MARBLED MURRELET FIELD TECHNICIANS

Agency: Oregon State University

Website: http://oregonmurrelet.org

Location: Newport, Oregon (central Oregon coast)

Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary: $550 - $650 per week based on experience

Start Date: 27 April 2020

Last Date to Apply: 3 January 2020 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Description:

The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project at Oregon State University is hiring five (5) seasonal field technicians from 4/27/20 to 8/14/20 (16 weeks, start and end date may be flexible, possibility of extension) to assist with a long-term, large-scale study of space use and nest success of the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet. This work is being conducted as part of the Forest Animal Ecology Lab at Oregon State University and is led by head PI, Dr. Jim Rivers.

Technicians will use radio telemetry, audio and visual equipment, vegetation sampling, and other observational survey techniques to collect data on nesting and space use. The field crew will be stationed in shared field housing on the central Oregon coast. The field schedule is variable including 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 while driving in the forest and safety training is provided. Work occurs in all weather conditions which regularly include strong winds, rain, fog and cold temperatures. 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, in pairs, and in larger groups 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:

• Conduct ground based VHF radio telemetry from established stations along coastal highways to obtain bearings of tagged birds in the nearshore marine environment

• Search for tagged birds on nests in remote, mountainous, densely forested locations up to 80 km from coast

• Conduct dawn nest watches

• Conduct point-counts for corvids using distance sampling methods

• Conduct vegetation sampling at nest sites according to protocols

• Set-up and maintain remote video cameras, audio recording devices, and/or stationary telemetry receivers

• Enter and proof data on a daily basis

• Use field notebooks, datasheets, GIS, GPS, Google Earth, laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and mifi-hotspots to maintain records and databases

• Regularly clean and maintain shared housing, vehicles and gear

• Maintain professional working relationships on the job and in shared housing

• Navigate off-trail in backcountry areas using topo maps and GPS devices over challenging terrain with no cell phone service

• Cut and maintain trails in densely-vegetated steep terrain

• Transport heavy and expensive equipment (50 lbs. or more) over large distances (up to 5 miles) off trail in steep terrain

• Conduct all work in accordance with the College of Forestry/OMMP safety requirements

• Camp overnight (for up to several days) in remote locations

• Drive long distances in traffic and on unimproved roads that require 4 wheel drive

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or a related field

• Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record

• Ability to work in the United States

• 2 years of field experience (1 summer job or volunteer position = 1 year of experience)

• Bird identification skills

• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and Google Suite

• Proven track record of working in a safe and efficient manner

• 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

• Ability to work well with a team and independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with radio telemetry to track animals

• Previous field experience working in forested and/or mountainous locations

• Intermediate to Advanced Bird Identification skills, particularly with Western U.S. forest species

• Experience conducting Marbled Murrelet inland surveys

• Familiarity maintaining/troubleshooting remote camera systems and audio recording units used for wildlife research, and working with video and audio data files

• Ability to read maps, orienteer, use hand-held GPS devices, and hike alone in the backcountry

• Ability to interact positively with the public while undertaking research

• 4-wheel drive experience

• Previous experience working in backcountry as part of a research project or trail building crew

To apply:

Applicants should create a single PDF file that contains:

1. a cover letter specifically addressing your interest in the position and your qualifications as they relate to the duties and qualifications described in this announcement;

2. a full-length resume or CV

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 FIELD TECHNICIAN Application 2020” in the subject line. Questions may be addressed to the same email. Positions will be filled on rolling basis, so it is best to apply early. Send separate applications if applying for more than one position

Contact Person: Jon Dachenhaus and Ethan Woodis

Contact Email: osumamujobs@gmail.com