Volunteer Burrowing Owl Research Assistant

VOLUNTEER BURROWING OWL RESEARCH ASSISTANT (1) needed for fall 2026 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco).

This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow an early career ecologist to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on Burrowing Owl stopover ecology.

Volunteer RA will:

• Learn how to search for and monitor the arrival and stopover ecology of Burrowing Owls by conducting roost surveys, target-netting, and banding.
• Help on other island surveys when time allows, which may include surveys for whales, white sharks, songbirds, pinnipeds, crickets, and salamanders.
• Learn how to enter, proof, and manage data, contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the research station, and take turns cooking.
• Generally, participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and frequent night work.

Qualifications:

• Field work requires rigorous physical activity including strenuous hiking and climbing. Applicants should enjoy working independently with a high level of responsibility in fieldwork and data entry as well as working frequently with a partner or team.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a degree in biology or related field and experience handling birds, especially raptors.
• Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential.
• This position is from 19 September to 19 December 2026. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing

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.