Snowy Plover monitor; Oregon

Field Assistant – Snowy Plover Monitor (2 positions): The Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, part of the Institute for Natural Resources at Portland State University, is conducting ongoing research on the western snowy plover along the Oregon coast. Work involves locating nests, conducting surveys, trapping and banding, placing protective fencing around nests, following broods and periodic assistance to staff at cooperating agencies for signing, roping and monitoring during habitat restoration work. Field assistants are also responsible for timely and accurate data entry, and assist with equipment maintenance as needed. Work requires long hours under a variety of weather conditions. Field crews typically work 6 6-hour days.

Required Qualifications:

• progress towards undergraduate degree in Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Natural Resources,
• field experience in avian research, including experience using binoculars, spotting scopes, and reading color bands,
• experience in methods commonly used to locate and observe shorebirds,
• strong work ethic, organizational skills, and attention to detail,
• experience safely diving 4WD vehicles on sand,
• ability to communicate well under a variety of situations, including one on one, in small group settings, and with partner agencies,
• willingness and enthusiasm to work under a variety of weather conditions,
• ability to hike 5-8 miles per day,
• willingness to work alone and as part of a team in the field,
• valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Preferred qualifications Studies have shown that women and minorities often don’t apply for positions where they don’t meet all of the preferred skills and experience. We recognize that there are many different paths, experiences, and less traditional backgrounds that add value to one’s work, and encourage applicants to apply even if they do not have all of the preferred skills.

• an undergraduate degree in one of the above disciplines,
• bird handling experience,
• excellent shorebird identification skills,
• experience locating cryptic nests,
• experience working on the open beach during inclimate weather
• experience safely operating all-terrain vehicles,
• experience using Microsoft Access and Excel

We are hiring for two positions. One position runs from approximately 2/1/2024 to 6/30/2024, the other runs from approximately 4/1/2024 to 9/15/2024. Both positions are located near Florence OR. Pay is competitive, begins at $21 per hour, and depends on education and experience. To apply, send a single pdf document with a cover letter, resume, unofficial university transcripts, and contact information for three professional references. In your cover letter, indicate which position you would like to be considered for. Send documents to ELEANOR GAINES, eleanor.gaines@pdx.edu by 2/15/2024. Include “Snowy Plover Monitor – Your last name” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we expect to begin interviewing candidates in January. Review will continue until positions are filled. PSU is an AA/EOE.