Laboratory Research Assistant

Point Blue Conservation Science•Petaluma, CA

6d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Point Blue Conservation Science is seeking a Laboratory Research Assistant for marine predator diet studies, zooplankton research, data-related tasks, and outreach activities at our Petaluma, California Headquarters. Our studies determine size class and species composition of prey consumed by seabirds and California sea lions, and we examine krill and their relationships with seabirds and other top-predator populations in the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence. We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Requirements

Must have your own transportation method to/from the office since transportation is not provided.
Applicants should enjoy working independently and have plenty of patience for long hours spent looking through a scope to identify cryptic fish ear bones and scales, little marine bugs, and contorted, dried-up fish chips.

Nice To Haves

Degree in biology or related field
Prior laboratory research experience

Responsibilities

Identifying otoliths and other fish parts from diet samples (regurgitated pellets and fecal samples) of the Brandt’s cormorant, California least tern, and California sea lion.
Identifying zooplankton taxa and age classes from diet samples (regurgitations) of the Cassin’s auklet.
Preparing zooplankton samples and identifying, weighing, and measuring krill, decapods, and other important zooplankton groups.
Collecting species composition and size data on prey specimens dropped on a California least tern colony in San Francisco Bay.
Entering and proofing data.
Helping to compile information from 50+ years of seabird studies on the Farallon Islands.
Assisting with the bi-monthly Farallon Island patrol runs, which includes packing and transporting supplies to/from local marinas, and keeping patrol run containers clean and organized.
Participating in online outreach activities (mainly Instagram and Facebook Live events) and in-person events at local museums and community colleges.
Training and supervising seasonal interns and laboratory volunteers.
Limited opportunities for field work, such as participating in nest surveys of an endangered California least tern colony in San Francisco Bay (duties include walking through colony with permitted biologists, marking nests, collecting data, and collecting diet samples to be analyzed in the lab).
Potentially participating in at-sea surveys in the Gulf of the Farallones (duties include assisting in net tows, collecting hydrographic data, and conducting seabird and marine mammal surveys).