BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER FIELD ASSISTANTS (3) needed from April 27, 2020 through July 31, 2020 (14 weeks; start and end dates somewhat flexible) for large-scale project assessing how Black-backed Woodpecker vitals vary between unburned (green) and burned forests of southern Oregon. This work is being led by Dr. Jim Rivers (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpeople.forestry.oregonstate.edu%2Fjim-rivers%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Caaf3b867c84d4b93351308d78535c258%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637124338257509481&sdata=bKCT9ZuOdvcH4THitvdXirxUgE3kzOttOeSKfM4QRtM%3D&reserved=0) in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University and will take place in the rugged and scenic Crater Lake area of southern Oregon, an area of exceptional woodpecker diversity.
Position duties: Field work will consist of early mornings, hiking alone in difficult terrain, and working long days under challenging field conditions (cold, rain, intense sun, loose rock, hazard trees), including some weekends. Primary duties will consist of locating and monitoring of Black-backed Woodpecker nests, climbing nest trees to extract and mark chicks, using radio telemetry to assess survival and movement, measuring vegetation, undertaking regular data entry, and assisting with additional project-related duties as needed. Pay rate is based on prior experience with range of $500-$620/week; free housing (including utilities) for the full duration of the position, as well as free project-related transportation.
Qualifications: Successful applicants should have a B.S. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field plus a minimum of 2 years of field experience for research assistants (2 season-long field positions = 2 years of field experience) and 3 years of field experience for crew leader. They will also have demonstrated experience with (1) bird identification by sight and sound, (2) nest-searching, (3) bird handling, bleeding, and banding, (4) VHF tag attachment, and (5) radio telemetry to track individuals. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with woodpeckers. Successful applicants will also be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, be able to carry heavy gear (30+ lbs) on steep slopes, work harmoniously in a group living situation, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging and remote work conditions.
Application instructions: Email a single PDF that consists of (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position, (2) a full-length CV or resume, and (3) the name, email, and phone number of 3 references to OregonWoodpeckerCrew@gmail.com “2020 Crew Application” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin as they are received, and these positions will remain open until suitable candidates have been selected.