Volunteer Songbird Research Assistants- Southeast Farallon Island

VOLUNTEER SONGBIRD RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (5-8) needed for fall 2024 on Southeast Farallon Island (30 miles west of San Francisco). This may be the last year that these positions are available. This volunteer opportunity is designed to allow early career ecologists to gain valuable hands-on field research and remote living experience while contributing to long-term research on songbird migration.

Volunteer RAs will:

• Learn how to monitor the arrival and stop-over ecology of migrant birds by conducting area searches, mist-netting, and banding.
• Learn how to survey for migrant seabirds, gulls, white sharks, and whales which also visit the area around the Farallones during the Fall season, as well as occasional surveys for 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.
• Participate in field research 7 days a week, with a variable schedule that includes long days and night work. Long term RAs may receive some break time off the island (needs to be agreed upon prior to season) and/or occasional days off while on the island. Some fieldwork 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, a proficiency in identifying North American birds, and experience with mist-netting and banding.

Enthusiasm for intense fieldwork on a small, isolated island and the ability to get along well with others is essential.

Positions are available 17 August through 7 December 2024 with a minimum 8-week commitment. This is a volunteer position with no financial compensation, though we do provide great food and island housing. More information can be found at https://www.pointblue.org/internships/volunteer-research-assistant-southeast-farallon-island/.