Avian Intern at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Position Period: 8 May - 14 July 2023

Location: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Oregon

Project Description: This study continues long-term monitoring of the forest bird community in the Andrews montane system. Our research has four main goals: (1) Investigating the influences of climate and habitat on forest bird distributions, by collecting long-term data on forest bird abundance, microclimate (temperature), and vegetation phenology data. (2) Tree climbing to collect aforementioned data across vertical forest structure. (3) Implementing the use of playback devices to better understand how competitive interactions influence distributions. (4) Capturing birds  to assess body condition and physiology of birds.

Position Description: The field crew: (1) conducts avian point count surveys along transects on trails, dirt roads, and by bushwhacking through forest, (2) assists with songbird trapping, banding, and taking biometric samples, (3) enters data and organizes data, (4) downloads and maintains temperature loggers and automatic playback-recording devices. The intern position has the opportunity to assist with all of this.

Applicants should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and comfortable with working in remote areas alone. Being a team player is necessary for group work/living. We expect applicants to have basic knowledge on avian ecology and biology. Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also necessary. Our transects are on steep mountain slopes and across valleys with old-growth forest towering 200 feet or more. Point-count experience, ability to identify birds of the Pacific Northwest by sight and sound, and previous bird-handling skills are preferred, but not required. 

This work requires hiking in steep mountainous terrain off trails, travel on dirt roads by 4WD vehicle (valid driving license and clean record required), very early mornings, and working outside for extended periods in cold and wet (or hot and dry) conditions.

Accommodations: Monthly stipend of $1000/month will be provided. The intern position does not provide health or any insurance service, so participants must have their own contract with insurance providers. Apartment-style housing is provided at the H.J. Andrews with shared rooms. The field station is located in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River, OR and provides access to great hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming holes, and hot springs.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to Madison Sutton and Nina Ferrari at (hja.bird.crew AT gmail.com). Send application materials as one PDF document that has your last name and INTERN in the document title. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The final date to apply is January 31, 2023.

To learn more about our research, visit the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest website (http://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/), the Betts Forest Landscape Ecology Lab page (https://flel.forestry.oregonstate.edu/), and our features by Oregon Public Broadcasting and more! (https://www.opb.org/television/programs/oregon-field-guide/article/climate-change-heat-oregon-washington-hermit-warbler-birds/), (https://www.opb.org/news/article/old-growth-forests-songbird-refuge-climate-change/), (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWrWB7f3BV8).