MARBLED MURRELET AERIAL TELEMETRY LEAD TECHNICIAN AND AERIAL TELEMETRY TECHNICIAN
Agency: Oregon State University
Website: http://www.oregonmurrelet.org
Location: Newport, Oregon (central Oregon coast)
Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions
Salary: $550 - $750 per week based on experience
Start Date: 27 April 2020
Last Date to Apply: 03 January 2020
Description
The Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project at Oregon State University is hiring one (1) Lead Aerial Telemetry Technician and one (1) Aerial Telemetry Technician 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.
For the duration of the season (May-August), aerial technicians will alternate flight duties with fieldwork conducted as part of a larger ground-based crew. Flights are conducted in fixed-wing aircraft to relocate Marbled Murrelets over land and nearshore waters using radio telemetry techniques. Ground-based fieldwork will include use of radio telemetry, point counts, electronic audio and visual equipment and vegetation sampling to collect data on nesting and space use. One position will be designated as the lead aerial technician with additional leadership responsibilities. 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, in pairs, or 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.
Job Duties
Field Work:
Conduct radio-telemetry from single engine aircraft to collect inland and at-sea murrelet locations. Flights last 2 – 8 hours and may occasionally require overnight stays in Washington or California.
Schedule flights with pilot with regard to challenging weather, flight times, and other project priorities
Effectively communicate aerial telemetry information to crew leads and research assistants so they may organize fieldwork in a timely manner
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
Collect observational data and vegetation data according to protocols
Set-up and maintain remote video cameras, audio recording devices, and/or stationary telemetry receivers
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
Keep track of individual bird movements to prioritize flight tasks/locations
Data Management:
Collect data using a variety of electronic and paper-based methods
Enter and proof data according to protocols
Create maps in ESRI ArcGIS and Google Earth, and determine routes to access remote areas
Keep track of individual bird movements to prioritize flight tasks/locations
Lead Technician Duties:
Supervise and manage one technician
Coordinate and communicate effectively with pilots, crew members, and supervisors verbally and in writing. This includes regularly responding to voicemails, texts, and emails throughout the season
Provide oversight and leadership on data collection methods
Conduct data quality assurance reviews and weekly data transfer to supervisors
Maintain positive and professional working relationships on the job and in shared housing
Ability to use sound judgement to make decisions under challenging field conditions
Attend and contribute to weekly planning meetings
Compile data summaries for daily or weekly reports
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Competitive Lead Technician applicants will have prior supervisory experience
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 or more of field experience (1 summer job or volunteer position = 1 year of experience)
Previous experience using radio telemetry
Basic bird identification skills
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
Ability to work in small aircraft for extended periods without getting motion sickness
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in small aircraft
Experience working in forested and/or mountainous locations
Experience conducting marbled murrelet inland surveys
Intermediate to Advanced Bird Identification skills, particularly with Western U.S. forest species
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:
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;
a full-length resume or CV
the names and contact information (email and telephone) of three references who may be contacted.
Email this document to osumamujobs@gmail.com with “MAMU AERIAL 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. Indicate clearly in your Cover Letter whether you want to be considered for only Aerial Lead, only Aerial Technician, or both. Send separate applications if applying for ground-based Crew Lead or Field Technician position as well.
Contact Person: Jon Dachenhaus and Ethan Woodis
Contact Email: osumamujobs@gmail.com