Research Technician for Tutakoke River Eider Project,
About The Position
Colorado State University is seeking one technician for a graduate-student-led study on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Alaska. The project examines 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 late in the season. Other work includes field data entry, assisting with remote field camp operations, and setting and monitoring Arctic Fox hair snares and camera traps. The work is based at a remote field camp on the coast of the Bering Sea, with limited amenities and no running water, cellular service, or internet. Technicians will work in adverse conditions, including high winds, freezing temperatures, and precipitation, and walk long distances across mud flats and coastal vegetation while wearing waders. Hours can be irregular and are often influenced by weather and tides.
Requirements
- Be detail oriented.
- Be able to work 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.
