Volunteer Seabird Research Assistants

Point Blue Conservation Science is seeking Volunteer Seabird Research Assistants (5-7) for the spring and summer season on Southeast Farallon Island, California. Located 27 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Farallon Islands host the largest seabird breeding colony in the contiguous United States, serve as a major haul-out and rookery site for 5 species of pinnipeds, and are an important feeding ground for migrating whales and white sharks. From March through September, our research focus centers on the examination of upper trophic marine predators as bio-indicators of natural and anthropogenic variation in the marine environment. The responsibilities of the research assistants encompass a wide array of observational and hands-on experiences, which aid in the collection of population, reproductive success, phenological, and diet data across the majority of seabird species that breed on Southeast Farallon Island. Research Assistants will receive exceptional training in wildlife monitoring, behavioral observation, safe bird handling, bird banding, prey identification, and data collection and management. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in close proximity to thousands of seabirds on a remote island, situated in one of the most productive coastal upwelling systems in the global ocean!

Primary duties of Research Assistants include:

• Searching for banded Common Murres, Western Gulls, and Brandt's Cormorants and following their nesting status.
• Checking nest boxes and natural crevices of Cassin's Auklets, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Pigeon Guillemots.
• Handling, measuring, and banding potentially hundreds of adults and chicks.
• Collecting diet samples and conducting diet watches.
• Censusing attendance of Tufted Puffins at new and established breeding sites.
• Mist netting Ashy Storm-petrels at night.
• Resighting tagged seals and sea lions.
• Surveying for migrating and feeding whales and dolphins from the lighthouse.
• Collecting daily weather observations and sea-surface temperature.
• Participating in safe landing operations for resupplies of personnel and food.

Work on Southeast Farallon Island can be extremely strenuous and sedentary at times, requiring sound physical and mental endurance, especially in a rugged, cold, and windy environment. Eligible candidates must be highly self-motivated, organized, equally team-oriented and independent, personable, and willing to spend long hours (sometimes at night) in the field. Additionally, all island residents are expected to assist in maintenance of the research station, including chores and cooking duties on a regular basis.

Positions are available 16 March through 14 September 2024, with a minimum commitment of eight weeks. Those opting for an experience of 14 weeks or more may be granted a two-week break off-island. While Research Assistant positions on Southeast Farallon Island are volunteer, we provide excellent food and housing accommodations while on the island. Transportation to the Bay Area, and to Petaluma where our main office in located, is not provided.

Qualifications:

• Passion for seabirds and conservation work.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effective communication and active listening.
• Strong work-ethic and self-motivation, adaptable to a dynamic work schedule
• Enthusiasm for intense field work in unfavorable conditions.
• Comfortable working independently and as a compassionate teammate
• Sense of curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• Attention to detail and awareness of surroundings.
• Considerate of ethical and safety considerations involving wildlife and people.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to walk and scramble over uneven, steep, and rocky terrain.
• Ability to sit, bend, and kneel for extended periods of time.
• Desired: a degree in biology or a related field and prior ecological research experience.

Those interested in applying to the Farallon Program may fill out a Google Form by clicking on the link here. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled. For further inquires about the positions available or for assistance with the application process, please contact Amanda Spears (aspears AT pointblue.org).

Point Blue is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.

Photo credit: Atlee Hargis, Farallon Seabird Research Assistant, 2023.