Seabird Island Research Assistant
Company Name:
National Audubon Society
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon's mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon's unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Audubon's Seabird Restoration Program manages seven island research stations off the coast of Maine that include active and former restoration sites for Arctic, Common, Least, and Roseate Terns, Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, Laughing Gulls, Common Eiders, Leach's Storm-Petrels, and wading birds. Work includes, but is not limited to: monitoring seabird populations, productivity, and growth; conducting seabird diet studies; banding and resighting birds; removing invasive vegetation; educating island visitors; and assisting with predator management. More information on the Program can be found at: .
Research Assistants will work on one of 5 field teams: Stratton Island, Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, Seal Island, or Casco Bay area Islands (includes Jenny, Pond, and Outer Green Islands); these island research teams are comprised of 2 to 6 people and are determined by island size, seabird colony composition, and workload.
At each island, a cabin or wall tent serves as the base of field operations, and Research Assistants and Supervisors will sleep in their own tents. There is no running water, limited electricity (solar panels power research needs), and composting toilets only. The work week may also stretch across seven days, weather permitting, but working hours are limited to 35 per week and weekend work may be required. Days can be long (6:00 AM to 8:00 PM) and include one to two 3-hour observation stints each day in a small wooden blind.
At offshore field stations, Research Assistants will spend the entire season on island; at inshore field stations there will be periodic access to the mainland via small boat. Positions start on or before May 26 (a few positions will start in early or mid-May) and end August 14. An hourly wage, plus food and worker's compensation insurance are provided.
Island work schedule and daily duties are determined by the Island Supervisor and vary based on weather (no entry into the seabird colony is permitted during inclement weather to protect the nesting terns) and time of the nesting season (when tern chicks are fully feathered, entry into the colony is less restrictive). Daily schedule may include, but is not limited to, the following: island-wide morning bird count and weather data collection at 6:00 AM, one to two 3-hour stints in the observation blinds for data collection each day; seabird trapping, banding, and productivity monitoring; trail maintenance; invasive plant removal; computer data entry; daily journal log entries; maintenance of camp facilities. Research Assistants will perform the following duties:
Assist Island Supervisor in completion of annual island work plans;
Use binoculars and spotting scopes to aid in the collection of data as specified by the Island Supervisor;
Perform 3-hour-long observation stints in small wooden observation blinds overlooking seabird nests;
Participate in bird banding and trapping;
Accurately and neatly record data on specified data sheets;
Enter and proof data in computer databases;
Protect the seabird colony from human disturbance;
Conduct predator management or control as necessary under the direction of the Island Supervisor;
Educate visitors to the island;
Assist Island Supervisor with other duties as necessary, including, but not limited to: maintenance of field equipment and facilities; trail maintenance; invasive plant removal; and landing of equipment and new personnel on the island;
Operate power or row boats under guidance of Island Supervisor. Use of personal flotation devices is mandatory;
Responsible for proper care of NAS-issued equipment, including but not limited to: spotting scopes, cameras, GPS, cell phones, radios, and other research equipment;
When on the mainland: procure supplies; pack groceries, research supplies, and mail in waterproof island transport bags; clean and fill water jugs for supplying research stations; assist mainland-based staff as needed.
Must be an upper level undergraduate or recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or a related field required; plans to pursue graduate studies and a career in conservation biology are highly desirable traits.
Be in excellent physical condition, to include the ability to climb over rugged terrain, lift approximately 50 lbs and sit for up to three hours of time in order to collect data.
At least one full season of previous field experience a must, as well as wilderness camping experience.
Must be able to sit in a small blind for three hours and maintain focus on data collection.
Ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds, as well as a sense of humor, willingness to learn, dedication to wildlife conservation, and interest in seabirds and isolated islands.
Must provide own binoculars, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
National Audubon Society
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon's mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon's unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 22 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 46 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Audubon's Seabird Restoration Program manages seven island research stations off the coast of Maine that include active and former restoration sites for Arctic, Common, Least, and Roseate Terns, Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, Laughing Gulls, Common Eiders, Leach's Storm-Petrels, and wading birds. Work includes, but is not limited to: monitoring seabird populations, productivity, and growth; conducting seabird diet studies; banding and resighting birds; removing invasive vegetation; educating island visitors; and assisting with predator management. More information on the Program can be found at: .
Research Assistants will work on one of 5 field teams: Stratton Island, Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock, Seal Island, or Casco Bay area Islands (includes Jenny, Pond, and Outer Green Islands); these island research teams are comprised of 2 to 6 people and are determined by island size, seabird colony composition, and workload.
At each island, a cabin or wall tent serves as the base of field operations, and Research Assistants and Supervisors will sleep in their own tents. There is no running water, limited electricity (solar panels power research needs), and composting toilets only. The work week may also stretch across seven days, weather permitting, but working hours are limited to 35 per week and weekend work may be required. Days can be long (6:00 AM to 8:00 PM) and include one to two 3-hour observation stints each day in a small wooden blind.
At offshore field stations, Research Assistants will spend the entire season on island; at inshore field stations there will be periodic access to the mainland via small boat. Positions start on or before May 26 (a few positions will start in early or mid-May) and end August 14. An hourly wage, plus food and worker's compensation insurance are provided.
Island work schedule and daily duties are determined by the Island Supervisor and vary based on weather (no entry into the seabird colony is permitted during inclement weather to protect the nesting terns) and time of the nesting season (when tern chicks are fully feathered, entry into the colony is less restrictive). Daily schedule may include, but is not limited to, the following: island-wide morning bird count and weather data collection at 6:00 AM, one to two 3-hour stints in the observation blinds for data collection each day; seabird trapping, banding, and productivity monitoring; trail maintenance; invasive plant removal; computer data entry; daily journal log entries; maintenance of camp facilities. Research Assistants will perform the following duties:
Assist Island Supervisor in completion of annual island work plans;
Use binoculars and spotting scopes to aid in the collection of data as specified by the Island Supervisor;
Perform 3-hour-long observation stints in small wooden observation blinds overlooking seabird nests;
Participate in bird banding and trapping;
Accurately and neatly record data on specified data sheets;
Enter and proof data in computer databases;
Protect the seabird colony from human disturbance;
Conduct predator management or control as necessary under the direction of the Island Supervisor;
Educate visitors to the island;
Assist Island Supervisor with other duties as necessary, including, but not limited to: maintenance of field equipment and facilities; trail maintenance; invasive plant removal; and landing of equipment and new personnel on the island;
Operate power or row boats under guidance of Island Supervisor. Use of personal flotation devices is mandatory;
Responsible for proper care of NAS-issued equipment, including but not limited to: spotting scopes, cameras, GPS, cell phones, radios, and other research equipment;
When on the mainland: procure supplies; pack groceries, research supplies, and mail in waterproof island transport bags; clean and fill water jugs for supplying research stations; assist mainland-based staff as needed.
Must be an upper level undergraduate or recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in biology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or a related field required; plans to pursue graduate studies and a career in conservation biology are highly desirable traits.
Be in excellent physical condition, to include the ability to climb over rugged terrain, lift approximately 50 lbs and sit for up to three hours of time in order to collect data.
At least one full season of previous field experience a must, as well as wilderness camping experience.
Must be able to sit in a small blind for three hours and maintain focus on data collection.
Ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds, as well as a sense of humor, willingness to learn, dedication to wildlife conservation, and interest in seabirds and isolated islands.
Must provide own binoculars, tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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