MARBLED MURRELET RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (7) are needed from 18 April - early/mid August 2016 (start and end dates may be flexible) for a large‐scale, collaborative investigation of breeding ecology on the federally threatened Marbled Murrelet in Oregon being led by Jim Rivers (http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim‐rivers/), Kim Nelson, Matt Betts, and Dan Roby at Oregon State University. Fieldwork will take place in the rugged Coast Range Mountains and will require working long days in challenging field conditions, occasional hiking in the dark (sometimes over long distances), enduring inclement weather, and navigating through extremely difficult forest terrain. Housing and food will be provided. Crew members will provide support to a broad research program that includes: (1) monitoring murrelets to locate nests and document space use and habitat selection; (2) testing new technologies to aid in murrelet nest discovery; (3) capturing and marking of forest corvids that depredate murrelet nests (e.g., Steller’s Jay and Gray Jay) to evaluate their space use, habitat use, and foraging ecology; and (4) using song meters and vocalization playback to test the efficacy of attracting murrelets to suitable but unoccupied habitat. Salaries are $12‐15/hour based on prior experience. Crew members will be assigned to one of three teams based on prior experience but all members will work in close coordination with one another throughout the season.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of field experience (2 summer jobs = 2 years of experience). Preference will be given to candidates with prior Marbled Murrelet, corvid, and song meter/vocalization playback research experience. In addition, successful applicants will be self‐motivated, have a strong work ethic, be in top physical condition, be able to work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license, be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions, and a proven track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting. To apply: Applicants should create a single PDF or MS‐Word file that contains (1) a cover letter addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described in the position description; (2) a full‐length resume; and (3) the names and contact information (email, telephone, and mail) of three referees who may be contacted; this document should be emailed to Kim Nelson (kim.nel...@oregonstate.edu) with “MAMU Research Assistant Application 2016” in the subject line. Positions will be filled as qualified applications are received. Dr. Jim Rivers Assistant Professor, Senior Research Dept. Forest Ecosystems & Society Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331-5752 Office: +1 541 737-6581 Lab website: http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/ <http://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/jim-rivers/>
