Title: MARBLED MURRELET CREW LEADS (3) - OREGON
Agency: Oregon State University
Website: www.oregonmurrelet.org
Location: Newport, Oregon (central Oregon coast)
Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $2,800 – 3,200 per month based on experience
Start Date: 15 April 2019
Last Date to Apply: 15 January 2019
Description: The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project at Oregon State University is hiring three (3) Crew Leads from April 15 through August 2019 (start and end dates may be flexible) to assist with a long-term, large-scale study of space use and nest success of the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet. Crew leads will manage crews and lead field work using radio telemetry, point counts, electronic audio and visual equipment, and vegetation sampling to collect data on nesting and space use. Crews will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast. The field schedule will be variable and includes long days, very early mornings, and night work, with limited time off. Extensive driving is required on unimproved forest roads with active logging, as well as through paved but busy tourist towns. The use of CB radios is required and all safety training is provided. Field work occurs in all weather conditions. Wind, fog, rain, biting/stinging insects, and poison oak will be encountered on a regular basis. All personnel should expect to carry loads upwards of 50 lbs in steep, loose terrain. Physical fitness is necessary for safe transport of heavy and expensive equipment to off-trail forest locations; prior experience hiking and backpacking is an asset. Work will occur solo and in pairs depending on the nature of the work. Some travel out of state may be required. Compensation is a monthly salary, based on experience, plus shared field housing and use of 4-wheel drive vehicles for work activities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership:
- Supervise and manage field crews under difficult field conditions
- Use sound judgement to make decisions under challenging field conditions
- Coordinate and communicate effectively with other field crew members and supervisors verbally and in writing. This includes regularly responding to voicemails, texts and emails throughout the season
- Ensure safety measures are followed by all crew members
- Attend and contribute to weekly planning meetings
- Delegate tasks including regular cleaning and maintenance of shared housing, vehicles and gear
- Create complex schedules o Use shared calendars, white boards and other tools o Incorporate unforeseen tasks on the fly o Balance competing priorities that change over the course of the season
- Compile data summaries for weekly reports
Field Work:
- Train and supervise field crews in data collection and protocols
- Participate in all field data collection:
o Ground-based VHF radio telemetry from coastal road stations and in remote, mountainous, densely forested terrain
o Dawn nest watches
o Predator point-counts using distance sampling methods o Vegetation sampling
o Set-up of remote video cameras, audio recording devices, and/or stationary telemetry receivers
- Cut and maintain trails in densely-vegetated terrain
- Transport heavy monitoring equipment in the forest to off-trail locations
- Navigate off-trail in backcountry areas using topo maps and GPS devices over challenging terrain where there is no cell phone service
- Camp overnight (for up to several days) in remote locations
- Drive long distances in traffic and on unimproved forest roads using 4 wheel drive
- Interact positively with the public while undertaking research
Data Management:
- Provide oversight of data collection using a variety of electronic and paper-based methods
- Enter and proof data according to protocols, and train field crews in these tasks
- Conduct data quality assurance reviews and weekly data transfer to supervisors
- Create maps in ESRI ArcGIS and Google Earth, and determine access routes in remote areas
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field
- Ability to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- 4 years or more of field experience (1 summer job or volunteer position = 1 year of experience)
- Basic bird identification skills - Integrity and accuracy in adhering to scientific protocols
- Ability to record legible, reliable field data
- Computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner
- Ability to work well with a team and independently
- Demonstrated ability to hike long distances over uneven, steep, challenging terrain
- Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
- Capable of working long hours and variable schedules, including nights and early mornings, in inclement weather with limited time off
- Must be comfortable driving and camping in remote locations, without cell reception
- Applicants must have normal vision and hearing
- Applicants should be detail-oriented and have good time management
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience conducting Marbled Murrelet inland surveys, using radio-telemetry in difficult terrain, working in forests of the Pacific Northwest, operating electronic audio or visual field equipment, and/or leading teams working in remote or backcountry areas
To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS-Word file that contains:
(1) a cover letter specifically addressing your qualifications as they relate to the duties and qualifications described in the position description;
(2) a full-length resume or CV; and
(3) the names and contact information (email and telephone) of three references who may be contacted. Email this document to osumamujobs@gmail.com with “MAMU CREW LEAD Application 2019” in the subject line. Questions may be addressed to the same email. Review of applications will begin on January 7.
Contact Person: Faculty Research Assistant
Contact Email: osumamujobs@gmail.com