Seasonal Avian Ecologist

Seasonal Avian Ecologist

3 positions are available for an ecological study of Island Scrub-Jays on Santa Cruz Island, California. Current research by the Smithsonian Institution, Colorado State University, Ohio State University, and The Nature Conservancy focuses on the jay’s life history, population biology, and behavior. The job will involve finding and monitoring nests, assisting with bird banding, quantifying bird behavior, and mapping territories.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in finding and monitoring passerine nests
• Proficiency in capturing and banding passerines

Good color vision

• Able to work alone and hike long distances in hot, rugged, and steep terrain
• Able to live in a communal setting on an island with limited access to the mainland
• Valid U.S. driver’s license
• A U.S. bank account
• Ability to drive a standard transmission 4x4 vehicle on steep, unimproved dirt roads a plus

Term of Appointment

• Internships will last 10+ weeks, starting mid-March.

Stipend

• $800 per week

Location

• The project is primarily based on Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Island National Park, off the coast of southern California. Housing, internet access, and utilities will be provided.

To Apply

• Send an email with the subject line “Jay Crew SP24” to moutonj@si.edu with an one file containing a cover letter, CV, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two references to moutonj@si.edu.