Research Technician for Tutakoke River Eider Project,

Colorado State University•Chevak, AK

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Colorado State University is seeking one Research Technician for a graduate-student-led study on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska. The project focuses on predator-prey dynamics and physiology of Pacific eider species and Arctic Foxes. The position is scheduled to begin in early May and end at the end of July. The technician will search for and monitor nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant, and other waterfowl; read color-character tarsal bands on marked brant and eiders; mist net adult eiders in early spring; and capture and band female eiders later in the season. Other duties include entering field data, assisting with remote field camp operations, and setting and monitoring Arctic Fox hair snares and camera traps. The field site is on the Bering Sea coast, and the project is based out of a remote field camp with limited amenities, including no running water, cellular service, or internet. Work hours can be irregular and are often influenced by weather and tides. Fieldwork frequently takes place in adverse conditions, including high winds, freezing temperatures, and precipitation, and involves walking long distances across mud flats and coastal vegetation while wearing waders.

Requirements

Be detail oriented.
Be able to work both independently and cooperatively with others.
Be able to lift and carry more than 75 pounds.
Have attained or be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program.

Nice To Haves

Experience monitoring bird nests.
Experience capturing, marking, and resighting large numbers of birds.
Experience working in remote field camps.
Experience operating snow machines or ATVs.
Experience fixing small engines.
For the long-term position, experience operating boats with tiller motors.

Responsibilities

Search for and monitor nests of Spectacled and Common eiders, Black Brant, and other waterfowl.
Read color-character tarsal bands on marked brant and eiders.
Mist net adult eiders in early spring.
Capture and band female eiders late in the season.
Enter field data.
Assist with remote field camp operations.
Set and monitor hair snares and camera traps for Arctic Foxes.