Seabird Field Assistant needed

DUTIES: Assist graduate student with all aspects of her research on Razorbills (a large seabird in the auk family, listed as Threatened in Maine). Project will investigate foraging and diving behavior of adult Razorbills, reproductive success, chick growth, and chick diet. Activities will include: observations from blinds, trapping, banding, bleeding, applying and removing electronic data-loggers, checking nest contents, measuring chicks, data entry and proofing.

FIELD CONDITIONS: Assistant will work independently much of the time, and with graduate student part of the time. Long days, 6-7 days per week. Some early mornings and night work may be required. Temperature varies from low 40s to low 70s. Matinicus Rock supports one of the most diverse seabird colonies on the East Coast, and assistant may have opportunity to participate in other seabird studies if desired (puffins, terns, gulls, murres, storm-petrels).

LIVING CONDITIONS: Assistant will spend the entire 8 weeks on a small (30 acre) island with 3-7 other people (Project Puffin interns). Living quarters are in an old lighthouse, and assistant will share a bedroom with 1-2 other people. Limited electricity, no heat, no running water.

LOGISTICS: Must provide own transportation to Damariscotta, Maine. Transportation from Damariscotta to Matinicus Rock will be provided. Must provide own binoculars, sleeping bag, and headlamp. Should be comfortable riding in small boats and living in rustic, isolated conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant must have adequate fitness and coordination to allow walking and kneeling on boulders and rough terrain, and also be capable of sitting for several hours at a time in a small blind. Preference will be given to applicants who have prior experience working with seabirds; experience living in isolated/rustic field conditions; and an interest in wildlife management or conservation. However, all enthusiastic and interested applicants will be considered, regardless of experience.

APPLICATIONS: Submit cover letter (outlining interest and experience), resume or CV, and contact information for 3 references (name, email, phone, relation to you). Submit by email (preferred) as one Word document attachment to kauffman_katie@hotmail.com. Or by postal mail: Katie Kauffman, 197 Linden St., Apt. 2A, Holyoke, MA 01040. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please feel free to email Katie at kauffman_katie@hotmail.com with any questions about the position.

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