VOLUNTEER BURROWING OWL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

VOLUNTEER BURROWING OWL RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1) needed for fall 2023 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow an early career ecologist to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on Burrowing Owl stopover ecology. Volunteer RA will learn how to search for and monitor the arrival and stopover ecology of Burrowing Owls by conducting roost surveys, target-netting, and banding. RA will also help on other island surveys when time allows, which may include surveys for whales, white sharks, songbirds, pinnipeds, crickets, and salamanders. RA will also learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking. RA will generally participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and frequent night work. Field work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in field work and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team.  Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and experience handling birds, especially raptors. Enthusiasm for intense field work on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential. This position is from 16 September to 23 December 2023, with a two-week break possible in early November. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing. A vaccination against Covid-19 is required. More information can be found at www.pointblue.org. Please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume, and names, email addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references to Jim Tietz (jtietz AT pointblue.org.).