station maintenance and upkeep. During weekly 1-2 office days duties include entering and proofing data; preparing for field operations; assisting with project admin, and creating outreach materials.
Compensation: Salary: $16.50/hour with benefits; 30 hrs/week.
Duration: March 14th-September 15th 2016
Qualifications: enthusiasm for seabird conservation; experience with collection of clear, legible, and rigorous biological data in a field setting; experience following standardized protocols; able to lift up to 50lbs; comfortable working long days and nights outdoors in challenging field conditions; comfortable in small zodiacs and confident ability to swim; ability to work in groups and independently; competent with Microsoft Office programs; Bachelor’s degree (preferably in biological sciences or related field). Preferred qualifications: experience handling seabirds, experience with ArcGIS, experience with data analysis and report writing, and experience driving small boats in ocean conditions.
To Apply: To apply please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references to: Jessie Beck (jessie@oikonos.org), Program Manager, by January 15, 2016. Review of applications will begin immediately and we will not contact references until after an initial interview. Oikonos is an equal opportunity employer.
Website: http://www.oikonos.org